Represented client in seeking damages for breach of commercial real estate lease. Judge Michael Noble on Thursday moved to hold St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner and Assistant Circuit Attorney Chris Desilets in "indirect criminal contempt" of court after her office failed . 2013)(upholding complaint for wrongful termination and breach of fiduciary duty). 2012)(Franchisee Association had right to sue franchisor). Im trying to bring order to this circuit, he said. Example video title will go here for this video. The case in question involves the shooting of an 11-year-old girl in October 2020. Attorney Gardiner is Spanish speaking and his entire staff is bilingual. Michael lives in New York City with his wife, Christine. COVID-19 Legal Round Up and Looming 2022 Deadlines, Virginias COVID-19 Enforcement Efforts: An Inside Look. 16 Margraff Ct. Oradell, NJ, 07649-1953. AcceptWe use cookies to improve our website experience and analyze site traffic. The Court vacated the judgment for the defendant and remanded for further proceedings. Mirza Michael Reazuddin, who currently resides in Lawrenceville, Georgia, was charged in an 11-count indictment returned under seal by a . 1994)(franchisees case could proceed despite franchise agreement provisions stating it could not). Michael has 1 job listed on their profile. View Michael Gardner's profile on LinkedIn, the world's largest professional community. 2, Fall 2013 (co-authored with Elliot Ginsburg). LOUIS St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner is saying a series of missteps by her assistant prosecutors and possibly the jury trial supervisor led to her office not showing up for a murder. Over the past decade, Gardner Capital has become one of the largest affordable housing developers in the United States, added a rapidly growing solar portfolio, and placed over $3 billion in equity investments. To that end, he serves as an active member of various tax credit industry and charity organizations, including the Board of Directors of the National Housing & Rehabilitation Association (NH&RA), the Board of St. Louis Childrens Hospital, and Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis. Michael represented a Ghana family pro bono in obtaining over $1.85 million from the September 11 Victims Compensation Fund. Although the Department of Justice sought damages and penalties well in excess of $100 million, the matter settled for low seven figures. Vincent has been charged with first-degree assault and multiple counts of armed criminal action and unlawful use of a weapon. Gardner Office 952 East Lincoln Lane Gardner, KS 66030 Open Monday - Thursday Phone: 913-856-2828 Fax: 913-856-5666. . As Judge Michael Noble concluded the hearing, he said Gardner's office "appears to be a rudderless ship of chaos. 800.552.4529 shooting of an 11-year-old girl in October 2020. why he didn't show up for a first-degree murder trial, Former St. Louis prosecutor argues City of St. Louis, not Circuit Attorney, should decide whether she can cooperate with subpoena, Jones vows modern city government, pledges incremental progress that 'won't happen overnight', 'This is a smear campaign': Former St. Louis prosecutor says leaked report on sexual assault aimed to discredit her. His writings have been cited by several courts, including the United States Supreme Court. Michael was lead trial counsel for an international energy company, and after a six-day trial, defeated an effort by a private equity firm to have the Delaware courts compel a sale of the multibillion-dollar company. According to new court filings, another employee of the Circuit Attorneys Office told the court that Desilets had a knee injury and was on the way to the doctor. In re City of Stockton, California, United States Bankruptcy Court, Eastern District of California, Case No. Can Employers Follow CDCs Vaccination or Mask Rule? 2015)(Franchisor could not prevent franchisee from suing for fraud by requiring it to sign away its rights). Pool photo by Robert Cohen, rcohen@post-dispatch.com, Prosecutor Chris Desilets, standing, listens as Rob Huq, the chief misdemeanor officer in the St. Louis circuit attorneys office, answers questions from Judge Michael Noble during a contempt of court case against St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kimberly M. Gardner at the Carnahan Courthouse on Thursday, April 27, 2023. The business address is 16 Marggraff CT, Oradell, NJ 07649-1953. . Following a trial in the US Immigration Court, Michael obtained an award of asylum for his pro bono client, a refugee from the Rwandan genocide. 