If you face contempt allegations in Virginia Beach, the court can impose jail time or fines under Va. Code § 20-107.3. A Contempt Of Court Lawyer Virginia Beach from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can help. We have 8 documented case results in Virginia Beach. Call (888) 437-7747.
Last verified: April 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Statutory Definition of Contempt of Court in Virginia
Contempt of court in Virginia is a legal finding that a person has willfully disobeyed a court order or acted in a way that disrupts court proceedings. Under Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended, the court can hold a party in contempt for failing to pay spousal support, child support, or violating custody orders. The court may impose jail time up to 12 months, fines, or both. A Contempt Of Court Lawyer Virginia Beach can explain the specific allegations against you and build a defense. The firm was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, who brings deep knowledge of Virginia family law procedure.
External Citation Links
Review the official Virginia statutes governing contempt and family law matters:
- Va. Code § 20-107.3 (Equitable Distribution) — official Virginia General Assembly
- Virginia Beach General District Court — official court website
Insider Procedural Edge for Virginia Beach Contempt Cases
In Virginia Beach General District Court, contempt motions are often set for hearing within 21-60 days. The court expects strict compliance with discovery deadlines. A court order violation lawyer Virginia Beach knows that the judge reviews the original order carefully before ruling.
- Step 1: Review the original court order to identify the specific provision allegedly violated.
- Step 2: Gather evidence of compliance or justification for the alleged violation.
- Step 3: File a response or motion with the Virginia Beach General District Court.
- Step 4: Attend the show-cause hearing prepared with documentation and witnesses.
- Step 5: Negotiate a resolution or present your defense before the judge.
- Step 6: If found in contempt, comply with the court’s remedial order to avoid further sanctions.
Penalty Table for Contempt of Court in Virginia Beach
In Virginia Beach, contempt of court carries potential jail time up to 12 months, fines up to $2,500, and other court-ordered sanctions.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Civil Contempt (failure to pay support) | Civil | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | Possible suspension of driver’s license | Wage garnishment, lien on property |
| Criminal Contempt (willful disobedience) | Criminal | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record, possible jail time |
| Violation of Custody Order | Civil | Up to 12 months | Up to $1,000 | None | Change in custody arrangement, make-up parenting time |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
E-E-A-T Authority Block
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute, which is directly relevant to contempt cases involving property division and support orders. Our tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.” We bring this depth of experience to every contempt case in Virginia Beach.
Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 total documented case results across all practice areas in Virginia Beach, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, we have 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Local Presence in Virginia Beach
Our Richmond location serves clients at Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway, Bldg 10B). We are accessible via I-264, I-64, and Route 44 (VA Beach Expressway).
Looking for a Contempt Of Court Lawyer Virginia Beach near you? We serve Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
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Frequently Asked Questions About Contempt of Court in Virginia Beach
Can I go to jail for contempt of court in Virginia Beach?
Yes. Virginia courts can impose jail time up to 12 months for civil or criminal contempt. The judge considers the severity of the violation and whether it was willful. A Contempt Of Court Lawyer Virginia Beach can help you avoid incarceration.
How do I enforce a court order in Virginia Beach?
You file a motion for contempt or a show-cause order with the Virginia Beach General District Court or Circuit Court. An enforcement of court order lawyer Virginia Beach can prepare the motion and represent you at the hearing.
What is the difference between civil and criminal contempt in Virginia?
Civil contempt is intended to coerce compliance with a court order, while criminal contempt punishes willful disobedience. Both can result in jail time, but criminal contempt requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt.
How long does a contempt hearing take in Virginia Beach?
A contempt hearing is typically set within 21-60 days of filing the motion. The hearing itself may last 30 minutes to several hours depending on the complexity of the case and the number of witnesses.
Can a court order violation lawyer Virginia Beach help if I already missed a court date?
Yes. An attorney can file a motion to set aside the default or show-cause order. Acting quickly is important to avoid a bench warrant. Call (888) 437-7747 for immediate assistance.