In Re SPRAYBERRY

Branch, Judge.

While Lauren King Sprayberry was appearing as counsel at a motions calendar in a trial court, her cell phone began to vibrate. The trial court held her in criminal contempt and imposed a fine of $25. On appeal, Sprayberry argues that she was not afforded an opportunity to be heard and that the evidence did not support the judgment. We agree with the first of these contentions and therefore reverse.

“[T]he contempt power is inherent in every court and, as such, is not subject to abridgement or restriction by the Legislature.” In re Jefferson, 283 Ga. 216, 217 (657 SE2d 830)…