Contempt Of Court Lawyer New Kent County — What Are Your Options?
A contempt of court charge in New Kent County is a serious matter that can result in fines or jail time. A contempt of court lawyer New Kent County from the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can defend you against allegations of violating a court order. Our firm has 11 documented case results in New Kent County. We provide 24/7 phone consultations at (888) 437-7747.
Last verified: April 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Contempt of court in Virginia is a legal finding that you willfully disobeyed a court order. This is not a standalone criminal charge but a civil or criminal sanction for failing to comply with a judge’s directive. In family law, this often arises from violations of custody, visitation, or support orders. The consequences can be severe, including monetary penalties, modification of existing orders, or incarceration. Having a skilled contempt of court lawyer New Kent County is critical to presenting your case and avoiding harsh penalties.
The statutory authority for contempt in Virginia is broad, found in Va. Code § 18.2-456, which outlines the powers of courts to punish for contempt. For family law matters, enforcement mechanisms are detailed in statutes like Va. Code § 20-108 for child support. The process begins with the aggrieved party filing a Motion for Rule to Show Cause in the court that issued the original order.
- The other party files a Motion for Rule to Show Cause alleging you violated a court order.
- The court issues a Rule to Show Cause, ordering you to appear and explain why you should not be held in contempt.
- You must file a written response to the motion before the hearing date.
- At the show cause hearing, the judge hears evidence from both sides.
- If found in contempt, the judge will impose a penalty, which may be purged by complying with the order.
- You have the right to appeal a contempt finding to the Virginia Court of Appeals.
In New Kent County, a contempt finding can result in fines up to $250, jail for up to 10 days, or both, along with payment of the other party’s attorney fees.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Civil Contempt | Coercive | Until order is complied with (purged) | Court costs & fees | Attorney fees awarded to other party |
| Criminal Contempt | Punitive | Up to 10 days | Up to $250 | Criminal record, possible probation |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to vigorous representation. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating deep involvement in family law. Our firm-wide track record includes 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate.
Samantha Rae Powers, Associate Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA, FL. Experienced family law and civil litigator. View Samantha Rae Powers’s Profile
Our firm has achieved 11 documented case results in New Kent County across all practice areas, maintaining a 100% favorable outcome rate locally. In family law, successful outcomes often involve negotiating compliance plans to avoid contempt findings or having charges dismissed by demonstrating a good faith effort to follow the order. Firm founder Mr. Sris provides strategic oversight on complex enforcement matters.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
Phones 24/7/365; Office by appointment.
By appointment only.
Our Richmond location serves clients at the New Kent County courts on Courthouse Circle. We are accessible via I-64 and Route 33. As a contempt of court lawyer near New Kent County, we provide representation for residents of New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton. 24/7 phone consultations are available at (888) 437-7747 — meetings are by appointment only.
Contempt Of Court in New Kent County: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between civil and criminal contempt in Virginia?
Civil contempt aims to force compliance with a court order, with jail time ending once you comply. Criminal contempt punishes past disobedience and involves a definite jail sentence.
Civil contempt is coercive; you hold the key to your release by obeying the order. Criminal contempt is punitive for a completed act of disobedience. The same conduct can sometimes lead to both. The classification significantly impacts your defense strategy and potential penalties.
Can I go to jail for not paying child support in New Kent County?
Yes. Willful failure to pay court-ordered child support is a common ground for contempt. A judge can impose jail time to compel payment or as punishment.
Before jailing someone for non-payment, the court must find you had the ability to pay and willfully refused. Demonstrating job loss, disability, or other inability to pay is a key defense. An enforcement of court order lawyer New Kent County can help present evidence of your circumstances to the court.
What should I do if I am served with a Rule to Show Cause for contempt?
It depends. First, do not ignore it. You must file a written response by the deadline. Immediately contact a contempt of court lawyer New Kent County to review the motion, gather evidence (like proof of attempted compliance), and prepare your defense for the hearing. Missing the hearing can result in a bench warrant.
What are common defenses to a contempt allegation?
Common defenses include lack of willfulness (you didn’t intentionally disobey), inability to comply (due to circumstances beyond your control), ambiguity in the original order, or that you substantially complied. A court order violation lawyer New Kent County can evaluate which defense applies to your case.
How can a lawyer help if I’m facing contempt charges?
A lawyer can file your response, negotiate with the other party to resolve the issue without a hearing, gather evidence to support your position, represent you at the show cause hearing, and argue for minimal penalties or a purge plan. Early legal intervention is often the best way to avoid severe consequences.
For more information on Virginia court procedures, visit the Virginia Judiciary website. To discuss your specific situation with a contempt of court lawyer New Kent County, call the Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for a 24/7 consultation. We also handle related matters like family law in Henrico County and criminal defense in New Kent County. Learn more about our firm on our Virginia Family Law hub page.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.