What is the difference between civil and criminal contempt?

When it comes to legal proceedings in Maryland, there are two types of contempt: criminal and civil. Criminal contempt is when an individual fails to comply with a court order or violates a court rule. This could include disobeying a judge’s order or disrupting proceedings in the court. In Maryland, criminal contempt is generally punishable by a fine or jail time, depending on the severity of the violation. Civil contempt is when an individual fails to obey a court order but does not disrupt court proceedings. This could include failing to comply with an order to pay child support or alimony, or to provide documents or testimony in a civil matter. Instead of a fine or jail time, the punishment for civil contempt is usually a monetary fine or other civil remedy. It is important to note that criminal contempt is a criminal offense that can result in jail time or a fine, while civil contempt is not a criminal offense but can result in a civil penalty. Both types of contempt can lead to serious consequences and should be taken seriously. It is best to consult an attorney if you are facing charges of criminal or civil contempt in Maryland.

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What is the difference between civil and criminal contempt?

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