Increase the penalties for contempt of court in a magistrate court

The maximum fines for contempt of court were increased from $50 to $200 for a first offense, $100 to $500 for a second offense, and $100 to $1,000 for a third or subsequent offense.

The requirement for a defendant's presence or a valid court rule to show cause before imposing a fine was clarified to ensure due process is followed.

The previous draft text containing specific definitions of contempt acts and a detailed sentencing structure was removed in favor of the new legislative language.

The bill's applicability was broadened from specifically magistrate courts to all courts and judges.

New procedural requirements were added stating that a court cannot impose a fine for contempt unless the defendant is present in court or has been served with a rule to show cause and failed to appear.

The penalties section was updated to clarify the maximum fine is $1,000 and maximum imprisonment is 10 days, with options for a jury to determine the specific fine or imprisonment amount.

The provision allowing a magistrate to sentence a repeat offender under a different code section (§62-11A-1a) as an alternative to the standard penalty was deleted.

Conflicting text regarding fine amounts was corrected to clearly state the penalties for first, second, and subsequent offenses.

Official enrollment certification signatures and dates were removed as the bill reverted to a draft committee version.

A summary note explaining the bill's purpose was added to clarify the legislative intent.

Increased the maximum fine for a first contempt offense from $50 to $200.

Increased the maximum fine for a second contempt offense from $100 to $500.

Increased the maximum fine for a third or subsequent contempt offense from $100 to $1,000.

Added a new provision allowing magistrates to sentence individuals guilty of a third or subsequent offense to community service under §62-11A-1a as an alternative to jail time.

Clarified that appeals for contempt convictions must follow the procedures used in criminal cases.

Added a requirement that a defendant must be present in court or served with a rule to show cause before a fine can be imposed for contempt.

Fines for first, second, and third offenses were increased from $50/$100/$100 to $200/$500/$1,000 respectively.

Added a provision allowing up to ten days in county jail for third or subsequent offenses.

Added a specific sentence stating that appeals for contempt convictions follow the same process as criminal cases.

Added a new option for magistrates to sentence third or subsequent offenders under a separate code section (§62-11A-1a) as an alternative to the standard penalties.