Criminal Defense Lawyers

What is Contempt of Court?

In simple terms, contempt of court refers to any behavior that disrespects, defies, or disrupts the authority of a court or interferes with its orderly process. This can include:

• Disrupting court proceedings
• Disobeying a court order
• Refusing to answer questions as a witness
• Intimidating or threatening other parties involved in the case

Contempt of court is a serious offense that can result in fines, imprisonment, or both. It’s important to understand that ANYONE involved in a court proceeding – whether you’re a defendant, plaintiff, witness, or attorney – can be held in contempt if your actions are deemed disrespectful or disruptive.

Types of Contempt of Court in New York

In New York, contempt of court is divided into two main categories: civil contempt and criminal contempt.

Civil Contempt

Civil contempt occurs when an individual willfully disobeys a court order, resulting in harm or loss to another party in the case. For example, if a defendant in a divorce case refuses to pay court-ordered child support, they could be held in civil contempt.The purpose of civil contempt is to coerce compliance with a court order and compensate the aggrieved party for any losses suffered as a result of the contemptuous behavior. Penalties for civil contempt may include fines, imprisonment, or both, but the contemnor can usually avoid these consequences by complying with the court order.

Criminal Contempt

Criminal contempt, on the other hand, is an offense against the dignity and authority of the court itself. This can include:

• Disrupting court proceedings
• Threatening or intimidating court personnel, witnesses, or other parties
• Lying under oath
• Refusing to answer questions as a witness
• Disobeying a court order with the intent to obstruct justice

Criminal contempt is punishable by fines, imprisonment, or both, and the penalties are generally more severe than those for civil contempt. In New York, criminal contempt can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the severity of the offense.

Christine Twomey

2024-03-21

Just had my Divorce case settled 2 months ago after having a horrible experience with another firm. I couldn’t be happier with Claire Banks and Elizabeth Garvey with their outstanding professionalism in doing so with Spodek Law Group. Any time I needed questions answered they were always prompt in doing so with all my uncertainties after 30 yrs of marriage.I feel from the bottom of my heart you will NOT be disappointed with either one. Thanks a million.

Brendan huisman

2024-03-18

Alex Zhik contacted me almost immediately when I reached out to Spodek for a consultation and was able to effectively communicate the path forward/consequences of my legal issue. I immediately agreed to hire Alex for his services and did not regret my choice. He was able to cover my case in court (with 1 day notice) and not only was he able to push my case down, he carefully negotiated a dismissal of the charge altogether. I highly recommend Spodek, and more specifically, Alex Zhik for all of your legal issues. Thanks guys!

Guerline Menard

2024-03-18

Thanks again Spodek law firm, particularly Esq Claire Banks who stood right there with us up to the finish line. Attached photos taken right outside of the court building and the smile on our faces represented victory, a breath of fresh air and satisfaction. We are very happy that this is over and we can move on with our lives. Thanks Spodek law 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙌🏼❤️

Keisha Parris

2024-03-15

Believe every single review here about Alex Z!! From our initial consultation, it was evident that Alex possessed a profound understanding of criminal law and a fierce dedication to his clients rights. Throughout the entirety of my case, Alex exhibited unparalleled professionalism and unwavering commitment. What sets Alex apart is not only his legal expertise but also his genuine compassion for his clients. He took the time to thoroughly explain my case, alleviating any concerns I had along the way. His exact words were “I’m not worried about it”. His unwavering support and guidance were invaluable throughout the entire process. I am immensely grateful for Alex's exceptional legal representation and wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone in need of a skilled criminal defense attorney. Alex Z is not just a lawyer; he is a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of the legal system. If you find yourself in need of a dedicated and competent legal advocate, look no further than Alex Z.

Taïko Beauty

2024-03-15

I don’t know where to start, I can write a novel about this firm, but one thing I will say is that having my best interest was their main priority since the beginning of my case which was back in Winter 2019. Miss Claire Banks, one of the best Attorneys in the firm represented me very well and was very professional, respectful, and truthful. Not once did she leave me in the dark, in fact she presented all options and routes that could possibly be considered for my case and she reinsured me that no matter what I decided to do, her and the team will have my back and that’s exactly what happened. Not only will I be liberated from this case, also, I will enjoy my freedom and continue to be a mother to my first born son and will have no restrictions with accomplishing my goals in life. Now that’s what I call victory!! I thank the Lord, My mother, Claire, and the Spodek team for standing by me and fighting with me. Words can’t describe how grateful I am to have the opportunity to work with this team. I’m very satisfied, very pleased with their performance, their hard work, and their diligence. Thank you team!

Anthony Williams

2024-03-12

Hey, how you guys doing? Good afternoon my name is Anthony Williams I just want to give a great shout out to the team of. Spodek law group. It is such a honor to use them and to use their assistance through this whole case from start to finish. They did everything that they said they was gonna do and if it ever comes down to it, if I ever have to use them again, hands-down they will be the first law office at the top of my list, thank you guys so much. It was a pleasure having you guys by my side so if you guys ever need them, do not hesitate to pick up the phone and give them a call.

