In Re Lumumba

On July 24, 1980, appellant, assigned counsel for one William Talley, was found to be in contempt of court for his failure to appear on the scheduled trial date. Appellant was fined $250 by a judge of the Detroit Recorder’s Court for contempt, and now appeals as of the right.

In assessing whether or not appellant was properly adjudged to be in contempt of court, the following evidence, presented at the contempt hearing, is relevant.

James McGinnis, an attorney practicing in Michigan, was contacted by appellant in June, 1980, and was asked to represent Talley on July 7, 1980. McGinnis agreed to…