YOUNGSTOWN — A judge has jailed a former Poland Avenue bar owner until further notice for arriving at court wearing blue jeans in violation of the judge’s previous command.
Judge R. Scott Krichbaum of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court ordered John Messer, owner of the former Riverbend Tavern, who had been free on $75,000 bond, to change into a red and white striped jail uniform before appearing at a pre-trial hearing on drug trafficking charges in the judge’s chambers.
“What are you doing here improperly dressed for my court?” the judge asked Messer at the start of today’s hearing.
“I’m sorry, your honor,” Messer replied.
“Sorry does not pay the rent. The last time you were here, you were advised to dress properly for this court,” the judge fumed. “You’re contemptuous. You’re making a bad mistake with me, mister,” the judge added.
For the complete story, see Friday's Vindicator and Vindy.com
Comments
“You’re contemptuous. You’re making a bad mistake with me, mister,” the judge added"
You are going to hurt this mans feelings Judge Krichbaum ! What happened to your sense of compassion that you have so generously used in the past ?
When a judge orders a defendant to do or not do something - that is a court order. Any idiot who brazenly defies a court order or a judge deserves to pay the price for being so heedless of the judge (a symbol of our justice system). As to dress codes, I suspect the patrons in the bar you reference have supported the hat ban for their own reasons. In several fraternal or social clubs, hats are removed in deference and respect to departed members. Again, a symbol of respect.
From your screen name, I would deduce that you admire or are a fan of Eminem. The lyrics of his music make the level of his respect for most things apparent. Judge Krichbaum is one of the jurists around here who doesn't take much B.S. and who will deal aggressively with criminals and other assorted miscreants. The next time you appear before him, be sure to tell him how stupid his dress code is....
Heard_it_all says "When a judge orders a defendant to do or not do something - that is a court order"
What gives the judge the authority to dictate what the defendant wears? Can he order him to get a haircut? Bath? Shave? When we start to allow pompous judges like Krichbaum to make such decisions, we start down the slippery slope of dictatorship from the bench.
If one wishes to fully exercise his/her rights, perhaps s/he should stay out of court. I hear ther's a lot more freedom when you are not committing felonies that require a 75K bond.