Sanford v. State

940 S.W.2d 497, 328 Ark. 104, 1997 Ark. LEXIS 229

Opinions

Per Curiam.

The procedural background in this matter is set forth in our per curiam opinion delivered on March 17, 1997. Sanford v. State, 327 Ark. 678, 939 S.W.2d 310 (1997). Attorney William M. Howard, Jr., counsel for appellant Damond Sanford, was ordered to appear before this court on March 31, 1997, to show cause why he should not be held in contempt for his failure to file Sanford’s brief in a timely manner.

Mr. Howard appeared on March 31, 1997, entered a plea of guilty to the contempt citation, and accepted full responsibility for fading to file Sanford’s brief in a timely manner. In mitigation, he stated that he had been troubled with hypertension and headaches, and that he had been affected by the death of a close friend. Mr. Howard apologized for his inaction, and assured this court that Sanford’s brief would be ready for filing within ten days.

Based on the foregoing, we hold that Mr. Howard is in contempt for failing to file Sanford’s brief in a timely manner. We fine him $250.00, and will allow him ten days from the date of this opinion to file a belated brief in this matter. A copy of this opinion will be forwarded to the Committee on Professional Conduct.

Glaze, J., concurs.