J.A.H. v. State

The appellant, J.H., seeks review of his conviction for direct criminal contempt. He argues that the trial court violated the procedural due process requirements of Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.830. We agree and reverse.

During a hearing in the underlying dependency case, the appellant’s estranged wife asked the trial court for a no-contact order because she claimed the appellant was stalking her through a third party. Specifically, she alleged the appellant told the third party, via a text message sent that morning, that his estranged wife was at the courthouse.

The trial court asked…