President Biden stated on Thursday that he will not pardon his son Hunter, marking his first public comments on the matter since Hunter’s conviction.
Following a news conference at the G7 Summit, President Biden responded to inquiries about his son’s conviction.
“I respect the decision of the jury,” he stated. “I will adhere to that decision and will not grant him a pardon.”
President Biden initially indicated his stance on not pardoning Hunter in an exclusive interview with ABC News anchor David Muir, which occurred before Hunter’s conviction on June 11.
Hunter was found guilty of three felony counts related to dishonesty about his drug use on forms needed for gun purchase. The jury deliberated for about three hours before reaching a verdict.
The presiding Judge Maryellen Noreika has not yet scheduled a sentencing date. Typically, sentencing takes place within approximately 120 days of a verdict, suggesting it may occur around mid-October. Until then, Hunter Biden can remain out on bail.
He could potentially face up to 25 years in prison. However, legal analysts suggest that due to his lack of prior criminal record, it is improbable that he will serve the maximum sentence, if any.
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President Biden after son’s conviction: ‘I will always be there for Hunter’
11:27 AM, Jun 11, 2024
Possible appeal
There is also the option for Biden to request a delay in his sentencing. A court ruling in May stipulated that Biden must wait until after a verdict is reached to file an appeal.
Throughout the trial, Hunter Biden’s defense attorney, Abbe Lowell, attempted multiple times to have the charges dismissed without success, but has indicated intentions to continue legal challenges. Furthermore, the possibility of an appeal hinges on an impending Supreme Court case that could overturn the law underpinning Biden’s charges.
“I will accept the outcome of this case and will continue to honor the judicial process as Hunter assesses a potential appeal,” President Biden affirmed in a statement post the jury verdict. “Jill and I will always provide our love and support to Hunter and the rest of our family. Nothing will alter that.”
