In re: Joseph I. Lamontagne

Syllabus

The defendant, Joseph I. Lamontagne, appealed from an order adjudicating him in criminal contempt, contending that his exclamations during his criminal sentencing did not warrant a finding of contempt and that the sentence imposed for contempt violated the constitution. The Supreme Court held that the trial justice did not abuse her discretion when she found that the defendant's actions constituted criminal contempt. However, the Court agreed with the defendant that the sentence imposed for contempt was unconstitutional. Accordingly, the Court remanded the case to the Superior Court for resentencing, or for a trial as to the contempt charge.