At the same time, his former attorney briefly entered the courtroom to confirm to the court that he was no longer representing Stokebrand. The court noted for the record that Stokebrand was unrepresented. It appears from the hearing transcript that the witnesses were not placed under oath. After determining that Stokebrand had returned only a portion of Brummer's property, the judge held him in contempt for failing to return the remaining articles. Stokebrand's wife posted a cash bond the next day, and he was released.
Contempt of court is classified as either criminal or civil.
Constructive or civil contempts arise not from matters transpiring in court but rather from a person's failure to comply with orders and decrees issued by the court in a civil action for the benefit of an opposing party. It is not always easy to classify a particular act as belonging either to criminal or civil contempt. It may partake of the characteristics of both. However, the distinction in punishment is clear. In criminal contempt, the order itself is in the nature of punishment.