LISTEN HERE:
Despite the influence wielded by Joe Biden, the outcome for his son Hunter is not guaranteed, as Magistrate Judge Christopher J. Burke turned down a request from Hunter’s legal team for a virtual arraignment on his felony gun charges. Special Counsel David C.
Weiss and his office argued against the request, stating that the pandemic has long since ended and insisting that Hunter appear in person for the trial. The Court’s previous authorization for virtual proceedings during the pandemic expired fifteen months ago, on June 21, 2022.
Since then, the Court has predominantly conducted in-person initial appearances and arraignments for defendants, treating Hunter no differently. This ensures the public’s confidence in the fairness of the legal process for all defendants across different districts.
Hunter’s attorney, Abbe Lowell, contended on Tuesday that requesting an online appearance aimed to reduce unnecessary burdens on the government. However, Judge Burke denied the motion, recognizing the importance of in-person hearings in criminal cases.
While the upcoming appearance may be brief, our Court consistently considers it to be significant. Therefore, the request for a virtual hearing is denied. The initial appearance and arraignment in this matter are scheduled for September 26, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. in Courtroom 2A.
The decision from Magistrate Judge Christopher J. Burke refused Hunter Biden’s request for a virtual arraignment, despite David C. Weiss’s acknowledgement that the pandemic is no longer a prevailing concern. The Court has made it clear that since its expiration on June 21, 2022, in-person appearances and arraignments have been the norm for defendants.
This treatment ensures that Hunter is treated fairly, just like any other defendant in this District and across different Districts. Promoting the public’s confidence in the legal system is of utmost importance.
Abbe Lowell, Hunter’s attorney, argued that an online appearance would significantly reduce logistical burdens on the government. However, this argument did not sway Judge Burke, who recognized the significance of in-person hearings in criminal matters.
While the initial appearance and arraignment may not be extensive, our Court has always deemed them to be vital. Thus, the motion for a virtual hearing is denied. The defendant is scheduled to appear in person on September 26, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. in Courtroom 2A.
Hunter Biden’s attempt to secure a virtual arraignment on felony gun charges was denied by Magistrate Judge Christopher J. Burke. Special Counsel David C. Weiss highlighted that the pandemic no longer justifies virtual proceedings and argued for Hunter’s in-person appearance.
Since the expiration of the Court’s previous authorization on June 21, 2022, in-person initial appearances and arraignments have been the norm. Hunter should receive equal treatment alongside other defendants to maintain public confidence in the fairness of the legal process across Districts.
Addressing the Court on Tuesday, Hunter’s attorney, Abbe Lowell, stressed that seeking an online appearance aimed to minimize government burdens in the area. Despite this plea, Judge Burke denied the request, emphasizing the significance our Court attaches to in-person hearings in criminal cases.
Although the upcoming appearance may be brief, it remains crucial. Hence, the motion for a virtual hearing is rejected. The initial appearance and arraignment are scheduled to occur on September 26, 2023, in Courtroom 2A.
Magistrate Judge Christopher J. Burke dismissed the request from Hunter Biden’s legal team for a virtual arraignment on felony gun charges. Special Counsel David C. Weiss and his office argued that the pandemic has ended, and Hunter should appear in person for the trial.
The Court has consistently conducted in-person initial appearances and arraignments for defendants since the expiration of the standing order authorizing virtual proceedings on June 21, 2022. Treating Hunter like any other defendant promotes public confidence in the fairness of the legal system across Districts.
Hunter’s attorney, Abbe Lowell, argued that opting for an online appearance would lessen the burden on the government. However, Judge Burke denied the motion, stressing the importance our Court assigns to in-person hearings in criminal matters.
Despite their brevity, the Court always deems initial appearances to be meaningful. Thus, the request for a virtual hearing is disallowed. The defendant is expected to make an in-person appearance on September 26, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. in Courtroom 2A.
Joe Biden’s influence fails to guarantee desired results for his son Hunter as Magistrate Judge Christopher J. Burke dismissed a request from Hunter’s legal team for a virtual arraignment on felony gun charges. Special Counsel David C. Weiss contended that since the pandemic has ended, Hunter should appear in person for the trial.
The Court has maintained a trend of in-person initial appearances and arraignments for defendants since the expiration of the virtual proceedings authorization on June 21, 2022. Hunter should rightfully receive the same treatment as any other defendant to uphold public confidence in the judicial process.
During Tuesday’s proceedings, Hunter’s attorney, Abbe Lowell, argued that accommodating his client with an online appearance would minimize the government’s unnecessary burden. However, Judge Burke denied the motion, emphasizing that our Court considers initial appearances in criminal matters to be significant.
Acknowledging the logistics and the brevity of such appearances, the Court still attaches great importance to them. Therefore, the motion for a virtual hearing is denied. The initial appearance and arraignment are slated for September 26, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. in Courtroom 2A.
Despite Joe Biden’s influence, his son Hunter was unable to secure a virtual arraignment on felony gun charges as requested by his legal team. Special Counsel David C. Weiss argued that the pandemic is no longer a valid reason for virtual proceedings and insisted that Hunter appear in person for the trial.
Since the expiration of the Court’s authorization for virtual proceedings on June 21, 2022, in-person initial appearances and arraignments have been customary. This ensures that Hunter receives equal treatment, instilling confidence in the public regarding the impartiality of the legal system.
Hunter’s attorney, Abbe Lowell, maintained that an online appearance would reduce unnecessary burdens on the government. Despite these claims, Judge Burke denied the motion, understanding the significance our Court places on in-person hearings in criminal cases.
Even though initial appearances may be brief, they are deemed essential. Consequently, the request for a virtual hearing is rejected. The defendant is scheduled to appear in person on September 26, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. in Courtroom 2A.
Magistrate Judge Christopher J. Burke rejected Hunter Biden’s legal team’s request for a virtual arraignment on felony gun charges. Special Counsel David C. Weiss asserted that the pandemic is no longer a factor and insisted on Hunter’s in-person appearance for the trial.
Since the expiration of the authorization for virtual proceedings on June 21, 2022, the Court has primarily relied on in-person initial appearances and arraignments for defendants. This equal treatment reflects the Court’s commitment to ensuring fairness in this District and others.
During Tuesday’s hearing, Hunter’s attorney, Abbe Lowell, argued that an online appearance would minimize the government’s burden in the area. However, Judge Burke denied the motion, acknowledging the importance our Court attributes to in-person hearings in criminal matters.
Despite their brevity, these appearances hold significant weight. Consequently, the motion for a virtual hearing is denied. The initial appearance and arraignment are scheduled for September 26, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. in Courtroom 2A.
Hunter Biden’s son, despite his father’s prominent position, was denied his request for a virtual arraignment on felony gun charges by Magistrate Judge Christopher J. Burke. Special Counsel David C. Weiss argued that, considering the pandemic has ended, Hunter should appear in person for the trial.
The Court has consistently held in-person initial appearances and arraignments for defendants since the expiration of the previous authorization for virtual proceedings on June 21, 2022. This approach ensures Hunter is treated equally, maintaining public confidence in the legal system across different districts.
During Tuesday’s arguments, Hunter’s attorney, Abbe Lowell, contended that an online appearance would alleviate undue burdens on the government. Despite these assertions, Judge Burke denied the motion, highlighting the importance our Court places on in-person hearings in criminal cases.
Although initial appearances can be brief, they are deemed critical. Therefore, the request for a virtual hearing is denied. The initial appearance and arraignment are scheduled for September 26, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. in Courtroom 2A.
