If you’re involved in a legal case in Oklahoma, you may hear the term “contempt of court.” Being held in contempt is serious. It means a judge believes you violated a court order or disrespected the court’s authority, which can lead to fines, jail time, or other penalties. Understanding what it means to be in contempt of court can help you avoid costly mistakes and take the right steps to protect your rights.
Types of Contempt in Oklahoma
In Oklahoma, there are two primary types of contempt:
1. Direct Contempt
Direct contempt happens in the presence of the court, usually during a hearing or trial, and includes:
- Interrupting court proceedings
- Disrespecting the judge
- Refusing to answer questions
- Using abusive or threatening language
Judges can punish direct contempt immediately and without a full hearing.
2. Indirect Contempt
Indirect contempt occurs outside the courtroom, usually by failing to comply with a court order. Common examples include:
- Failing to pay court-ordered child support or alimony
- Violating a protective order
- Ignoring a subpoena
- Failing to follow a parenting plan or visitation schedule
For indirect contempt, the person facing accusations has the right to a hearing before facing penalties.
Civil vs. Criminal Contempt
Oklahoma courts also distinguish between civil and criminal contempt:
- Civil contempt compels someone to comply with a court order. For example, if a parent hasn’t paid child support, the judge may jail them until they begin making payments.
- Criminal contempt is punitive—it’s meant to punish someone for disrespecting the court or violating its authority, which can result in fines or jail time.
What Happens If You’re Facing Accusations of Contempt?
If someone accuses you of contempt, you’ll likely receive a motion for contempt citation and a court date. At the hearing, the judge will:
- Determine whether the order was clear and valid
- Hear evidence that you willfully disobeyed the order
- Decide whether to hold you in contempt and issue penalties
If the judge finds you in contempt, consequences may include fines, jail time, community service, and more. The punishment depends on the severity of the violation and whether there were any previous warnings.
Tulsa Contempt Defense Attorneys
If you’ve been accused of contempt of court in Tulsa or anywhere in Oklahoma, it’s important to act quickly. Judges take these matters seriously, and your freedom or finances may be at risk. If you need help defending against contempt charges, contact us today at Tulsa Divorce Attorneys & Associates by calling 539-302-0303 or contact us online.