Contempt Of Court Lawyer Virginia Beach — Defending Against Court Order Violations
A contempt of court charge in Virginia Beach is a serious allegation that you willfully violated a judge’s order, carrying potential jail time and fines. If you are facing allegations of a court order violation, you need a dedicated contempt of court lawyer Virginia Beach from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
Last verified: April 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Virginia General Assembly
Understanding Contempt of Court in Virginia
Contempt of court is a legal finding that you disobeyed or showed disrespect for the authority of a court. In Virginia, contempt can be either civil or criminal. Civil contempt aims to compel compliance with a court order, such as paying child support. Criminal contempt punishes a past act of disobedience. The specific statute governing contempt proceedings depends on the type of case. For family law matters like violating a custody order, the authority is found in Va. Code § 20-124.2. For general court procedures, judges have inherent power to enforce their orders. A contempt of court lawyer Virginia Beach can analyze the specific order and allegations against you.
Penalties for Contempt of Court in Virginia Beach
In Virginia Beach, a finding of contempt can result in jail time, fines, and additional court-ordered penalties designed to secure future compliance.
| Contempt Type | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Civil Contempt | Coercive | Jail until compliance (“purge”) | Court costs | Wage garnishment, license suspension |
| Criminal Contempt | Punitive | Up to 10 days (summary) or 12 months (indirect) | Up to $250 (summary) or $2,500 (indirect) | Criminal record, probation |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
- Receive a Rule to Show Cause or Motion for Contempt from the opposing party.
- File a written Answer to the allegations by the court’s deadline, typically within 21 days.
- Attend a hearing where the moving party must prove you willfully violated the order.
- Present your defense, such as inability to comply or lack of willfulness.
- The judge will rule, imposing penalties if contempt is found, or dismissing the case.
Our Approach to Contempt Defense in Virginia Beach
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ documented case results. In family law, Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating deep legislative and courtroom insight. We understand that an allegation of a court order violation is often a tactical move in a larger dispute. Our contempt of court lawyer Virginia Beach team examines the original order’s clarity, your intent, and your ability to comply to build a strong defense.
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’s secondary counsel on complex cases is Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor with a background in accounting who has personally amended Virginia family law statutes. For enforcement of court order lawyer Virginia Beach matters, we strategically challenge whether the order was clear, whether the violation was willful, and whether you had the present ability to comply. We have successfully defended clients by showing a lack of proper notice, ambiguous order language, or a good-faith inability to pay.
Contact Our Virginia Beach Contempt Defense Lawyers
Our Richmond location serves clients with cases at Virginia Beach courts. We are accessible via I-264 and I-64. We serve Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana. Looking for a contempt of court lawyer near Virginia Beach Town Center? Contact us 24/7.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
7400 Beaufont Springs Dr, Suite 300, Rm 395
Richmond, VA 23225
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between civil and criminal contempt in Virginia?
It depends on the judge’s intent. Civil contempt aims to force you to comply with an order (like paying support), and jail time ends when you comply. Criminal contempt punishes a past violation and involves a definite jail sentence or fine.
Can I go to jail for missing a child support payment in Virginia Beach?
Yes. Failure to pay child support can lead to a contempt finding. If the judge finds you had the ability to pay but willfully refused, you could be jailed until you pay a “purge” amount. An enforcement of court order lawyer Virginia Beach can argue inability to pay.
What should I do if I am served with a Motion for Contempt?
Do not ignore it. You typically have 21 days to file a written Answer. Contact a contempt of court lawyer Virginia Beach immediately. Your response should address each allegation, and you may have defenses like lack of notice or ambiguity in the original order.
How can a lawyer help fight a contempt charge?
A lawyer can challenge the sufficiency of the motion, negotiate a resolution to avoid jail, present evidence of your compliance efforts or inability to comply, and represent you at the hearing. The goal is to show the violation was not willful.
Where are contempt hearings held in Virginia Beach?
It depends on the underlying case. Family law contempt (custody, support) is in Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court. Contempt related to a Circuit Court order (like a divorce decree) is heard in Virginia Beach Circuit Court. Both are at 2425 Nimmo Parkway.
For more information on court procedures, visit the Virginia Courts website.
Related Practice Areas: Criminal Defense Lawyer Virginia Beach | DUI Lawyer Virginia Beach
Other Locations: Family Lawyer Henrico | Family Lawyer Chesterfield
Learn More: Virginia Family Lawyer
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.