604804/99). He focuses his practice almost exclusively on labor and employment issues and has represented clients large and small, public and private, in state and federal courts in the Mid-Atlantic and beyond. He has also been recognized as a Virginia Super Lawyer since 2016 as a Virginia Business magazine Legal Elite since 2018. Katie Kull covers St. Louis city and federal courts for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. It does not appear she has made any reasonable efforts to prevent the resulting chaos. Desilets said it had "been a while" since he talked to the victims and Huq said he didn't know the answer to the judge's question. SITEMAP. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. Find Nearby Lawyers About Contact Litigation Strategies, (with Jonathan Solish), Twelfth Annual Forum on Franchising, Forum Committee on Franchising, 1989. He provides compassionate and thoughtful guidance to help ease your mind during a stressful chapter of your life. Michael litigated one of the largest bankruptcy proceedings ever brought in the District of Massachusetts involving claims owed on International Place, a premier office tower in Boston. All rights reserved. While a large percentage of our clients come from the Hispanic community, we do not limit our representation solely to members of the immigrant and migrant communities. The Tides of Franchising, (with John F. Dienelt and Susan Cahoon), Seventeenth Annual Forum on Franchising, 1994. Mr. Gardner is committed to improving the wellbeing of families by providing affordable housing and clean, reliable energy. Essentials of Registration and Disclosure for Litigators (with Kim A. Lambert) 1998 Annual Forum on Franchising. State of New York v. Barrett Wissman (state court, New York, New York) Representing the nations largest laboratory testing corporation and its board of directors, Michael won a complete dismissal of a shareholder derivative action seeking over $300 million in damages. Negotiated transition from hardware sales/software licensing model to Software as a Service structure resulting in long term contract for contractor. Planning for the New Administration, Charlottesville SHRM | 2021 Legal Update, Charlottesville SHRM | Airtight Writing: Protect Your Workplace and Your Employees with Better Job Descriptions, Virginia Tech Roanoke Center | Airtight Writing: Protect Your Workplace and Your Employees with Better Job Descriptions, Virginia Tech Roanoke Center | Emergency Leave and FLSA: Post COVID-19 and Beyond, Blue Ridge HR Association | Virginias New Workplace Laws, Blue Ridge HR Association | Legal Seminar, Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police | 2020 New Chiefs/Deputy Chiefs Training School: FLSA, ADA, & FMLA, Virginia MGMA | HR-Employee Evaluations, Interview Techniques, Hiring the Right Person, SW Virginia SHRM | Negligent Hiring & Negligent Retention, Blue Ridge HR Association | Employment Law Seminar, Virginia Employment Commission | Wage & Hour, FLSA, and FMLA, Va. Association of Chiefs of Police | Employment Law Update, Stronger Together: WRVB 2022 Labor & Employment Seminars, 40th Annual Labor & Employment Webinar Series, HR LifeLine: 2020 Labor & Employment Webinar Series, 37th Annual Labor & Employment Seminar Series. Over three dozen presentations and classes at the ABA Forum on Franchising, the IFA Legal Symposium, Practicing Law Institute and National Franchise Association. Mike holds Martindale-Hubbells AV Preeminentratingthe highest possiblein both legal ability and ethical standards. This Court has received no information from the Circuit Attorney's Office regarding this matter, nor defense counsel.". It appears that Ms. Gardner has complete indifference and a conscious disregard for the judicial process.. | Hired Attorney. Shops Dunhill Ratel, LLC v. Apple Texas Restaurants, Inc. (state court, Dallas, Texas) Can't find what you are looking for? We have locally elected prosecutors. The contempt hearing is scheduled for May 30 at 9:30 a.m. Gardner was not present at the hearing Thursday. Twenty Five Years of Franchising: Where Have We Been and Where are We going? (with three other authors) 25th Annual Forum on Franchising, 2002. Represented private equity fund managers and private equity funds in defending against RICO and fraud claims asserted by minority owner of portfolio company. He blamed Gardner for not staying on top of it. Michael is representing a major real estate investment fund in an Illinois action seeking to overturn a multi-million dollar rent price determination based on a neutral appraisers report due to a fundamental mistake in the report. Mirza Michael Reazuddin, 65, who currently resides in Lawrenceville, Georgia, was charged in an 11-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Mo., on April 4, 2023. Noble held the hearing to determine why Desilets did not appear twice for a hearing in an assault case. Hollywood Casino Corp., Shreveport