Pitchman's attorney appeals jail sentence

Informercial pitchman Kevin Trudeau's attorney has appeared before a three-judge appeals panel to try and keep his client out of jail.

U.S. District Judge Robert Gettleman earlier sentenced Trudeau to 30 days in jail for unleashing a flood of e-mails that locked up the federal judge's computer.

Veteran trial lawyer Kimball Anderson says Trudeau shouldn't have been held in contempt because he was nowhere near Gettleman's court when he urged his fans to fill the judge's computer with testimonials.

But court-appointed lawyer Gary Feinerman argued Gettleman was forced to crack down hard on Trudeau because a number of the emails were angry and threatening.

Thursday's hearing lasted about an hour. The panel will issue a ruling later.