Ex Parte Crawford

This is an original habeas corpus proceeding. Relator, Billy Joe Crawford, alleges he is being illegally restrained by a judgment of contempt for violation of an order requiring him to make child support payments. Our review of the proceeding is necessarily limited, since we do not exercise appellate, but original jurisdiction.

For this contempt proceeding to be subject to collateral attack in this habeas corpus proceeding, it must be void and not merely voidable. Ex parte Tyler, 152 Tex. 602, 261 S.W.2d 833 (1953). Although a writ of habeas corpus is a writ of right, probable cause must be…