President Biden stated on Thursday that he will not pardon his son Hunter, marking his first comments on the matter since Hunter Biden’s conviction.
Following a news conference at the G7 Summit, President Biden responded to inquiries about his son’s conviction.
“I respect the jury’s decision,” he remarked. “I will uphold that decision and will not grant him a pardon.”
President Biden previously indicated in an exclusive interview with ABC News anchor David Muir that he would not pardon Hunter before a jury convicted Hunter on Tuesday, June 11.
Hunter was found guilty of three felony charges related to false statements about his drug use on forms required for gun purchases. The jury took about three hours to reach a verdict.
The presiding Judge Maryellen Noreika has yet to schedule a sentencing date. Usually, sentencing occurs within approximately 120 days of a verdict, suggesting it could happen by mid-October. Until then, Hunter Biden can remain out on bail.
He could face a maximum of 25 years in prison. Nevertheless, legal experts have expressed doubt that he will serve the full term due to his lack of previous criminal record.
Political Scandals
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 postponement of his sentencing. A court ruling in May required Biden to wait for a verdict before filing an appeal.
Throughout the trial, Biden’s defense attorney Abbe Lowell made several unsuccessful attempts to have the charges dropped, but has indicated a willingness to continue pursuing legal avenues. The possibility of an appeal may also hinge on a pending Supreme Court case that could change the basis of Biden’s charges.
“I will respect the outcome of this case and will continue to honor the legal process as Hunter mulls over an appeal,” President Biden stated in a release shortly after the jury’s decision. “Jill and I will always offer our love and support to Hunter and our family. That will never change.”