Daugherty v. Daugherty

PHILLIPS, Judge.

Defendant, who appeared at the contempt hearing without counsel, first cites as error the court’s failure to ascertain and find whether defendant desired and was able to employ counsel, and whether the assistance of counsel was necessary for a proper presentation of his case. According to the record, the defendant’s possible indigency and possible need of and desire for court-appointed counsel were not mentioned by defendant or anyone else. The contention is that the court’s failure to initiate inquiries about and resolve these matters was manifest prejudicial error as a…