Ex Parte Gunther

In this original habeas corpus proceeding, relator John E. Gunther has been held in contempt for failure to pay child support. A majority of the court granted the petition for writ of habeas corpus to consider whether the trial court was under a duty to inform Gunther of his right to be represented by counsel and his right to appointment of an attorney if indigency prevented him from obtaining representation.

Gunther was initially held in contempt on December 4,1986, but punishment was suspended in order to permit him to make up the child support arrearage. A motion to revoke the suspension of…