In a first for 11th Circuit Court Judge Brian Rahilly, the judge has charged an attorney with contempt for not appearing to hearings in person.

George Hyde, an attorney out of Marquette, attended the hearing 20 minutes late through teleconferencing. He was representing Michael Seymour, who is facing a charge of operating while intoxicated – third offense and operating on a suspended license. Seymour was set to go to trial in May after the alleged incident more than a year ago.

Rahilly expressed his displeasure and raised his voice as he told the attorney that this was a habitual problem.

“This has happened all over the circuit. I’m sick and tired of having to chase you down,” the judge said.

Hyde said that while the docket required Seymour to appear in person, it did not specify whether or not the attorney needed to be in the courtroom. According to the docket provided by the 11th Circuit Court, the hearing was set for a final pretrial conference and plea cutoff with jury instructions to be finalized at the hearing if there was no other resolution. Further questions remain about the availability of video evidence from the alleged incident. The trial has been delayed.

Seymour asked the court if he could get a court-appointed attorney instead of Hyde, who he hired. Both Hyde and Rahilly agreed that Seymour would be able to seek new council.

Hyde was fined $350 for the incident.

In other court action, a number of cases were adjourned to a later date, including Clifford Kaja, who was arrested in Alger County’s first child sexually abusive cybersting.