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Judge Denies Request, Orders Hunter Biden To Appear In Court
Judge Denies Request, Orders Hunter Biden To Appear In Court
Authored by Catherine Yang via The Epoch Times (emphasis ours),
A judge ruled…
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Authored by Catherine Yang via The Epoch Times (emphasis ours),
A judge ruled that Hunter Biden will need to be arraigned in person, denying his request this week to attend his hearing virtually.
Special counsel David Weiss had argued that Hunter Biden should be required to make in-person court appearances, opposing Mr. Biden's request.
"Hunter Biden does not contend he is injured or indigent," Mr. Weiss wrote in a response to Mr. Biden's request.
Mr. Biden has been indicted in federal court on felony gun charges, including two counts that he allegedly made false and deceptive statements when he purchased a gun and submitted a statement that he wasn't an unlawful user of drugs, and one count related to his possession of the gun while addicted to drugs.
"An in-person hearing is important to promote the public's confidence that the defendant is being treated consistently with other defendants," Mr. Weiss wrote.
Hours later, the court sided with Mr. Weiss, denying Mr. Biden's request to attend through video conference.
United States Magistrate Judge Christopher Burke wrote that he understood Mr. Biden's arguments that the hearing would likely be short and the travel and logistics a burden, but the event was significant.
"Although initial appearances in criminal matters are often short in duration, our Court has always considered them to be important," he wrote.
"The hearing is one of the few occasions in a criminal case when a defendant physically appears in our Court, before a judge—in a setting that helps to emphasize the 'integrity and solemnity of a federal criminal proceeding.'"
Judge Burke pointed out that the matters to be discussed in this arraignment were not discussed in Mr. Biden's previous arraignment in July, during which his plea bargain fell apart. He is expecting to address Mr. Biden's pre-trial release conditions as well.
Mr. Biden's arraignment is scheduled for Oct. 3 at 10 a.m.
'Not Seeking Special Treatment'
On Tuesday, Mr. Biden had filed a motion to appear in court by video conference. His attorney, Abbe David Lowell, had argued that his client "is not seeking any special treatment in making this request."
He argued that making his client "travel across the country for what should be a rather short proceeding" would put a financial burden on the government, which provides Mr. Hunter with secret service protection, and put a logistical burden on downtown Wilmington, Delaware, where the court is.
"No matter whether in person or virtual, he will waive reading of the indictment, which is merely a few pages and could easily be read at a video conference," he wrote, adding that Mr. Biden would be entering a plea of not guilty. "There is no reason why he cannot utter those two words by video conference."
'Unforeseen Issues'
Mr. Weiss argued in his response that outside of the pandemic, the federal court in Delaware has almost always held in-person hearings for initial appearances and arraignments, and that Mr. Biden should not be treated differently. He noted that the two cases cited in Mr. Biden's argument had allowed for virtual appearances because the defendant was wounded and could not travel.
"If 'convenience' was a legitimate basis to warrant virtual proceedings, every defendant would ask for them in every case," Mr. Weiss wrote.
He argued that much could be "lost" with a virtual hearing, such as an opportunity for the judge to "accurately assess the physical, emotional, and mental condition of a defendant—a factor that may weigh on pretrial decisions, such as release from detention."
He noted that the previous arraignment with Mr. Biden already resulted in "anything but routine" outcomes, and that an in-person arraignment should occur again this time in case the court needs to address "any unforeseen issues that arise."
On July 26, Mr. Biden appeared in federal court in Delaware, reportedly ready to plead guilty to two tax misdemeanor charges in a deal that would allow him to avoid a felony gun charge. During the hearing, the plea bargain appeared to fall apart when the judge asked additional questions about the rationale for details of the agreement.
"The defendant and his previous attorney were not prepared to answer the Court's questions," Mr. Weiss wrote in his new response.
"The defendant provided contradictory testimony and his previous attorney apologized to the court for the way the defendant and his counsel chose to answer the Court's questions. The confusion they caused resulted in the Court twice recessing the proceedings only to ultimately defer a decision."
Mr. Biden's previous attorney, Christopher Clark, had stepped down from his case with the reason that he may need to appear as a witness in Mr. Biden's trial should the plea bargain itself be part of the case. Later, three more attorneys on the team stepped down without citing a reason, with Mr. Lowell remaining as lead counsel.
Mr. Weiss wrote in his letter that he will be asking the court to order certain conditions for pretrial release of Mr. Biden, and thus he should be present.
