Opinion ID: 2293324
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: The trial judge's allegedly improper statements to Weber.

Text: Weber next argues that the trial judge improperly threatened to hold him in contempt when Weber struggled to answer a question regarding the substance of a potential witness's testimony. Weber asserts that this threat had a chilling effect on his ability to present a defense. Weber previously requested a continuance because of illness, and later unavailability, of one of his witnesses. A different judge than the trial judge denied that request. The trial judge did know of this previous request, which led to the following: Trial Judge: Mr. Weber, have you made a decision whether or not to testify? Weber: Yes, Your Honor. Just for the record I would like to state that it has been my intention to testify at this trial, but due to the Court's decision not to grant me a continuance because one of my witnesses was sick and was unavailable to appear in court, I was unable to lay a foundation for my defense, which case, I have no choice but not testify at this point. Trial Judge: I have no idea what you are talking about. I did not deny any continuance. Defense counsel: It was in front of [a judge other than the trial judge]. Prosecutor: I don't believe that was on the record either. [. . .] Weber: I would like to state for the record  Trial Judge: I am trying to figure out what we are talking about. [. . .] Trial Judge: What was Ms. Blake Tracy going to testify to  Weber: I had eight witnesses that were going to testify in my defense. I had planned to put on a very spirited defense. I  without getting into any facts of the case, I want to state factually I am legally innocent of those charges. Trial Judge: Mr. Weber, it's been a real long day, it is going to be longer afternoon. I don't feel like playing Weber: Well, Your Honor Trial Judge: Don't ever interrupt, too, in this particular time. Weber: I apologize Your Honor. Trial Judge: I ask a simple question. I don't know anything about any continuance. I don't know anything about any witness. I don't know anything about a spirited defense. I don't care what success or failures you had with the criminal justice system at this point in time I just don't care. So, let's not waste my time and your time for you trying to set a record that may help you at some other point in time other than which is in the normal course of business. I don't think we really want that. That are that kind of disruption that leaves me or leads me to Penal Section 1271, which is Contempt. That is summary disposition of a situation. So why don't we go there today. Why don't we not play with me today because it wouldn't be a favorable outcome. I just asked you a simple question. I don't know who Ann Blake Tracy, PHD, you said there was a problem. I asked you about testifying. You said there was a witness that was unavailable. Tell me what Ms. Tracy was going to testify and how that impacts upon your ability to testify? Prosecutor: Can this be done through [defense counsel], he is counsel, and it was submitted under counsel's request? Weber: I guess my problem is  Prosecutor: Excuse me, I made a request to the Court. Trial Judge: Fellows. I asked him a question. He made a representation about some spirited defense. Prosecutor: That was not the reason submitted by [defense counsel] at the call. Trial Judge: Who is Ann Blake Tracy and what does she have to do with this case? Weber: My problem is, Your Honor, if I was to answer that question without at this point in time I feel like I might incriminate myself. Weber's claim lacks merit, for two reasons. First, under 11 Del. C. § 1271, [a] person is guilty of criminal contempt when the person engages in . . . [d]isorderly, contemptuous or insolent behavior, committed during the sitting of a court [. . .]. [36] Here, Weber interrupted the trial judge twice with statements wholly unrelated to the judge's question. The trial judge acted within his discretion by threatening to invoke § 1271. [37] Second, the record does not support Weber's contention that the trial judge's threat of criminal contempt had a chilling effect on [his] ability to present a defense. At the time of this colloquy, Weber's defense counsel already made the strategic decision not to call the other witnesses or to present the defense in question. The trial judge's threat to sanction Weber did not violate his right to a fair trial.