posted on Jun, 21 2011 @ 01:20 AM
reply to post by Liquesence
Yeah... you're right, it can get pretty damn confusing! I'm not a lawyer, so don't take anything I say as gospel. I have, unfortunately, received
an education on these kinds of matters in the states of Florida, Illinois, and Tennessee. If you go though the experience, and pay due attention, you
WILL learn quite a bit.
Matters of divorce, custody, and child support are all covered by "Civil Law". There has never been a "right" to a government appointed lawyer for
civil matters. All the US Supreme Court did, in this case, was reaffirm that.
If Mr. Turner had been charged with "criminal nonsupport", his case would have been heard in criminal court. If it was shown that he couldn't
afford a lawyer, he would have been entitled to one, and I'm sure one would have been appointed. Not all states have a provision for "criminal
nonsupport", and even those that do initially handle it as a civil matter.
Civil contempt is not a failure to comply with a law. It's a failure to comply with a court order. It's kind of like violating probation. There is
no trial for that either. You do not pass go! You do not collect $200! You might see a judge, but the bottom line is: You go straight to jail!
I hope this helps clear it up, I'm getting a headache. LOL
See ya, Milt