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Third Circuit reverses Judge Guy Bradberry's decision to hold Ch - KPLC 7 News, Lake Charles… Page 1 of 3
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Third Circuit reverses Judge
Guy Bradberry's decision to
hold Christian Chesson in
contempt
Posted: Aug 27, 2015 8:15 PM CDT
Updated: Oct 26, 2015 8:15 PM CDT
CONNECT
By Johnathan Manning
NBR names
'Mad Max:
Fury Road' ...
LAKE CHARLES, LA (KPLC) - An appeals court overturned a district court judge's decision to
to hold a local attorney in contempt of court.
In April, Judge Guy Bradberry held Christian Chesson in contempt of court for videotaping
a court hearing in February. Bradberry made his ruling on April 28 after throwing Chesson
in jail on April 27 for showing up late to the originally scheduled hearing. The Third Circuit
Court of Appeal also stepped in in that situation, overturning Bradberry and letting
Chesson out of jail that afternoon.
High court's
Chesson ran for District Attorney election-year in November, losing to incumbent John DeRosier.
lineup rich ...
Judges Gene Thibodeaux and Sylvia Cooks overturned Bradberry's contempt ruling, while
Judge Elizabeth Pickett dissented. To read the Third Circuit's opinion, click HERE.
In it's opinion, the Third Circuit lists discrepancies in the date. Chesson was not present
for the Jan. 27 rape sentencing upon which Bradberry based his findings. There was no
evidence that Chesson recorded a rape victim at a Feb. 27 hearing, when Bradberry said
the recording took place. There was also no evidence that Chesson was present in court
on Jan. 12, the date listed on the motion ordering the contempt of court hearing.
On Feb. 23, when Chesson was in court, Bradberry discussed the matter at the bench, but
"nothing indicates, and it is not alleged, Mr. Chesson took any pictures or used his cell
phone after the judge spoke to him about the matter," the opinion reads.
Bradberry did not alert the courtroom that picture-taking and videoing was not
allowed, nor did he ask to see Chesson's cell phone to see if there were pictures of the
victim or the courtroom, the opinions reads.
The Third Circuit also said Chesson was not given proper notice nor was he or his lawyer
allowed to participate in the April 28 contempt of court hearing.
"Further, even if the allegation of contempt had tooth, Mr. Chesson was not accorded his
right to due process," the appeals judges said.
"Accordingly, the trial court's ruling of direct contempt is reversed and the unlawful
sentence imposed is vacated."
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