In Re Contempt of O'Neil

Daniel O’Neil (hereafter defendant) appeals from an order of the circuit court holding him in contempt of court, MCL 600.1701; MSA 27A.1701. The court ordered defendant jailed pursuant to the court’s summary punishment powers under MCL 600.1711(1); MSA 27A.1711(1), which permits punishment when contempt is committed in the immediate view and presence of the court.

Defendant was the attorney for Thomas Boynton, accused of armed robbery. At trial, defendant questioned a prosecution witness concerning whether he was a paid informant. The prosecutor objected, arguing that, unless the witness was…