v. Lexington Ins. Co. (federal and state court, Dallas, Texas) Franchise Desk Book, (Editor) (American Bar Association, 2001). It would be only the latest wrinkle in a case that has captivated the region in recent weeks. Noble set the case for a hearing on May 30, when a special prosecutor will present the evidence. J.D., Doctor of Jurisprudence, Columbia University, New York, New York John P. Rochon, et al. Steven Linell Vincent Jr., 28, was charged in 2021 with four counts each of armed criminal action and unlawful use of a weapon after a gunshot went through the 11-year-olds bedroom window and hit her in the arm. A St. Louis judge has ruled that Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner and an assistant must face allegations of indirect contempt of court after prosecutors failed to show up for two hearings in a felony case. A former Overland Park, Kansas, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for receiving more than $800,000 in fraudulent business loans under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. 33, no. Areas of Practice Family Law 55% Civil Litigation 20% Criminal defense 15% Personal Injury 10% Bar Admissions Gardner was not in court for Thursdays proceedings, sending another assistant to represent the office. He has been a featured speaker before the American Association of Franchisees and Dealers, International Franchise Association, the American Bar Association Forum on Franchising, the Practicing Law Institute, the National Franchise Law Institute and various other bar and franchise industry associations. Obtained affirmance of the dismissal on appeal to the Sixth Circuit. W. Michael Garner has practiced franchise and distribution law for over thirty years and is regarded as one of the nations premier trial lawyers and legal writers in the field. Vincent's defense attorney also asked the judge to dismiss the case for failure to prosecute, a motion the court denied until verification of Desilet's alleged medical issues, Noble said. Those issues reached a boiling point in recent months when the handling of a robbery case sparked calls for Gardners resignation. Ste 100. (American Bar Association, 2012). He was awarded this distinction for 2016 - 2020. Franchise & Distribution Law & Practice, 3 vols., (West, 1990), with annual supplements. Judge Michael Noble sets a hearing date to continue the contempt of court case against Circuit Attorney Kimberly M. Gardner. By the time he made it to Nobles courtroom, the door was locked the judge had already wrapped up court for the morning. Legal practice includes personal injury, business law and estate planning. The only thing that might work is if the governor appoints a team of state prosecutors and just leaves her alone," Walker said. Michael is an excellent and effective litigator. See,Evanthea Demoulas v. Sullivan. The Law Office of Michael K. Gardiner serves the legal needs of the entire West Michigan community, including Grand Rapids, Muskegon . While litigation is sometimes unavoidable, Mike emphasizes a proactive and preventative approach to employment issues in an effort to minimize the costs and disruptions litigation can impose on a business. Many of our nations 18 million veterans experience significant day-to-day challenges related to their time in the military. "Furthermore, on the morning of trial on April 10, Mr. Desilets alleged, through another Assistant Circuit Attorney, that he had a medical issue. Noble asked Desilets why he didnt inform the court that he was running late, and Desilets said it is common practice in St. Louis courts for attorneys to bounce between judges and divisions for hearings on any given day. Escalated to Claim and appealed to ASBCA. Contract negotiation, contract administration advice and compliance counseling for aviation support work in Saudi Arabia, Set up outside board of director for foreign owned company and facilitated acquisition of facility security clearance from Defense Security Service., Lieutenant Commander, United States Coast Guard, 1978-1991, Admiralty and Environmental Law, 2001-2007, Transportation/Admiralty/Intermodal, 2006, Chair, Shipbuilding and Ship Repair, 2000-2012, Proctor, Maritime Law Association of the United States, 1994-present, J.D., The College of William & Mary, 1986, B.S., with honors, U.S. Coast Guard Academy, 1978. The Law Office of Michael K. Gardiner, serves the legal needs of the entire West Michigan community, including Grand Rapids, Muskegon, Holland, St. Joseph, and Kalamazoo. We are currently serving as co-counsel with the ACLU of Massachusetts, the Massachusetts Attorney Generals office, and others in a lawsuit against the presidents executive order curbing immigration by refugees and others traveling from seven majority Muslim countries. Office 