Smith v. State

OPINION

BAKER, Chief Judge.

Appellant-defendant Michael A. Smith appeals the trial court’s order finding him in direct contempt of court. Smith argues that his due process rights were violated *1151because the trial court did not appoint a neutral judge to preside over the hearing at which Smith was sanctioned for his behavior and that the trial court erroneously found his actions to be directly contemptuous. Finding no error, we affirm.

FACTS

On August 29, 2007, the Honorable Patricia J. Gifford commenced a pretrial hearing on charges pending against Smith. The hearing was continued until the…