Matter of James

BECK, Judge:

Arthur Henry James, Esq., was found guilty of contempt of court by the Honorable Edwin S. Maimed of the Court of Common Pleas, Philadelphia County, and fined $500 on February 1, 1980. He appeals from judgment of sentence.

James was representing a client, Eric Baynes, in criminal proceedings. In the course of defending Baynes, James asked for and received several continuances. N.T. 3. On February 1, James told Judge Malmed’s law clerk that he would appear in court that afternoon with a brief at 3:30. N.T. 2. He did not appear until approximately 4:55.

James explained that he failed…