Irwin

Plaintiffs are a class of California residents who received debt collection letters from defendant Commonwealth Equity Adjustments, Inc. (“Commonwealth”), a debt collection agency. The class action complaint alleged that the content and delivery method of Commonwealth’s collection letters violated federal and state law. The parties consented to proceed to judgment before a magistrate judge, who found for the plaintiff class and issued a permanent injunction against Commonwealth and its agents and affiliates. Commonwealth, Eric Browning, its president, and Robert Hyde, a non-party corporate officer of Commonwealth, were subsequently found in contempt for violating the injunction and sanctioned by the magistrate judge. Commonwealth, Browning, and Hyde appeal the finding of contempt and the sanctions, claiming that they “substantially complied” with the injunction. Hyde asserts, in addition, that the magistrate judge lacked jurisdiction over him. We disagree with both contentions and affirm the magistrate judge in all respects.

I. Background

Commonwealth is a debt collection agency located in California. It sends automated debt collection notices to persons who “bounce” checks made…