Ex Parte Minns

OPINION

Richard L. Minns, the relator, was found guilty of criminal contempt for refusing Judge Garcia’s orders to answer 50 questions during a post-judgment deposition seeking discovery of assets. Minns claimed the privilege against self-incrimination in response to all questions. The judge sentenced him to jail for six months and a fine of $500.00 for each of the 50 instances of contempt, totalling 25 years in jail and $25,-000.00 in fines. Minns claims the order is void because he could not be sentenced to more than six months in jail for criminal contempt without having or waiving a jury…