What it Means to be in Contempt of Court?
While generally only being referred to as contempt instead of contempt in court, contempt is indeed bad when it comes to being in a court of law. Generally, the meaning of such includes behavior or action inside the court which the presiding judge finds to be abhorrent. It is not as much an accusation as much as it is a ruling by the judge to one of the parties that is present. It does not necessarily just pertain to those that are accused either, any person that actively misbehaves in the court by:
- Disrespect towards offers or the judge
- Defying the dignity of the court
- Committing to any action that interrupts the court
- Failing to comply with a court order
Being in contempt carries with it a broad array of punishments depending on the severity of actions. The punishment is also determined by the kind of hearing and the judge, who may give a very light punishment if one at all or a heavy-handed one. Normally, a verbal and sometimes written agreement is all it takes to clear a person from legal consequences. However, persons involved in court appearances are expected to have a form of decorum that befits them. Owen’s Bonding Co. in Wichita, KS can help by providing further information for contempt or by assisting through bail bonds. Call 866-830-2663 today for our services.
Is Contempt of Court a Misdemeanor or a Felony?
As mentioned, the exact punishment for contempt is broad and depends highly on varying factors. Normally, it is a misdemeanor that can be bumped up to a felony depending on the severity. Owen’s Bonding Co. offers misdemeanor bail for those that need assistance in such situations around Wichita, KS. When it settles on contempt and jail time, the court has the capability to punish persons guilty of such with 180 days. Other punishments can include:
- Fines
- Modification of relevant legal decision
- Relative charges being increased
- Community service
It should be stressed that a person generally has the capability to lighten their punishment through their own behavior. However, upon being held in contempt, the aforementioned punishments apply. If it were in a divorce or custody court, the relative punishment would be incurred on the guilty party. This includes the side not accused of contempt garnering a better footing in the legal dispute. When it comes to a person that is already charged, contempt can make the issue a bit worse by adding itself into the pool of charges against the accused. As mentioned, there generally are ways to make amends with the court like agreeing to certain terms after the contempt charge is made or simply apologizing if the judge asks for it.
How do you Fight Contempt of Court?
When the decision is made to fight a contempt of court motion, the wording and legal jargon can be a bit more confusing. This is because both the judge and the other side of the legal conflict can both individually set a motion of contempt in court which can generally not be fought. However, if it is just the other side of the legal argument making an accusation of contempt, the responding party can make a plea to dismiss it. As it pertains to a judge, one can make a motion to dismiss it, but it is up to the presiding officer or the courts in general. When it comes to civil contempt, the person that is accused of such will tend to receive prison time, a fine, or both. The good news out of this is that it does not go on your record, generally. That mentioned, if a person continuously refuses to act by the decision of the court, they can be held in contempt for a prolonged period of time which will keep the in a constant state of punishment depending on the severity.
What can I Expect at a Contempt Hearing?
How a contempt hearing takes place tends to be in disputes that involve the court priorly. An example being one member of a divorced couple refusing to pay child support and the other parent gets a hearing for the legal dispute. When this occurs, one can expect harsher punishments from what was previously mentioned. Due to a person neglecting to obey the rule of law and the courts system, harsher punishments can be expected if compliance or a sufficient legal argument is not provided. These punishments can include a longer prison sentence and harsher fines among others depending on what the legal dispute is about.
Generally, if contempt is ruled in a court then the accused will show up at a later date if the conflict is not resolved. This is particularly problematic, especially if the same judge that dished out the punishment is presiding, because it can be seen as an issue that could be prevented by most legal officials. As mentioned, a person can face a lineup of charges that span from minor to major depending on the severity of the disturbance. When you find yourself in contempt, contact Owen’s Bonding Co. in Wichita, KS. We can be reached through 866-830-2663 for bail services and more.