Contempt of Court

In a highly publicized matter, a newly licensed public defender was held in contempt of court by the trial judge after refusing to proceed to trial on behalf of his client. The lawyer has been assigned to the case only one day earlier and was unable to effectively prepare the case if caused begin the trial. With the support of lawyers and legal organizations across the United States, Ian N. Friedman served as lead counsel on behalf of the lawyer. The extended hearing in the trial court yielded a reduction of sentence to a mere fine. Recognizing the unfavorable precedent and poor principle, Eric C. Nemecek spearheaded the appellate effort which was eventually argued before the Ohio Eleventh District Court of Appeals. In a wide reaching decision, the Court of Appeals overturned the conviction mandating that a defendant’s right to a fair trial and the effective representation of counsel outweighs the court’s concern for processing of the docket. This case garnered national attention as a defendant’s constitutional rights were placed in jeopardy by the trial court. After being held in contempt, the lawyer was exonerated by the Court of Appeals. According to a Plain Dealer Article, Judge John Plough ‘abused discretion’ court rules. This case garnered national attention and was watched closely by prosecutors and defense lawyers alike from coast-to-coast. Although several hundred lawyers joined at counsel of record, Ian Friedman was lead counsel handling courtroom litigation and successful appellate argument.