What is the difference between civil and criminal contempt?

The difference between civil and criminal contempt is an important distinction to understand when going to court in South Carolina. Both refer to an action, or a failure to act, that is in violation of a court order and can result in punitive consequences. Civil contempt is when an individual has failed to meet a court order, such as failing to pay a debt, and is held to ensure that the individual complies with the court’s order. The punitive consequence of civil contempt is usually a fine or imprisonment until the individual complies with the court’s order. Criminal contempt, on the other hand, is when the individual has intentionally defied a court order. This is usually seen as a willful act of disrespect to the court and is an act of contempt. The punitive consequence of criminal contempt is usually a fine, or more severe, imprisonment as the court decides. In conclusion, the main distinction between civil and criminal contempt is that civil contempt is for failing to satisfy a court’s order, while criminal contempt is for willfully disregarding the court’s order. The civil contempt penalty is usually a fine or imprisonment until compliance, while criminal contempt is usually a fine or jail time. Knowing the difference between civil and criminal contempt is important when going to court in South Carolina.

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What is the difference between civil and criminal contempt?

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