Criminal Contempt Attorney

Criminal Contempt

Actions that show contempt towards the court are not only disrespectful but potentially illegal as well. A Criminal Contempt charge is a serious offense that can carry severe punishment. Criminal defense lawyer Andrew DeLuca is familiar with every aspect of handling Criminal Contempt cases and will mount a vigorous defense for every client.

Andrew DeLuca has extensive experience in the criminal courts throughout Albany, Latham, Schenectady, Troy, Saratoga, Glens Falls and throughout Upstate New York. Contact him today for a free consultation.

Criminal Contempt in New York State

Criminal Contempt in NY State Penal Code has varying degrees, and it can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony offense.

Criminal Contempt in the Second Degree, a Class A misdemeanor is charged when someone is seen as disobedient towards the court. This can include the following:

• Inappropriate conduct or creating a disturbance that interrupts court proceeding
• Refusing to obey a court order or process
• Refusing to be sworn in as a witness in a legal proceeding
• Knowingly publishing a false or grossly inaccurate report of a court proceeding

Criminal Contempt in the First Degree is a Class E felony and as with any felony, is a severe charge that needs to be defended against vigorously. This particular charge is usually used when there is a violation of an order of protection. You can violate an order of protection in the following ways:

• Displaying a deadly weapon to the person who was protected by the order of protection because they feared physical injury or death.
• Repeatedly following the protected person.
• Attempting to communicate with the person in any form.
• Intending to harass, annoy or threaten the person by repeated phone calls.
• Making or attempting to make physical contact with the person.
• Damaging property that belongs to the person.