"Given the serious felony gun charges at issue in this case, this Court should have an opportunity to assess the defendant in a live setting when discharging ... recommendations for conditions of release," he wrote.
Mr. Lowell said on "Good Morning America" that he believes the charges against Mr. Biden will be "dismissed before trial."
"First as to the political pressure, I want to make sure that everybody understands that after five years of investigation that the prosecutors knew all the facts, and the only change as to when they investigated and today is that the law changed. But the law didn't change in favor of a prosecution, the law changed against it," Mr. Lowell said. "A couple of federal courts have found this gun charge unconstitutional."
House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) has alleged that political pressure is why the charges weren't brought earlier, having heard from IRS whistleblowers who allege the Biden administration "slow-walked" the investigation against Mr. Biden.
Mr. Lowell maintains that the government entered into a plea bargain with his client which meant the charges should never have been brought, while Mr. Weiss argues the plea bargain never took effect.
Mr. Lowell is also arguing that the gun form in question is unconstitutional and has already successfully been challenged, and that "on the facts," he has a successful defense.
Uncategorized
One more airline cracks down on lounge crowding in a way you won’t like
Qantas Airways is increasing the price of accessing its network of lounges by as much as 17%.
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Over the last two years, multiple airlines have dealt with crowding in their lounges. While they are designed as a luxury experience for a small subset of travelers, high numbers of people taking a trip post-pandemic as well as the different ways they are able to gain access through status or certain credit cards made it difficult for some airlines to keep up with keeping foods stocked, common areas clean and having enough staff to serve bar drinks at the rate that customers expect them.
In the fall of 2023, Delta Air Lines (DAL) caught serious traveler outcry after announcing that it was cracking down on crowding by raising how much one needs to spend for lounge access and limiting the number of times one can enter those lounges.
Related: Competitors pushed Delta to backtrack on its lounge and loyalty program changes
Some airlines saw the outcry with Delta as their chance to reassure customers that they would not raise their fees while others waited for the storm to pass to quietly implement their own increases.
Shutterstock
This is how much more you'll have to pay for Qantas lounge access
Australia's flagship carrier Qantas Airways (QUBSF) is the latest airline to announce that it would raise the cost accessing the 24 lounges across the country as well as the 600 international lounges available at airports across the world through partner airlines.
More Travel:
- A new travel term is taking over the internet (and reaching airlines and hotels)
- The 10 best airline stocks to buy now
- Airlines see a new kind of traveler at the front of the plane
Unlike other airlines which grant access primarily after reaching frequent flyer status, Qantas also sells it through a membership — starting from April 18, 2024, prices will rise from $600 Australian dollars ($392 USD) to $699 AUD ($456 USD) for one year, $1,100 ($718 USD) to $1,299 ($848 USD) for two years and $2,000 AUD ($1,304) to lock in the rate for four years.
Those signing up for lounge access for the first time also currently pay a joining fee of $99 AUD ($65 USD) that will rise to $129 AUD ($85 USD).
The airline also allows customers to purchase their membership with Qantas Points they collect through frequent travel; the membership fees are also being raised by the equivalent amount in points in what adds up to as much as 17% — from 308,000 to 399,900 to lock in access for four years.
Airline says hikes will 'cover cost increases passed on from suppliers'
"This is the first time the Qantas Club membership fees have increased in seven years and will help cover cost increases passed on from a range of suppliers over that time," a Qantas spokesperson confirmed to Simple Flying. "This follows a reduction in the membership fees for several years during the pandemic."
The spokesperson said the gains from the increases will go both towards making up for inflation-related costs and keeping existing lounges looking modern by updating features like furniture and décor.
While the price increases also do not apply for those who earned lounge access through frequent flyer status or change what it takes to earn that status, Qantas is also introducing even steeper increases for those renewing a membership or adding additional features such as spouse and partner memberships.
In some cases, the cost of these features will nearly double from what members are paying now.
stocks pandemicUncategorized
Star Wars icon gives his support to Disney, Bob Iger
Disney shareholders have a huge decision to make on April 3.
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Disney's (DIS) been facing some headwinds up top, but its leadership just got backing from one of the company's more prominent investors.
Star Wars creator George Lucas put out of statement in support of the company's current leadership team, led by CEO Bob Iger, ahead of the April 3 shareholders meeting which will see investors vote on the company's 12-member board.
