Hunter Biden was formally disbarred in Connecticut on Monday following a judge’s determination that he violated state rules governing attorney conduct.
The disbarment stems from disciplinary complaints connected to Biden’s federal gun and tax convictions, which were pardoned by his father, former President Joe Biden, in December 2024. Biden and his attorney, Ross Garber, appeared by video before Judge Trial Referee Patrick L. Carroll III in Waterbury during the proceeding.
Second License Loss
This marks the second jurisdiction where Biden has lost his law license. He voluntarily surrendered his license to practice law in Washington, D.C., in April 2024.
Biden was admitted to the Connecticut bar in 1997, one year after graduating from Yale Law School. The disbarring judge cited violations of ethical rules for lawyers, including conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation. The judge also referenced his prior disbarment in Washington, D.C., as partial grounds for the Connecticut ruling.
The Underlying Convictions
Biden’s disbarment stems from federal convictions including three felony counts in a Delaware case. He was found guilty in 2023 of purchasing a firearm while falsely stating on a federal form that he was not illegally using or addicted to drugs.
In September 2024, Biden agreed to plead guilty to a combination of misdemeanor and felony tax charges. Former President Joe Biden issued a broad pardon covering conduct over an 11-year period in December 2024.
Following the pardon, U.S. District Judge Maryellen Noreika formally closed the Delaware gun case, though the conviction itself was not vacated. Biden had faced a potential sentence of up to 25 years in prison on the gun charges.
Connecticut Settlement Details
Biden reached an agreement with the Connecticut agency responsible for attorney discipline. Under the agreement, he admitted to certain misconduct allegations while contesting others.
Paul Dorsey, one of two people who filed complaints against Biden in Connecticut, objected to the agreement before the judge. “Hunter Biden did not admit to committing crimes,” Dorsey told the court.