On Wednesday, a federal judge delivered an unexpected blow to Hunter Biden's legal team, rejecting his attempt to appear virtually at an October arraignment.
Hunter Biden “should not receive special treatment in this manner – absent some unusual circumstances,” federal Judge Christopher Burke wrote in his ruling.
The younger Biden will have to appear in person for his arraignment on October 3rd, according to reports from The Hill.
His attorneys argued that a video conference should suffice the Oct. 3 appearance, noting the potential “financial impact on government resources and the logistical burden on the downtown Wilmington area,” as well as the required travel from Biden's home in California.
Hunter Biden's defense team said. “He has attended and will attend any proceedings in which his physical appearance is required.”
However, Weiss argued against a virtual hearing, citing a lack of precedent and saying “convenience” is not a proper reason to forgo an in-person arraignment.
Biden has denied the allegations, and attorney Abbe Lowell has voiced concerns over the potential success of the trial. He called the charges “unconstitutional” and said they “will be dismissed before trial.”
“It is a unique and unjustified charge,” Lowell argued. “Hunter owned an unloaded gun for 11 days… There has never been a charge like this that has been brought in the United States.”
Earlier this month Special Counsel David Weiss filed charges against President Joe Biden‘s son. The shocking indictment came after the two sides failed to agree on a sweetheart plea deal that fell apart last month.
The original plea agreement would have freed Hunter from jail time and instead put him in a diversion program that, if completed successfully, would have wiped the gun charges from his record. (RELATED: Hunter Biden's Sweetheart Criminal Plea Deal ‘Implodes' – Twice)
Hunter was indicted on three federal gun charges related to false statements he made on an application to purchase a firearm. (RELATED: Hunter Biden Indicted On Criminal Charges)
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