April 1, 2004
A Sandpoint attorney who failed to show up for a court hearing March 30 has been ordered to prove to Judge Justin Julian why he shouldn’t be charged with contempt of court.
Defense attorney Bruce Greene had been called for a restitution hearing at 1:30 p.m., but had earlier filed a motion to dismiss the hearing, which had not been granted. He had also asked that attorney Ken Stone, who was representing a co-defendant in the case, be allowed to “cover” for him, but Julian determined it would be unethical for Stone to do so.
Julian cited three Idaho statutes that might apply in the case; IC 18-1801, which is the willful disobedience of any process or order lawfully issued by the court, which carries a maximum penalty of up to six months in jail, a fine of up to $300, or both; or IC 7-603 and IC 7-604, indirect contempt outside the presence of the court, punishable by up to five days in jail and a fine of up to $5,000, or both.
Greene has been ordered to appear at 11 a.m. April 19.