Sec. 1-16

—Summary Criminal Contempt

Misbehavior or misconduct in the court’s presence causing an obstruction to the orderly administration of justice shall be summary criminal

contempt, and may be summarily adjudicated and

punished by fine or imprisonment, or both. Prior

to any finding of guilt, the judicial authority shall

inform the defendant of the charges against him

or her and inquire as to whether the defendant

has any cause to show why he or she should not

be adjudged guilty of summary criminal contempt

by presenting evidence of acquitting or mitigating

circumstances. Upon an adjudication, the judicial

authority shall immediately impose sentence of

not more than $100, or six months imprisonment,

or both for each contumacious act. Execution of

any sentence during the pendency of a trial or

hearing may be deferred to the close of proceedings.

(P.B. 1978-1997, Sec. 988.) (Amended June 28, 1999, to

take effect Jan. 1, 2000.)