Contempt of court is broadly defined as disobedience to or disrespect of a court by acting in opposition to its authority. Contempt of court may be punished by the court with civil penalties (fines) and criminal punishment (confinement in jail).
In Texas, contempt of court refers to behavior that disrespects or defies the court's authority, including failure to comply with court orders. Texas recognizes two types of contempt: civil and criminal. Civil contempt is often used to compel compliance with a court order, such as paying child support or alimony, and may result in fines or imprisonment until the individual complies with the order. Criminal contempt, on the other hand, punishes actions that obstruct the court's functioning or degrade its authority, such as disrupting court proceedings or failing to appear when summoned. Criminal contempt can lead to fines, jail time, or both, and is treated as a separate offense. The specific procedures and penalties for contempt are outlined in the Texas Government Code and the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure. It's important to note that individuals have the right to due process, including notice and an opportunity to be heard, before being held in contempt.
