Opinion ID: 2429770
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: The Punishment

Text: Keith Carle contends the sentence of ninety days in jail is excessive in light of all the facts and circumstances. He submits that because his sincerity and lack of motive for personal gain are not questioned the sentence is wholly disproportionate to the offense. We agree that the punishment is unduly harsh. Our power to modify punishment imposed for contempt has been recognized in numerous cases: Page v. State, 266 Ark. 398, 583 S.W.2d 70 (1979); Dennison v. Mobley, Chancellor, 257 Ark. 216, 515 S.W.2d 215 (1974); Morrow v. Roberts, Judge, 250 Ark. 822, 467 S.W.2d 393 (1971); Garner and Rosen v. Amsler, Judge, 238 Ark. 34, 377 S.W.2d 872 (1964); Folsom v. State, 216 Ark. 31, 224 S.W.2d 44 (1949); Smith v. Smith, 28 Ark.App. 56, 770 S.W.2d 205 (1989). In Garner , we modified sentences of ten and five days in jail imposed on two attorneys who claimed without basis in fact that a petit jury was stacked against their client. Writing for the court, Justice George Rose Smith noted that the principal justification for contempt lies in the need for upholding public confidence in the majesty of the law and in the integrity of the judicial system and when we have found these ends will be met despite a reduction or even a remission of a jail sentence for contempt it has been our practice to modify the judgment. With that said, the sentences were reduced to two days in jail. While we view the offending conduct in this case with the utmost gravity, we are not persuaded it was prompted by other than a misguided belief that his client's interest required it, however ill conceived that may have been. It has not been shown that this conduct, or anything similar, is repetitive and it seems unlikely there will be a recurrence. Therefore, we believe a punishment of five days in jail and a fine of $500 to be sufficient and in keeping with our prior rulings in such matters. See the cases cited above. With that modification, the order appealed from is AFFIRMED.