Gratz v. State

John Timothy Gratz (“Gratz”) appeals from an order adjudging him in indirect criminal contempt and sentencing him to ninety days in jail. We reverse the contempt order and vacate the sentence because, under the circumstances presented, the trial court abused its discretion in denying a requested continuance to permit Gratz and his counsel to properly prepare to defend the allegations in the show cause order.

This case arose out of post-judgment proceedings related to a dissolution of marriage between Loretta Diane Gratz (“Loretta”) and Gratz, which was dissolved by a final judgment in 2002.…