A local appeals court in Washington, D.C., has suspended Hunter Biden's law license because of his conviction on gun-related charges in federal court in Delaware this month.
The District of Columbia Court of Appeals said in a brief order Tuesday that the suspension was effective "immediately." The court also directed its attorney disciplinary arm, the Board on Professional Responsibility, to "institute a formal disciplinary proceeding."
The board warned in a letter to Biden that it could recommend he be disbarred if it finds "the crime of which you stand convicted can be said to involve moral turpitude" — generally meaning a serious crime.
A jury in Wilmington, Delaware, on June 11 found Biden, the president's son, guilty of three felony counts tied to possession of a gun while using narcotics. No sentencing date has been set. Biden pleaded not guilty in the case, and his attorney Abbe Lowell submitted court filings Monday arguing Biden should get a new trial or be acquitted altogether.
The D.C. board gave Biden until Aug. 2 to file a response in the disciplinary proceeding.
It's unclear what impact, if any, the suspension might have on Biden's livelihood. He has been working primarily as an artist since 2020.
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 is scheduled to go to trial in early September.