A local appeals court in Washington, DC stayed the case Hunter Bidenlost his license following his conviction on gun-related charges in a federal court in Delaware earlier this month.
The District of Columbia Court of Appeals said in a brief order Tuesday that the suspension was effective “immediately.” The court also ordered its disciplinary arm for lawyers, the Council for Professional Responsibility, to “initiate a formal disciplinary proceeding.”
In a letter to Biden, the board warned that it could recommend that he be expelled if it finds that “the crime for which you have been convicted involves moral turpitude” — which typically means a serious crime.
A jury in Wilmington on June 11 found Biden, the president’s son, guilty of three felonies related to possessing a gun while taking narcotics. No sentencing date has been set. Biden had pleaded not guilty in the case, and his attorney Abbe Lowell filed court papers Monday arguing that his client should get a new trial or be acquitted of the charges entirely.
The DC administration gave Biden until August 2 to file a response in the disciplinary proceeding.
It is unclear what impact the suspension could have on Biden’s livelihood. Since 2020 he has mainly worked as an artist.
A representative for Biden did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Biden also faces federal tax charges in California. He has pleaded not guilty and will appear in court in early September.
This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
