Opinion ID: 1561244
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 7

Heading: Resistance to Court Ordered Search Language in Court.

Text: On 30 January 1987, Alison was scheduled to appear in the Circuit Court for Harford County to answer contempt charges arising out of his alleged violation of the injunction against contacting or harassing Mrs. Alison. As Alison approached the courtroom, he was informed by a deputy sheriff that he would have to submit to a pat-down search of his person before being admitted. Alison refused, and attempted to force his way into the courtroom. Judge Cameron was called to the scene, and he requested that Alison submit to the search. Alison again refused, and Judge Cameron ordered the search. Alison resisted. Five deputies were required to accomplish the search. Alison was then handcuffed and carried into the courtroom. During the course of the hearing, Alison directed a few `fuck you's' at John Karas, the lawyer for Mrs. Alison, and one toward Judge Cameron. Judge Cameron heard none of this. Alison was found in contempt of court and sentenced to six months in the Harford County Detention Center. He appealed, but Judge Cameron refused to set an appeal bond. On February 10, 1987, Alison was released on bond. The finding of contempt was later reversed by the Court of Special Appeals upon a determination that the order adjudging Alison in contempt was deficient because it failed to afford respondent an opportunity to purge the contempt.