Contempt of Court. Failing to Abide by a Court Order in Tennessee.

Your failure to abide by a court order can have dire consequences. You can be charged with contempt of court and be incarcerated by the judge.

Failing to abide by the Court Order is Contempt of Court.

Tennessee has two types of Contempt of Court – Civil and Criminal.

With Civil Contempt, you hold the keys to the jail. However, if you do what the Order says – such as pay your child support – the Judge may release you.

You are being jailed with Criminal Contempt for failing to abide by the Court Order. A judge can jail you for 10 days for each violation.

There are defenses to Contempt. One defense is whether or not you willfully violated the Court Order in place. For instance, did you not pay your support simply to spite the other parent, or did you not pay it because you didn’t have a job and could not find one? You have to prove your defense to the Judge, and it will be up to the Judge to determine whether you are willfully in Contempt of Court.

Sometimes, your very behavior in Court can be considered Contempt.Although you may be upset in Court, the last thing you want to do is disrespect the Judge, another party, or the other attorney. Don’t raise your voice, don’t slam things, don’t slam doors, and don’t make inappropriate comments in the courtroom. A judge can deem that behavior contempt and punish you accordingly.

You should not take Contempt of Court lightly. There are certain defenses, but when served with a Contempt Petition, learn your rights. If you have questions about your rights, contact us at, https://www.kane-law.com/contact-us/