Loveth Okpedo

2024-03-12

Very professional, very transparent, over all a great experience

Bee L

2024-02-28

Amazing experience with Spodek! Very professional lawyers who take your case seriously. They treated me with respect, were always available, and answered any and all questions. They were able to help me very successfully and removed a huge stress. Highly recommend.

divesh patel

2024-02-24

I can't recommend Alex Zhik and Spodek Law Firm highly enough for their exceptional legal representation and personal mentorship. From the moment I engaged their services in October 2022, Alex took the time to understand my case thoroughly and provided guidance every step of the way. Alex's dedication to my case went above and beyond my expectations. His expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome were evident throughout the entire process. He took the time to mentor me, ensuring I understood the legal complexities involved to make informed decisions. Alex is the kind of guy you would want to have a beer with and has made a meaningful impact on me. I also want to acknowledge Todd Spodek, the leader of the firm, who played a crucial role in my case. His leadership and support bolstered the efforts of Alex, and his involvement highlighted the firm's commitment to excellence. Thanks to Alex Zhik and Todd Spodek, I achieved the outcome I desired, and I am incredibly grateful for their professionalism, expertise, and genuine care. If you're in need of legal representation, look no further than this outstanding team.

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Google rating score: 4.9 of 5, based on 736 reviews

Consequences of Contempt of Court in New York

The consequences of being held in contempt of court in New York can be serious and long-lasting. In addition to fines and imprisonment, a finding of contempt can damage your reputation, jeopardize your employment, and even affect your ability to obtain custody of your children in a family law case.If you’re found in civil contempt, you may be ordered to pay the other party’s attorney fees and court costs in addition to any fines or damages assessed by the court. You could also be imprisoned until you comply with the court order or for a set period of time determined by the judge.Criminal contempt carries even harsher penalties, including:

• Up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000 for a misdemeanor charge
• Up to four years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000 for a felony charge

In addition to these legal consequences, a finding of contempt can have serious personal and professional ramifications. Your reputation may be tarnished, making it difficult to find employment or maintain relationships with family and friends. If you’re a licensed professional, such as a doctor or lawyer, a contempt charge could even result in the suspension or revocation of your license.

How to Avoid Contempt of Court

The best way to avoid being held in contempt of court is to take your legal obligations seriously and show respect for the court and all parties involved in your case. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Follow all court orders and deadlines
• Show up to court on time and dressed appropriately
• Be respectful and courteous to the judge, court personnel, and other parties
• Don’t disrupt court proceedings or speak out of turn
• Answer questions honestly and completely when testifying
• Consult with an attorney if you’re unsure of your rights or obligations

If you do find yourself facing a contempt charge, it’s important to take immediate action to protect your rights and minimize the potential consequences. This is where having a skilled and experienced attorney on your side can make all the difference.

How Spodek Law Group Can Help

At Spodek Law Group, we have a team of experienced attorneys who are dedicated to protecting the rights of our clients in New York courts. We understand the seriousness of contempt charges and the potential impact they can have on your life and future.If you’ve been accused of contempt of court, our attorneys will work tirelessly to investigate the allegations against you, gather evidence in your defense, and develop a strong legal strategy to fight the charges. We’ll be by your side every step of the way, from initial court appearances to trial and beyond.But our services don’t stop there. We also offer proactive guidance to help our clients avoid contempt charges in the first place. Whether you’re involved in a contentious divorce, a complex business dispute, or a high-stakes criminal case, we can help you navigate the legal system with confidence and ensure that you’re in compliance with all court orders and procedures.Some of the ways we can assist you include:

• Explaining your rights and obligations as a participant in a court proceeding
• Reviewing court orders and deadlines to ensure compliance
• Preparing you for court appearances and testimony
• Negotiating with opposing counsel to resolve disputes and avoid contempt charges
• Representing you in court if contempt charges are filed

With Spodek Law Group in your corner, you can rest assured that you have a powerful ally who will fight for your rights and work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome in your case.

Don’t Face Contempt Charges Alone – Contact Spodek Law Group Today

If you’re facing contempt charges in New York, don’t wait to seek legal help. The sooner you contact an experienced attorney, the better your chances of avoiding serious consequences and protecting your rights.At Spodek Law Group, we offer free initial consultations to discuss your case and explore your legal options. We’ll take the time to listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and develop a personalized strategy to address your unique needs and goals.To schedule your consultation, simply call our office at 212-300-5196 or visit our website at https://www.federallawyers.com. Our attorneys are available 24/7 to take your call and provide the guidance and support you need during this difficult time.Remember, contempt of court is a serious matter that requires immediate attention and skilled legal representation. With Spodek Law Group on your side, you can face the legal system with confidence and peace of mind, knowing that you have a dedicated team of advocates fighting for your rights every step of the way.