651.430.7150. Hammond Properties, Inc. v. Shelton Dunhill, Ltd. (state court, Dallas, Texas) 314.561.5900 | [emailprotected] | 2023 Gardner Capital, Upward mobility & direct community investment. He has experience working with contract negotiations, bid protests, claims and dispute resolution at GAO, the Court of Federal Claims and the Boards of Contract, and has provided compliance support related to the Federal Acquisition Regulations, ITAR, the Defense Security Service, and the Defense Contract Audit Agency. Review Michael. View attorney's profile for reviews, office locations, and contact information. And there's not a judge that is going to sentence her, at least not to jail. AV, AV Preeminent, Martindale-Hubbell DistinguishedSM and Martindale-Hubbell NotableSM are certification marks used under license in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Sugar Land, Texas attorney Michael B. Gardner. A week before trial, and following the filing of Michaels trial memo, the state Attorney General acknowledged it had no defense and consented to the entry of a declaratory judgment in favor of Michaels client. So, he said he was basing his decision to proceed to a contempt hearing on Huq's responses to his questions -- many of which Huq could not answer. Benchmark Litigationhas recognized 13 Mintz Members as Litigation Stars in its newly released2023 guide to the leading litigation firms and lawyers in the U.S. Fifty-three Mintz attorneys have been named Massachusetts Super Lawyers for 2016 and thirty-one have been named Massachusetts Rising Stars. Michael defended a leading national health care company in a False Claims Act action brought in federal court in South Carolina. Pool video courte. Michael then negotiated a settlement with the SEC of all claims, without any admission of guilt by the client. Judge Michael Noble decided to appoint a special prosecutor during a hearing on Thursday after saying there is sufficient evidence that the Circuit Attorneys Office disrespected the judicial process. Gardner Haas is a top litigation boutique. Life after Death: Renewal Rights and Remedies, (with J. Michael Dady), Thirteenth Annual Forum on Franchising, 1990. The Law Offices of Michael R. Gardner 1983 - Present Education. Novus Franchising, Inc. v. Oksendahl, 2008 WL 835681 (D. Minn. 2008)(court struck down franchisee non-compete), Heisel v. John Deere Const. LOUIS (KMOV) - A special prosecutor will decide if St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner will be held in contempt of court. Seton Hall University School of Law N/A Attorney endorsements. (federal bankruptcy court, Fort Worth, Texas) Represented former CEO of Mary Kay and others in prosecuting claims against former employer for millions of dollars of compensation and carried interest pursuant to various agreements. Catchers once in a lifetime lunge saves Cardinals, Another St. Louis judge files to hold Kim Gardner in contempt of court, Governor threatens to keep Missouri lawmakers in session over transgender rules, Barat Academy in Chesterfield to close after years of financial troubles, Court records online include private information for thousands of Missouri residents, The world watches (and makes donations) as St. Louis bald eagle raises eaglet from a rock, Archdiocese releases third draft of proposed changes to St. Louis parishes. See,Energy Capital Partners v. United States, 47 Fed. Representing the nations largest hospital chain, Michael along with co-counsel successfully defeated an effort to enjoin the clients $33 billion leveraged buyout, the second largest LBO in American history. Practices Child custody, Lawsuits and disputes, Child support. Nailing the Blob of Mercury: Goodwill in Franchising, Franchise Law Journal, vol. St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kimberly M. Gardner. Judge Michael Noble sets a hearing date to continue the contempt of court case against Circuit Attorney Kimberly M. Gardner. The Joint Session Essential or Irrelevant?, March 11, 2014, Dallas Bar Association Alternative Dispute Resolution Section. No one was found in contempt of court in that hearing. Brian attended the University of Kansas and went on to complete his law degree from the University of Kansas School of Law. 10-CV-1692). The judge in the case said an attorney in Gardners office, Chris Desilets, did not show up for trial on April 10 or a counsel status hearing on Monday. Lawyer case results depend upon a variety of factors unique to each case. This comes after a separate hearing earlier this week in which another attorney with Gardner's office explained to a judge why he didn't show up for a first-degree murder trial. Encroachment: The Thorn in Every Franchisors Side, (with Rupert M. Barkoff), Sixteenth Annual Forum on