Koehler

—Petitioner Henry James Koehler became the attorney for wife in the midst of an acrimonious and bitterly contested divorce proceeding. Confidential documents that were the property of some third parties had been provided to wife, and she and petitioner refused to return them, even after a court order to do so. Third parties obtained an order awarding $10,000 in discovery sanctions, which were not paid, and third parties initiated proceedings for indirect contempt. Petitioner resisted, represented by a court-appointed attorney, but without success, and was held in contempt and ordered to serve five days in jail, which he did. But he did not pay the $10,000.

Seven months later, apparently acting on its own and with no initiating affidavit, the superior court issued an order to show cause regarding contempt. Petitioner, again represented by court-appointed counsel, asserted jurisdictional, procedural, and substantive arguments in opposition. The superior court rejected the arguments, and ordered petitioner to serve another five days in jail, which he did. Less than two months later, again acting on its own and with no initiating affidavit, the superior court issued yet…