Hughes v. Department of Human Resources

Fletcher, Presiding Justice.

We granted Joel Thomas Hughes’ application for discretionary appeal to consider whether the trial court abused its discretion by continuing his incarceration for civil contempt. Because the trial court found Hughes guilty of civil contempt and the uncontroverted evidence demonstrates that Hughes is unable to purge himself, we reverse.

The Georgia Department of Human Resources filed a petition for contempt against Hughes for his failure to pay child support. The trial court found Hughes in willful contempt for failing to make payments of $100.00 per week and that his…