Contempt Of Court Lawyer New Kent County — Defending Against Court Order Violations
If you are accused of violating a court order in New Kent County, you need a contempt of court lawyer New Kent County. Contempt is a serious charge that can result in fines, jail time, and a permanent record. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 11 documented case results in New Kent County.
Last verified: April 2026 | New Kent County General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
What Is Contempt of Court in Virginia?
Contempt of court is an act of disobedience or disrespect towards a court or its officers that obstructs the administration of justice. In Virginia family law, contempt most often arises from violating a court order, such as failing to pay child support, disregarding a custody schedule, or not complying with a spousal support order. The court has the inherent power to enforce its own orders and hold violators accountable.
Virginia law recognizes two main types of contempt: civil and criminal. Civil contempt is coercive, meant to compel compliance with a court order (like paying overdue support). Criminal contempt is punitive, meant to punish a past act of disrespect to the court’s authority. The specific procedures and potential penalties differ based on the classification.
Why You Need a Lawyer for a Contempt Charge
A contempt allegation is not something to handle alone. The process is complex, and the consequences are significant. An experienced enforcement of court order lawyer New Kent County can analyze the order you are accused of violating, assess the evidence against you, and develop a defense strategy. Defenses may include showing you were unable to comply, that the order was unclear, or that you have since corrected the violation. A lawyer ensures your rights are protected throughout the proceedings.
- Receive the Show Cause Order: The process begins when the other party files a Motion for Rule to Show Cause or you are served with a summons alleging contempt.
- Consult a Lawyer Immediately: Contact a contempt of court lawyer New Kent County to review the motion and the underlying court order.
- Prepare Your Response: Your attorney will help you gather evidence, such as payment records or communication logs, to support your position.
- Attend the Hearing: A hearing will be held in the court that issued the original order (Circuit Court for support/equitable distribution, J&DR Court for custody/child support).
- Present Your Case: Your lawyer will present arguments and evidence to show compliance, inability to comply, or other valid defenses.
- Address the Outcome: The judge will rule, potentially imposing sanctions, modifying the order, or dismissing the contempt allegation.
Potential Penalties for Contempt in New Kent County
In New Kent County, a finding of contempt can lead to coercive or punitive sanctions, including fines, payment of the other party’s attorney fees, and incarceration.
| Contempt Type | Purpose | Potential Sanctions |
|---|---|---|
| Civil Contempt | To compel future compliance | Fines payable to the court; Incarceration until you comply (“purge”); Attorney’s fees. |
| Criminal Contempt | To punish past disobedience | Definite jail sentence (up to 10 days for direct contempt, longer for indirect); Fines; A permanent criminal record. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Experience with Contempt and Enforcement Matters
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. We have a deep understanding of Virginia family law procedures, including the enforcement of court orders. Mr. Sris personally played a role in amending Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating a commitment to the intricacies of family law. In New Kent County, we have documented case results across practice areas. Our attorneys, including Samantha Powers, who focuses on Virginia family law, work to protect clients from the severe repercussions of a contempt finding.
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
Case Results in Virginia
Our firm has achieved favorable outcomes in various courts. For example, in Accomack County General District Court, we secured dismissals for clients facing reckless driving by speed charges (77/55). Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. While these are traffic cases, they reflect our firm-wide commitment to vigorous defense and understanding court procedures, a skill directly applicable to contempt defense.
Local Representation for New Kent County
Our Richmond location serves clients in New Kent County. We are familiar with the New Kent County Circuit Court at 12001 Courthouse Circle. If you need a court order violation lawyer New Kent County, we are accessible. We serve New Kent, Providence Forge, and Quinton.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Richmond
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr Suite 300 Room 359, Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Contempt of Court FAQs for New Kent County
What is the difference between civil and criminal contempt?
Yes, there is a key difference. Civil contempt aims to force you to comply with a court order (like paying child support), and you can be jailed until you comply. Criminal contempt punishes you for a past act of disrespect to the court, resulting in a definite jail sentence and a criminal record.
Can I go to jail for not paying child support in Virginia?
Yes. Failure to pay court-ordered child support is a common ground for a contempt finding. The court can impose jail time to compel payment (civil contempt) or as punishment for willful non-payment (criminal contempt). An enforcement of court order lawyer New Kent County can help present defenses like inability to pay.
What should I do if I am served with a show cause order for contempt?
It depends. Do not ignore it. Contact a contempt of court lawyer New Kent County immediately. Your attorney will review the motion, the original court order, and help you prepare a response and gather necessary evidence, such as proof of payments or communications, for your hearing.
How can a lawyer help me fight a contempt charge?
A lawyer can build a defense by proving you complied with the order, the order was vague, you were unable to comply due to circumstances beyond your control, or you have since purged the contempt. They handle all court filings and advocate for you at the hearing to avoid or minimize penalties.
Where will my contempt hearing be held in New Kent County?
The hearing will be in the court that issued the original order. For divorce, spousal support, or property division orders, it’s New Kent County Circuit Court. For standalone child custody, visitation, or support orders, it’s the New Kent County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court.
For more information on Virginia statutes, visit the Virginia Code. For court details, see the New Kent County Courts website.
See our Virginia Family Law hub page. We also assist with criminal defense in New Kent County and DUI defense in New Kent County.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.