Something offensive done in front of a judge can constitute criminal contempt. The judge decides right then and there whether to make a finding of contempt and what penalty to impose, which can include up to 180 days county jail. It doesn't happen often, but I was reminded how criminal contempt scenarios do arise, especially during criminal court proceedings where emotions run high.
The other day, a colleague related a criminal contempt scene he came upon in front of a particularly tough judge. He just left a courtroom when a woman from the gallery ran out, cursing and slamming the door, with bailiffs in hot pursuit. She was none too happy with a sentence imposed on her boyfriend. They pulled her back in to face the judge.
The other day, a colleague related a criminal contempt scene he came upon in front of a particularly tough judge. He just left a courtroom when a woman from the gallery ran out, cursing and slamming the door, with bailiffs in hot pursuit. She was none too happy with a sentence imposed on her boyfriend. They pulled her back in to face the judge.
My friend, having seen another attorney in a similar situation many years ago rush to someone's defense, seized the opportunity to hurry back in, stand beside her at the podium and announce "I am her lawyer". After a few momements of harried whispering between them and calming her (and the judge) down, an apology came forth to the judge and all was well. Moral? Don't vent until you've left the building.
