Lawyers are typically seen as the upholders of justice, defenders of the law, and advocates for fairness. However, sometimes attorneys find themselves on the wrong side of the law, facing the serious charge of contempt of court. That’s what happened to Brian Steel, the chief criminal defense lawyer for Grammy-winning rapper Young Thug, also known as Jeffery Lamar Williams.
Contempt of court refers to any action that disrespects the authority or dignity of a court, including behaviors such as disobeying a court order, disrupting court proceedings, or showing disrespect to the judge or other court officials. It is important to note that criminal contempt is distinct from civil contempt, as the former involves punitive measures and is often associated with criminal charges.
Steel was charged with criminal contempt of court and sentenced to 20 days in jail for refusing to name the source of information he had obtained about a private communication between the trial judge, prosecutors, and a key witness for the prosecution.
A Criminal Defense Lawyer in Contempt of Court
Prosecutors in the Young Thug case allege that the rapper was the leader of a violent criminal street gang called “Young Slime Life” (YSL) and that the group was responsible for a range of crimes including murder, robbery, and drug dealing.
At one point in the lengthy, highly contentious trial, Steel asserted that the judge had held an improper meeting in his chamber before the day’s court session, during which the judge and prosecutor threatened a reluctant prosecution witness with jail time if he continued to refuse to cooperate. This, Steel argued, amounted to “coercion, witness intimidation, ex parte communications” that the defense had a constitutional right to be present for.
According to reports, the visibly agitated judge demanded that Steel reveal the source of his information. When the defense attorney refused, citing attorney-client privilege and “work product” protections, the judge swiftly and decisively ruled: Steel was to be held in criminal contempt of court and taken into custody.
When Lawyers Face Contempt of Court
The legal profession is bound by a code of ethics that demands lawyers to uphold the law and respect the institutions of justice. When a lawyer is accused of contempt of court, it reflects poorly on the individual attorney and the legal profession as a whole. It undermines the public’s confidence in the fairness and integrity of the legal system.
While lawyers are duty-bound to vigorously defend their clients, they are also expected to maintain civility and professionalism in the courtroom. The line between aggressive advocacy and contemptuous behavior can sometimes become blurred, leading to conflicts between lawyers and judges.
Criminal Contempt of Court Charges
In a recent criminal trial involving Donald Trump, the judge fined him and held him in contempt of court multiple times for disregarding gag orders and violating court directives. Trump’s actions resulted in financial penalties and posed the risk of imprisonment.
Similarly, people who violate court orders and injunctions like Domestic Violence restraining orders, Risk Protection orders, injunctions, or other court-mandated directives may face the full force of the law. When lawyers face criminal contempt of court charges, it serves as a sobering reminder of the delicate balance between zealous advocacy and respect for the judicial system.
Upholding the principles of justice requires not only a strong legal defense but also a commitment to professionalism and ethical conduct. As the guardians of the law, lawyers must navigate the courtroom with integrity and decorum, ensuring that their actions uphold the dignity of the legal process. Call 407-644-2466 to speak with an Orlando Criminal Defense Attorney at the Rivas Law Firm.