Franchising, 1993. Judge Michael Noble said evidence suggested Gardner and her assistant, Christopher Desilets, were guilty of indirect criminal contempt after Desilets didn't show up for a scheduled trial and a subsequent hearing earlier this week. "Chris Desilets failed to appear for either appearance and failed to file a motion to continue," according to Noble's filing. Christopher Desiltes is the assistant circuit attorney assigned to the case of Steven Vincent Jr., who faces several felony charges in an October 2020 shooting that wounded an 11-year-old. Prosecutor Chris Desilets, standing, looks over exhibits with Rob Huq, the chief misdemeanor officer in the St. Louis circuit attorney's office, during Judge Michael Noble's contempt of court case against St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kimberly M. Gardner at the Mel Carnahan Courthouse on Thursday, April 27, 2023. The current status is Currently registered. Gardners attorney, Michael Downey, was also present. There is sufficient evidence of disdain and disrespect for the judicial process to determine that both Ms. Gardner and Mr. Desilets conduct support a finding of indirect criminal contempt.. Michael Gardner and Eric Haas are both outstanding lawyers and get great results. Major: English. "If a Court allows such disobedience to continue, then its orders will become ineffective, thereby undermining the judicial system," Noble said. Attorney Gardiner is Spanish speaking and his entire staff is bilingual. Fantastic Sams Franchise Corp. v. FSRO Assn Ltd., 683 F.3d 18 (1st Cir. Michael is representing a leading genetics laboratory in an investigation by several state Attorneys General and a federal agency regarding the companys billing and marketing practices. After being retained to represent one of the nations largest health care providers that had received a criminal target letter from the US Attorneys Office, Michael was able to persuade the government to drop the case entirely against his client. 06-E-583. Dont Pay That Legal Bill On An Hourly Basis,Dallas Business Journal,June 14, 2009, Justicia Para Todos Ensuring Due Process for Linguistic Minorities, Coauthor,Utah Bar Journal, U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Texas, U.S. District Court, Western District of Wisconsin, U.S. District Court, Northern District of Illinois, U.S. District Court, Northern District of Maryland. Find reviews, educational history and legal experience. Judge Michael Noble speaks during a contempt of court hearing against St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner at the Carnahan Courthouse on Thursday. v. Pharos Capital Partners, L.P., et al. Any prudent practitioner would expect such a caseload to create countless irreconcilable conflicts. Evidentiary and Trial Issues in Franchise Cases, (with Carmen D. Caruso, Jon P. Christiansen, Steven Goode and Robin M. Spencer), 31st Annual Forum on Franchising, 2008. Monday, a judge chose not to hold Gardner in contempt for her office missing a murder trial. Desilets said he was late as are all attorneys in this circuit routinely because they cant be in multiple places at the same time, adding that "every lawyer is late to a division every day, unless hes unemployed.". But Millikan also made it clear that he expected the office to get its staffing issues fixed. (federal court, Marshall, Texas) Attorney Gardiner is Spanish speaking and his entire staff is bilingual. St. Louis Public Radio | We specialize in handling legal issues involving Immigration (residency, citizenship, employment authorizations, family petitions, DACA) andAuto Accidents (car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents). Contract negotiation, counseling and compliance advice for multi-year training contract in Nigeria. Attorney Mike Gardner has served injured people in Texas for over 30 years. . Sugar Land, TX 77479. Learn Michael's areas of practice. A preliminary injunction stopping the termination of a heavy equipment dealer. With decades of experience in the field of franchise law, W. Michael Garner has become the authority on the subject. Prior to his private law practice, Mike served as a Coast Guard line officer supporting Coast Guard operations in Europe, Africa, and South America. It appears that Ms. Gardner has a complete indifference to, and a conscious disregard of, the judicial process.. SeeCornish v. Britell, N.J. Chancery Court, Docket No. United States v. ASCAP: The Licensing Provisions of the Amended Final Judgment of 1950, Bulletin of the Copyright Society of the United States, February 1976. Mobile 612.382.7584. Michael Gardner graduated in 2010 from Washington and Lee University School of Law. Subscribe with this special offer to keep reading, (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). Michael