What Does It Mean to Be Held in Contempt of Court

Contempt of court is a legal concept that comes into play when someone disrespects or disobeys the authority of the court. The threat of being held in contempt is used generally to maintain order in the court during legal proceedings. Contempt of court doesn't always mean someone is in serious trouble, as it can sometimes stem from simple missteps or misunderstandings. But even minor acts of contempt should be taken seriously and handled carefully. Whether you’re pursuing a civil case, facing criminal charges, or just a witness, understanding how contempt and decorum in the court can help you navigate the legal process more effectively and present yourself more favourably to judges and juries. Leading criminal defence lawyers and civil litigation lawyers like Robert Karrass and the Karrass Law team will help you prepare for your time in the courtroom to help you better understand how to handle yourself best. 

Here is some more insight into what it means to be held in contempt of court and how you can avoid it.

Who Can Be Found in Contempt?

Anyone involved in a legal process can be found in contempt under certain conditions, whether you’re a witness, crown or criminal defence lawyer, or even members of the public. 

Common examples include failing to appear in court when summoned, ignoring a subpoena, or speaking out of turn during a hearing. In some cases, it may involve failing to follow through with a court order, such as not submitting required documents. These actions may not seem severe but can disrupt proceedings and delay outcomes.

In fraud-related cases, for example, a person might be accused of contempt for not submitting financial records on time. If this happens, it’s a good idea to consult a criminal fraud lawyer who understands the legal nuances and can help resolve the issue.

How Contempt Affects a Legal Case

Being found in contempt doesn’t automatically mean jail time or major penalties. In most cases,  judges leverage it as a tool to maintain order and ensure the court runs efficiently. Depending on the situation, the court might issue a warning, a fine, or set conditions to encourage compliance.

However, ignoring a contempt warning or repeatedly failing to cooperate can make things more complicated. It may slow your case down or make it harder to reach a resolution. In criminal or fraud cases, it might impact how the court views your cooperation or reliability. Whenever possible it’s helpful to build up a good rapport with the judge and the court, so preparing with your criminal defence lawyer to prevent issues with contempt can make a difference in your case. 

Why Avoid Contemptuous Behaviour

The way a defendant behaves during legal proceedings can influence how judges, juries, and even prosecutors view the case. Even the most minor contemptuous behaviour in the courtroom like making comments under your breath, rolling your eyes, or speaking out turn can affect how you're perceived. More disruptive behaviour like failing to show up or not providing the required documents, or not properly answering questions directed your way can make you appear uncooperative affecting your defence. Preparing for your appearance with the guidance of the legal experts at Karrass Law can help you avoid contemptuous behaviour and enhance how others perceive you while in court. 

Prepare for Your Court Appearance with the Experts at Karrass Law

At Karrass Law, our experienced criminal defence lawyers understand the importance of courtroom decorum and will provide guidance and legal advice to ensure you are ready. To learn more about how our legal team can help you get the best results possible in or out of court, book a complimentary consultation with our skilled lawyers in Toronto and elsewhere in Ontario. 

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