In Re Contempt of Heffernan

Kenneth A. Rocco, Judge.

{¶ 1} The contemnor, Edward A. Heffernan, appeals from a common pleas court order finding him in contempt and fining him $500. Appellant argues that the court erred by finding him in direct contempt and that the evidence was insufficient to sustain the contempt conviction. We find that appellant’s conduct was not a direct contempt that the court could summarily punish. Accordingly, we reverse.

Procedural History

{¶ 2} The contempt order at issue here arises out of a criminal proceeding in the case of State v. Landers, Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court Case No.…