Contempt Lawyer in Virginia
If you are facing a contempt of court motion in Virginia for violating a court order, you need a strong defense. A contempt lawyer Virginia from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can protect your rights. Our firm has 4,739+ documented case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We provide 24/7 phone consultations and meetings by appointment only.
Last verified: April 2026 | Statewide — court varies by locality | Virginia General Assembly
Contempt of court in Virginia is a legal finding that you willfully disobeyed a court order. This can arise in family law cases (like child support or custody violations), civil litigation, or other court proceedings. The consequences can include fines, jail time, and additional court-ordered penalties. The specific statute governing contempt is found in Virginia Code § 18.2-456, which outlines the court’s power to punish for contempt.
You can review the official Virginia contempt statutes on the Virginia General Assembly website (Va. Code § 18.2-456). For local court rules and procedures, visit the Virginia Judiciary’s Circuit Court website.
- Receive a Rule to Show Cause or Motion for Contempt from the opposing party.
- File a written response with the court by the deadline, addressing each allegation.
- Attend the scheduled hearing before a judge in the appropriate Circuit or Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court.
- Present evidence and arguments to demonstrate compliance or a valid reason for non-compliance.
- The judge will issue a ruling, which may include a finding of contempt and impose sanctions.
- If found in contempt, you may have options to purge the contempt by complying with specific conditions.
In Virginia, contempt of court is a serious matter that can result in fines, incarceration, and additional court orders to compel compliance.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Civil Contempt | Coercive | Until compliance (purgeable) | Court discretion | Attorney’s fees, wage garnishment |
| 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.
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to every case. Our firm-wide record includes 4,739+ documented results. In family law matters, Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, Va. Code § 20-107.3, demonstrating deep legislative and courtroom knowledge.
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 has achieved favorable outcomes in contempt and family law cases across Virginia. For example, we have successfully argued for dismissals where a client’s failure to comply was not willful, but due to a legitimate inability or misunderstanding. Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Mr. Sris, our managing attorney and a former prosecutor with a background in accounting, provides oversight on complex financial contempt issues.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
4008 Williamsburg Ct, Fairfax, VA 22032, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (703) 636-5417
Phones 24/7/365; Office by appointment only.
Serving: Fairfax, Arlington, Loudoun, Prince William, Stafford, Fauquier, Spotsylvania, and surrounding communities.
Virginia Contempt Lawyer FAQ
What is contempt of court in Virginia?
It is a court’s finding that a person willfully disobeyed a lawful order. It can be civil (to force compliance) or criminal (to punish disobedience), governed by Va. Code § 18.2-456.
Can you go to jail for contempt of court in Virginia?
Yes. For criminal contempt, jail time can be up to 10 days for summary contempt or up to 12 months for indirect contempt. Civil contempt incarceration lasts until you comply with the order.
What should I do if I am served with a contempt motion?
Contact a contempt of court motion lawyer Virginia immediately. Do not ignore the paperwork. You must file a written response by the deadline. An attorney can help you prepare a defense, such as proving a lack of willfulness or an inability to comply.
What are common defenses to contempt in Virginia?
Common defenses include lack of willfulness, inability to comply due to circumstances beyond your control, ambiguity in the original court order, or that you have already complied. A court order violation lawyer Virginia can evaluate the specifics of your case.
How long does a contempt hearing take?
It depends on the complexity. A simple hearing may take 30 minutes, while a complex case with witness testimony and evidence can take several hours or be scheduled over multiple dates. The court’s docket also affects timing.
Can I appeal a contempt finding?
Yes. A finding of contempt, especially for criminal contempt, can generally be appealed to a higher court. There are strict deadlines for filing a notice of appeal, so immediate legal counsel is critical.
For more information on related legal issues, see our pages on Virginia family law, divorce lawyer in Henrico County, and reckless driving lawyer in Norfolk.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.