Lawyer Ponies Up Charity Money In Lieu Of Contempt Finding for Using Profanity in Court

A Texas defense lawyer who in September was slapped with a contempt of court order with the threat of jail time because he used profanity in court, has struck a deal with the judge.

Instead of a contempt finding, $1,250 fine and 10 days in jail, Austin lawyer Edmund "Skip" Davis will contribute to two charities, the Austin American-Statesman reports.

Davis drew the ire of District Judge Charlie Baird after saying "I love this [expletive]" in front of jurors in a child injury case, then denying he said the foul word.

Baird explained to the publication that he was relaxing the punishment because he became convinced that a contempt finding would make it more difficult for Davis to practice in some jurisdictions.

Under the deal, Davis agreed to pay $500 to the food pantry at the St. Ignatius, Martyr, Catholic Church (a charity Davis chose) and $750 to Meals on Wheels (a charity Baird chose). In addition, Davis will work five days for Habitat For Humanity.