People v. Oatis

This is an appeal from an order finding defendant in contempt of court and sentencing him to serve 15 days in the county jail. The only issue raised on appeal is whether the trial judge erred in finding defendant in contempt. We reverse.

Defendant and a co-defendant were charged with battery and unlawful use of a weapon. Their case was called for trial on December 1,1976, and they immediately indicated that they did not desire to be represented by a public defender, that they could afford their own attorney and that they wanted additional time within which to obtain private counsel. Defendants…