Ex Parte Hawkins

CORNELIUS, Justice.

This is an original habeas corpus proceeding instituted by relator, Melvin Harold Hawkins, pursuant to Tex.Rev.Civ.Stat. Ann. art. 1824a (Supp.1976), seeking release from custody of the sheriff of Upshur County.

Relator alleged that he was arrested and confined to the Upshur County Jail by the sheriff pursuant to a purported judgment of contempt issued by the 115th Judicial District Court on motion of relator’s former wife. The contempt proceeding arose from relator’s alleged failure to comply with a child support order entered by the same court in a divorce proceeding.

Relato…