People v. Willson

The defendant, Richard A. Willson, was found in direct criminal contempt of court and sentenced to six months in the county jail. The sole issue on appeal is whether defendant’s unfitness to stand trial precluded a finding of direct criminal contempt. We reverse and remand for further proceedings.

On August 29, 1997, the defendant appeared with counsel for a hearing on pending motions in various criminal cases. During the hearing on defense counsel’s motion for a fitness hearing, the defendant repeatedly interrupted the court and expressed dissatisfaction with counsel. After unsuccessfully…