State v. Brantley

Ness, Justice:

Appellant Clifford Brantley, Sheriff of Jasper County, was held in contempt of court for failure to appear and testify in Hampton County. Appellant asserts the trial court had no jurisdiction over him and thus lacked authority to hold him in contempt. We disagree and affirm.

The trial judge was presiding over a guilty plea proceeding in Hampton County. Upon being advised the defendant had records in Jasper County, the jucge asked the solicitor’s office to notify Sheriff Brantley to appear in court with the records at 2:30 that afternoon.

The sheriff chose not to appear, but sent a…