Opinion ID: 2089131
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Revocation of Ms. Smith's Release

Text: Prior to her sentencing on her criminal contempt conviction, other incidents took place which led to the revocation of Ms. Smith's release on October 9, 1992. During the show cause hearing on the revocation of release, Ms. Hughes testified concerning events that took place at a September 27, 1992, Congressional Black Caucus weekend bruncheon sponsored by a corporation. As Ms. Hughes left the podium, Ms. Smith got directly in front of her, slowed her pace and began to sway as though imitating a model going down a runway. Later, Ms. Hughes was about to greet an executive of the sponsor corporation when Ms. Smith approached the two and she screamed out, don't touch her, she has AIDS. Mr. Graham also testified as to Ms. Smith's encounters with him at the same event, while he was playing the harp in a foyer. Two security officers also testified. One reported seeing Ms. Smith pick up a small knife from a cheese tray, and face Mr. Graham while holding the knife. Eventually security guards had to put protective ropes around Mr. Graham to keep Ms. Smith away. Ms. Smith testified in her own behalf and generally denied the testimony of the government's witnesses. However, she was asked on cross-examination: And isn't it true that afterward you went up to Mr. Graham who was standing guarding the harp and began speaking to him in an angry tone of voice? She responded: I did speak with Mr. Graham.... [but] I wouldn't characterize my behavior toward him as upset. On re-direct examination, Ms. Smith explained her interpretation of the trial court's stay away order: I believe that the day that I was found guilty of contempt and they told you that my family had called Mr. Graham, you specifically indicated that I was not to call Mr. Graham, you specifically indicated that I was not to call Mr. Graham, [Ms.] . . . Hughes or his mother, I was not to write them, and I was not to go to their homes or their jobs, and I was not to cause any of my relatives or friends to do that either. At the conclusion of the revocation of release hearing, the trial court credited the testimony of the government's witnesses and found Ms. Smith in intentional violation of the May 12, 1992, stay away order and the trial court's admonishments with respect to that order. In revoking Ms. Smith's bond, the trial court stated: This Court, Ms. Smith, has made it crystal clear . . . what your obligations are. The Court has stated very clearly that you were to have no contact whatsoever with the individuals; that you were not to direct others to have contact with the individuals on your behalf. You have shown the Court that the Court cannot trust you to follow the instructions. On October 16, 1992, the trial court sentenced Ms. Smith to six months in jail for criminal contempt.