Lawyer Defending Clients Against Criminal Contempt Charges in Nassau County

Showing contempt for the courts in New York is not just disrespect and inappropriate—it’s also illegal. Criminal contempt is a serious criminal offense that carries significant penalties. If you are accused of criminal contempt, do not hesitate to contact experienced criminal defense attorney Gianni Karmily.

What is Criminal Contempt?

There are two degrees of criminal contempt in Nassau County. Second-degree criminal contempt occurs when someone engages in specific acts that are seen as disobedient or disrespectful to the court. Some examples of these acts include:

• Disorderly conduct that interrupts the court’s proceedings
• Creating a disturbance that interrupts the court’s proceedings
• Refusing to obey with a court order or court process
• Refusing to be sworn in as a witness in any legal proceeding or refusing to answer questions after being sworn in as a witness
• Publishing false information regarding the details of a court proceeding

Second-degree criminal contempt is a class A misdemeanor.

First-degree criminal contempt can occur when someone engages in certain acts, including refusing to be sworn in as a witness before a grand jury or refusing to answer questions after being sworn in. But many first-degree criminal contempt cases involve the violation of an order of protection. You can face first-degree criminal contempt charges if you violate an order of protection by:

• Displaying a deadly weapon to the person who was protected by the court order
• Following the person
• Communicating with the person
• Repeatedly calling the person
• Making or attempting to make physical contact with the person
• Putting the person in fear of death or serious injury
• Damaging property belonging to the person

This crime is more serious than second degree criminal contempt, so it is classified as a class E felony.

What is Aggravated Criminal Contempt?

First- and second-degree criminal contempt are not the only two criminal contempt offenses in New York. The state also recognizes aggravated criminal contempt. This crime occurs when someone violates an order of protection by injuring the person who was protected by the court order.

You can also face aggravated criminal contempt charges if you are a repeat offender. If you commit first-degree criminal contempt, your charges can be increased to aggravated criminal contempt if you already have an aggravated criminal contempt or first-degree criminal contempt conviction on your record.

This is the most serious criminal contempt offense, so it is a class D felony.

What Are Examples of Criminal Contempt?

Many criminal contempt cases are related to violations of orders of protection. An order of protection is a court mandate that is typically issued in domestic violence cases. This mandate orders the alleged perpetrator to stay away and avoid all contact with the victim. If an order of protection has been issued against you, it’s important to comply with its terms. Failing to do so could lead to criminal contempt charges.

For example, the order of protection may require you to stay away from the victim’s home and place of employment. If you show up at the victim’s place of employment, you are violating this court order and could face criminal contempt charges as a result.

What Are the Penalties For Criminal Contempt on Long Island?

The penalties for this crime will vary depending on the level of the offense. Second-degree criminal contempt is a misdemeanor that is punishable by up to one year in jail or three years of probation. You may also be ordered to pay fines of up to $1,000. If you are charged with first-degree criminal contempt, you could face a maximum of four years in prison in addition to $5,000 in fines. You can face this fine as well as up to seven years in prison if you are convicted of aggravated criminal contempt, which is a class D felony.

A conviction for criminal contempt—regardless of the level of the offense—can haunt you long after your sentence has been served. For this reason, it’s in your best interest to fight the charges with the help of skilled contempt attorney Gianni Karmily.

Set Up A Case Evaluation With Our Criminal Contempt Lawyer 0n Long Island Today

Have you been charged with criminal contempt? Don’t let a conviction for criminal contempt destroy your life. Fight these charges with the help of experienced criminal contempt attorney Gianni Karmily. Gianni is committed to protecting your rights and working tirelessly to reach the best possible outcome in your case. To schedule a case evaluation regarding your case, call 516-630-3405 or fill out the form on this website.