Hunter Biden, facing federal gun charges, seeks video appearance in court while maintaining innocence, sparking debate over favoritism claims.

Wilmington, Delaware — Hunter Biden, son of President Joe Biden, intends to plead not guilty to federal gun charges and has requested a video conference for his initial court appearance, citing logistical and financial concerns. The government, however, opposes this request, setting the stage for a contentious legal battle.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Christopher Burke has called on both parties to submit written arguments regarding the possibility of a video hearing, with the government expected to respond on Wednesday. As of now, no date has been set for the initial hearing.

Critics, including Congressional Republicans, have raised concerns about potential favoritism in Hunter Biden’s case due to his familial connection to the President. The accusations come amidst allegations of a “sweetheart deal” and criticisms of the handling of the investigation. This situation also poses challenges for David Weiss, the U.S. attorney in Delaware, who serves as the special counsel.

Hunter Biden’s lawyer, Abbe Lowell, argued that his client would face burdensome travel from Los Angeles to Wilmington, Delaware, for a brief court appearance. This assertion is based on the premise that Biden had already been processed by U.S. marshals during a July hearing, which saw a plea agreement on tax and gun charges collapse.

Lowell emphasized the financial and logistical strain that Hunter Biden’s in-person appearance would place on the government and downtown Wilmington. He pointed out that Biden could enter a plea of not guilty via video conference, obviating the need for physical presence.

The indictment against Hunter Biden alleges that he knowingly deceived a firearms dealer when purchasing a Colt Cobra 38SPL revolver on October 12, 2018. He is accused of falsely completing a federal firearms form by denying his addiction to narcotics and possessing the revolver despite restrictions prohibiting drug addicts from owning firearms—an admission he has made.

Lowell has indicated that Hunter Biden will vigorously contest the charges, arguing that they are barred by the failed plea agreement and that certain statutes are unconstitutional.

Under the scuttled plea agreement, Hunter Biden was to plead guilty to two misdemeanor counts of tax evasion for the years 2017 and 2018. Additionally, he would have participated in a pretrial program related to the gun charge, potentially avoiding incarceration. U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika, who presided over the previous agreement, declined to accept it due to disagreements between prosecutors and defense attorneys about its terms. She is set to oversee the new gun-related charges.