M.D.M., a Child v. State of Florida

We reversé á juvenile’s conviction of direct criminal contempt for failure of the trial judge to make the necessary inquiries regarding representation of counsel in the contempt proceeding.

Appellant entered a plea of not guilty to two charges'at his arraignment in a-juvenile delinquency proceeding. He then got in a verbal altercation with a bailiff who took issue with his attitude. The court recessed. When court' reconvened, thé judge asked appellant if there was any reason why he should not be held in direct criminal contempt. ' Appellant did not respond. Then, another verbal confrontation…