Opinion ID: 1932709
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 4

Heading: Sanctions and Modification

Text: [¶ 22] Finally, Shattuck argues that the Superior Court erred in assessing civil penalties and modifying the injunctive relief. The Court assessed civil penalties of $5000 for each of the three reported incidents and modified the injunctive relief to prevent Shattuck from having contact with motel patrons. [¶ 23] We review the sanctions and the modification for abuse of discretion. See State v. DeCoster, 653 A.2d 891, 895 (Me.1995); Department of Envtl. Protection v. Emerson, 563 A.2d 762, 767-68 (Me.1989). Because this injunction is remedial in nature, the trial court has broad discretion to `fashion an appropriate remedy to do complete justice.' Moreover, `[t]he court's equitable powers assume an especially broad and flexible character when . . . the public interest is involved.' DeCoster, 653 A.2d at 895 (quoting State v. Bob Chambers Ford, Inc., 522 A.2d 362, 366-67 (Me.1987)). Significant sanctions may be appropriate to compel compliance with court orders and to protect the public. See Town of Bar Harbor v. Evans, 499 A.2d 157, 158 (Me.1985). [¶ 24] Here, the record is replete with evidence supporting the need for penalties and a modification of the injunctive relief. The court was faced with an individual who repeatedly threatened and abused the public, after being fined for doing so in 1994 and again in 1996. Shattuck negotiated and signed two consent decrees, agreeing to refrain from these abusive practices and yet continued to abuse the public and threaten unsuspecting patrons. Based on his continuing disregard for the court's orders, the Superior Court acted well within its broad discretion to assess civil penalties and to modify the injunctive relief. Because the court maintains the authority to amend the injunction after proper notice and an opportunity to be heard, Shattuck may seek relief from the injunction upon a showing that he will not continue to act in a manner that violates the Act. The entry is: Judgment affirmed.