C.H. Reynolds Electric v. Powers CA6

I. FACTS AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND

In 2017, CHRE obtained a workplace violence restraining order against Powers, who had worked as a foreman for CHRE on a construction project. After Powers later violated the 2017 restraining order, CHRE initiated contempt proceedings. In September

1 Powers has not participated in this appeal. 2 Unspecified statutory references are to the Code of Civil Procedure. 2017, the trial court found Powers in contempt based on numerous violations of the restraining order and stayed imposition of the sentence which, by agreement of the parties, was six days in the county jail and a $1,000 fine. In July 2018, the trial court again held Powers in contempt, finding he had willfully sent texts and e-mails to parties protected by the restraining order. The trial court lifted the stay on the 2017 sentence and imposed a modified jail term of five days (instead of six) and a $1,000 fine. The trial court also imposed a 15-day jail term and a fine of $4,000 for the new contempt violations. The trial court allowed CHRE to seek attorney fees and costs under section 1218, subdivision (a) (hereafter section 1218(a)) for both contempt proceedings. CHRE filed a motion…