Judge Weill holds public defenders in contempt

Hinds County Circuit Judge Jeff Weill today held Public Defender Michele Harris and Assistant Public Defender Greg Spore in contempt of court in a dispute with the Public Defenders Office.

Weill ordered Harris and Spore to pay a $100 contempt fine that he had initially suspended. Weill says the fine must be paid by noon Tuesday.

Weill had given a case that had been handled by the Public Defender's Office to a private attorney.

Spore objected. Weill told him to stand down. Spore said he wasn't going to stand down.

Weill threatened Spore with criminal contempt. He took a 15 minute break and said he will come back and deal with Spore.

Weill also refused to allow Assistant Public Defender Alison Kelly, who he said he didn't want handling cases anymore in his court.

Weill held Harris in contempt after she refused his request to stand down. Judge Weill had Harris removed from the courtroom by a bailiff after she refused to "stand down."

Harris said the client was assigned to her office and she won't stand down.