Infomercial pitchman Kevin Trudeau's attorney appeared Thursday before a three-judge appeals panel to try and keep his client out of jail on contempt charges.
In February U.S. District Judge Robert Gettleman sentenced Trudeau to 30 days in jail for directing his supporters to send a throng of emails to the the judge.
Veteran trial lawyer Kimball Anderson says Trudeau shouldn't have been held in contempt because there was no "factual obstruction of the administration of justice and no intent" to crash the judges computer.
But court-appointed lawyer Gary Feinerman -- who was recently nominated for the federal bench in Chicago -- argued Gettleman was forced to crack down hard on Trudeau because a number of the emails were angry and threatening.
"Wow, what a price you all will someday pay," one of the emails read.
Thursday's hearing lasted about an hour. The panel will issue a ruling in the next few weeks. In the meantime Trudeau is out on bond.