"Creating magic is not for amateurs," Lucas said in a statement. "When I sold Lucasfilm just over a decade ago, I was delighted to become a Disney shareholder because of my long-time admiration for its iconic brand and Bob Iger’s leadership. When Bob recently returned to the company during a difficult time, I was relieved. No one knows Disney better. I remain a significant shareholder because I have full faith and confidence in the power of Disney and Bob’s track record of driving long-term value. I have voted all of my shares for Disney’s 12 directors and urge other shareholders to do the same."
Related: Disney stands against Nelson Peltz as leadership succession plan heats up
Lucasfilm was acquired by Disney for $4 billion in 2012 — notably under the first term of Iger. He received over 37 million in shares of Disney during the acquisition.
Lucas' statement seems to be an attempt to push investors away from the criticism coming from The Trian Partners investment group, led by Nelson Peltz. The group, owns about $3 million in shares of the media giant, is pushing two candidates for positions on the board, which are Peltz and former Disney CFO Jay Rasulo.
Peltz and Co. have called out a pair of Disney directors — Michael Froman and Maria Elena Lagomasino — for their lack of experience in the media space.
Related: Women's basketball is gaining ground, but is March Madness ready to rival the men's game?
Blackwells Capital is also pushing three of its candidates to take seats during the early April shareholder meeting, though Reuters has reported that the firm has been supportive of the company's current direction.
Disney has struggled in recent years amid the changes in media and the effects of the pandemic — which triggered the return of Iger at the helm in late 2022. After going through mass layoffs in the spring of 2023 and focusing on key growth brands, the company has seen a steady recovery with its stock up over 25% year-to-date and around 40% for the last six months.
Related: Veteran fund manager picks favorite stocks for 2024
stocks pandemic recoveryUncategorized
Another airline is making lounge fees more expensive
Qantas Airways is increasing the price of accessing its network of lounges by as much as 17%.
Share this:
Over the last two years, multiple airlines have dealt with crowding in their lounges. While they are designed as a luxury experience for a small subset of travelers, high numbers of people taking a trip post-pandemic as well as the different ways they are able to gain access through status or certain credit cards made it difficult for some airlines to keep up with keeping foods stocked, common areas clean and having enough staff to serve bar drinks at the rate that customers expect them.
In the fall of 2023, Delta Air Lines (DAL) caught serious traveler outcry after announcing that it was cracking down on crowding by raising how much one needs to spend for lounge access and limiting the number of times one can enter those lounges.
Related: Competitors pushed Delta to backtrack on its lounge and loyalty program changes
Some airlines saw the outcry with Delta as their chance to reassure customers that they would not raise their fees while others waited for the storm to pass to quietly implement their own increases.
Shutterstock
This is how much more you'll have to pay for Qantas lounge access
Australia's flagship carrier Qantas Airways (QUBSF) is the latest airline to announce that it would raise the cost accessing the 24 lounges across the country as well as the 600 international lounges available at airports across the world through partner airlines.
More Travel:
- A new travel term is taking over the internet (and reaching airlines and hotels)
- The 10 best airline stocks to buy now
- Airlines see a new kind of traveler at the front of the plane
Unlike other airlines which grant access primarily after reaching frequent flyer status, Qantas also sells it through a membership — starting from April 18, 2024, prices will rise from $600 Australian dollars ($392 USD) to $699 AUD ($456 USD) for one year, $1,100 ($718 USD) to $1,299 ($848 USD) for two years and $2,000 AUD ($1,304) to lock in the rate for four years.
Those signing up for lounge access for the first time also currently pay a joining fee of $99 AUD ($65 USD) that will rise to $129 AUD ($85 USD).
The airline also allows customers to purchase their membership with Qantas Points they collect through frequent travel; the membership fees are also being raised by the equivalent amount in points in what adds up to as much as 17% — from 308,000 to 399,900 to lock in access for four years.
Airline says hikes will 'cover cost increases passed on from suppliers'
"This is the first time the Qantas Club membership fees have increased in seven years and will help cover cost increases passed on from a range of suppliers over that time," a Qantas spokesperson confirmed to Simple Flying. "This follows a reduction in the membership fees for several years during the pandemic."
The spokesperson said the gains from the increases will go both towards making up for inflation-related costs and keeping existing lounges looking modern by updating features like furniture and décor.
While the price increases also do not apply for those who earned lounge access through frequent flyer status or change what it takes to earn that status, Qantas is also introducing even steeper increases for those renewing a membership or adding additional features such as spouse and partner memberships.
In some cases, the cost of these features will nearly double from what members are paying now.
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One more airline cracks down on lounge crowding in a way you won’t like
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