What are the penalties for being in contempt of a court order?

Answer by  patti (29325)

It depends on the circumstances. There are a lot of different things that are "contempt." There are also guidelines for the penalties, depending on the court and the state, as well as the judge and exactly what happened.

Answer by  patti (29325)

It depends on several factors: the nature of the papers, the resulting delay, your past with the court and the judge's attitude in the case.

Answer by  patti (29325)

A judge determines the penalties for contempt, based on the situation and the circumstances. Forgetting to send the papers is quite different than a willful refusal to do so. Details will be taken into consideration in determining the consequences.

Answer by  MsLaw (63)

Penalties for contempt of court may vary drastically from one state to another. The punishment may also depend on the severity of the offense. Monetary penalties can be assessed and in some cases the person who is in contempt can be both fined and incarcerated. Ignoring the court's authority is a serious offense and is not tolerated under most circumstances.

Answer by  Platypus (180)

The judge has very wide discretion when it comes to contempt of court. The most common form of punishment is imprisonment, although sometimes a fine is levied. There is no limit to what a judge can do aside from the Constitutional right against cruel and unusual punishment.

Answer by  Atomicrayon (2504)

You'll likely have to spend a day or two in jail. At worst you'll have to pay some minor fines.

Answer by  palaeologus (564)

As a general matter, under traditional inherent contempt powers of trial courts, you can be jailed, or fined, or barred from maintaining a claim or a defense in a civil action, although the precise extent of those judicial powers to compel compliance with judgments varies among the 50 states.

Answer by  Bob98 (100)

The punishment for failing to follow a judge's order can range from a simple fine to an order of arrest. A judge will decide what is correct.