S. Gardener Member MSGardener@mintz.com +1.617.348.1642 Share: Michael specializes in complex civil and criminal litigation and class actions, representing Fortune 100 corporations, health care companies, real estate developers and financial institutions in courts across the country. Practice areas. This honor is bestowed from confidential surveys of members of the Bar and Judiciary. New York University School of Law, New York, New York "Additionally, Mr. Desilets did not appear for the status conference on April 24 at which his alleged medical issues were to be discussed. . Through our pro bono legal counsel and the firms community services, including a holiday gift drive for veterans, we assist many nonprofit and advocacy organizations working to improve veterans lives. Jurisdiction, Choice of Law and Choice of Venue in the Wake of Burger King Corp. v. Rudzewicz, 3 Franchise Legal Digest 19, May-June 1987. See, In re Fort Hill Square Associates, United States Bankruptcy Court, District of Massachusetts, Docket Nos. Cardinals latest, deflating loss compounds concerns, Man shot, killed near Kiener Plaza in downtown St. Louis, What was Andrew Knizner thinking? Michael represented the CFO of a high-tech company for alleged unlawful backdating of stock options for hundreds of employees. Following almost two weeks of hearings, Michael won an award of $10.2 million from a three-member arbitration panel in a manufacturing dispute in Pennsylvania. Represented inventor and patent owner in obtaining discovery in patent infringement action. Nobles decision marked the latest legal controversy for Gardner, whose office has been criticized for years for understaffing and dysfunction. There is an effort to block her from running again if Bailey is successful. The right of franchisees to enforce their franchise agreement despite the franchisors efforts to change their rights in the operations manuals. Represented defendant in connection with the New York Attorney Generals highly publicized investigation and prosecution of allegations of corruption of the Office of the New York Comptroller and the New York State Common Retirement System by managers of alternative investment funds, state officials, and certain other politically connected individuals. The Gardner Law Firm, P.C. Tell us how we can help you Connect with the law office of Stockton & Kandt LLC today and provide us with insight about your case to get started today. On Thursday, Noble said the evidence supports holding Gardner in contempt. By continuing to use this website, you consent to the use of cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy. LOCATION: New York v. The Lodge at Mountain Village Owners Association, Inc. (state court, Telluride, Colorado, and state appellate court, Denver, Colorado) Tenn. 2000)(court refused to dismiss case), ITT Sheraton Corp. v. Lanco Inns, Inc., 1998 WL 187430 (N.D.N.Y. Desilets will have the right to hire his own attorney, while Downey will likely continue to represent Gardner. Noble held the hearing to determine why Desilets did not appear twice for a hearing in an assault case. Andersen v. Griswold, 2015 WL 10739349 (N.D. Cal. Franchise and Dealer Agreements under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code, 59 American Bankruptcy Law Journal 88 1985, reprinted in 1 Franchise Law Review (1986); 4 Franchise Legal Digest 16 (July/August 1986). He told Noble on Thursday that he had to take care of business in front of another judge for a trial setting that morning, but once he finished up there, he showed up to Nobles courtroom and the doors were locked. wmgarner@yourfranchiselawyer.com, Lewis Rudnick Award for Lifetime Achievement in Franchise Law, presented by the American Bar Association, Forum on Franchising, 2015, Chairmans Award, American Association of Franchisees and Dealers, For Distinguished Contributions to the Franchise Community, 2004, Named on the 2021 Legal Eagles list for the FranchiseTimes Legal Eagles. Jun 2003 - Present19 years 10 months. (Also represented same person in related matters with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and the New Mexico State Investment Council). Gardner was not in court for Thursdays hearing but sent a deputy, Rob Huq, in her place. MRS-C-155-11. Represented owner as special litigation counsel in bankruptcy, including weeklong estimation hearing. Destination Telluride Hotel, LLC, et al. 18-cv-33307.. Ct., Rockingham CO., Docket No. In re M Waikiki LLC(federal bankruptcy court, Honolulu, Hawaii) See,Anonymous v. Hinderstein, et al., (NY Sup. His trial was supposed to begin on April 10, but Desilets did not appear. Calling the office a rudderless ship of chaos, Noble set a hearing date to continue the contempt of court case against Gardner.