Friday, March 25, 2011

Should contempt proceedings have a right to counsel?

Very interesting article today in the New York Times. Having done numerous Criminal contempt cases for child support violations, I can attest to the difference having an attorney makes. I can't even count the number of times I have seen someone try to fight a contempt petition pro se and get themselves in trouble just by not knowing proper courtroom etiquette. However, I have also seen judges in Davidson County obtain appointed counsel for indigent citizens facing criminal time in a contempt case, particularly with back child support. Regardless, the article is a good read whether you are a Nashville family lawyer or just interested in child support.

The New York Times article can be found here: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/24/us/24scotus.html?_r=1&src=twrhp

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