Opinion ID: 1436580
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 9

Heading: McLong's Case

Text: The sanction in McLong's case is equally unlawful. He too was given a determinate sentence, of two years, which is itself unauthorized, with or without a purge. The initial purge of $2,000 was obviously one that McLong could not meet; nor was the amended purge of $200 and presentation of a GED certificate one that the court had any reason to believe could be instantly met. It appears that the amended order was entered without a hearing, and therefore without any evidence bearing on McLong's ability to meet that purge, and, indeed, without even giving McLong an opportunity to show that he could not meet the purge. As we indicated, one may not obtain a GED certificate unless and until the person passes a battery of tests, and there is nothing in the record to show that McLong, still incarcerated, had any ability even to take the tests. As with Arrington, the finding of contempt may stand, but the sanction must be vacated. IN NO. 10 (ARRINGTON), ORDERS OF OCTOBER 25 AND NOVEMBER 13, 2006 VACATED; COSTS TO BE PAID BY APPELLEE; IN NO. 26 (McLONG), ORDERS OF FEBRUARY 1, 2007, AND MAY 15, 2007 VACATED; COSTS TO BE PAID BY APPELLEE. Chief Judge BELL joins the judgment only.