People v. Powell

Attorney Diane Powell appeals from an order of the circuit court of Cook County finding her in direct criminal contempt of court and fining her $100. The fine was stayed by the trial judge pending appeal.

On January 28, 1992, Ms. Powell, an assistant public defender, appeared before the trial judge on behalf of a criminal defendant and answered ready for trial. Following an off-the-record conference the following occurred:

“THE COURT: On the record. Trial will commence at 11 o’clock.

MS. POWELL: I will be here at 11.1 hope the jury will be.

THE COURT: I am not going to have any remarks like that…