A contempt of court charge in Virginia Beach carries potential jail time and fines under Va. Code § 18.2-456. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 documented case results in Virginia Beach. A Contempt Of Court Lawyer Virginia Beach can help you respond to a show cause order or enforce a custody or support order.
Contempt of court in Virginia is defined under Va. Code § 18.2-456 as willful disobedience of a court order or conduct that disrupts court proceedings. Virginia law distinguishes between criminal contempt (punitive, with fixed penalties) and civil contempt (coercive, designed to compel compliance with a court order). The Virginia Beach General District Court and Virginia Beach Circuit Court both have authority to hold parties in contempt. Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has handled numerous contempt matters across Virginia.
Last verified: April 2026 | Virginia Beach General District Court | Va. Code § 18.2-456 (official Virginia General Assembly)
For more information, review the Virginia contempt of court statute (Va. Code § 18.2-456) and the Virginia Beach General District Court website.
In Virginia Beach General District Court, contempt proceedings typically begin with a show cause order. The court expects strict compliance with all prior orders. A court order violation lawyer Virginia Beach can explain the specific procedures for your case.
- Review the show cause order carefully to understand the alleged violation.
- Gather all evidence of compliance or justification for the alleged violation.
- Contact a Contempt Of Court Lawyer Virginia Beach before your court date.
- File a written response with the court if required by local rules.
- Attend the show cause hearing prepared with documentation and legal arguments.
- Comply with any court-ordered purge conditions to avoid further sanctions.
In Virginia Beach, contempt of court carries potential jail time, fines, and other sanctions depending on the type and severity of the violation.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Contempt (willful disobedience) | Class 1 or 2 misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record; potential loss of custody or visitation rights |
| Civil Contempt (failure to comply with order) | Civil sanction | Until compliance (purge) | None (but may owe attorney fees) | None | Potential driver’s license suspension for child support arrears |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience and has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, demonstrating deep knowledge of Virginia family law and court procedure. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 8 total documented case results across all practice areas in Virginia Beach, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. These results include dismissals and favorable resolutions in family law and related matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond location serves clients at the Virginia Beach courts (2425 Nimmo Parkway), accessible via I-264, I-64, and Route 44 (VA Beach Expressway).
Looking for a Contempt Of Court Lawyer Virginia Beach near you? We serve Virginia Beach, Sandbridge, and Oceana.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
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What is contempt of court in Virginia Beach?
Yes. Contempt of court is willful disobedience of a court order under Va. Code § 18.2-456. It can be criminal (punitive) or civil (coercive). A Contempt Of Court Lawyer Virginia Beach can explain the distinction.
How long does a contempt case take in Virginia Beach?
It depends. A show cause hearing is typically set within 21-60 days of filing. Contested contempt trials may take 3-6 months. An enforcement of court order lawyer Virginia Beach can provide a timeline estimate.
Can I go to jail for contempt of court in Virginia Beach?
Yes. Criminal contempt carries up to 12 months in jail. Civil contempt can result in incarceration until you comply with the court order. A court order violation lawyer Virginia Beach can help you avoid jail.
How do I enforce a court order in Virginia Beach?
File a motion for contempt or a show cause order with the Virginia Beach Circuit Court or General District Court. An enforcement of court order lawyer Virginia Beach can prepare and file the necessary documents.
What is the difference between civil and criminal contempt?
Civil contempt is coercive — you can avoid jail by complying with the order. Criminal contempt is punitive — you face fixed penalties regardless of future compliance. A Contempt Of Court Lawyer Virginia Beach can advise on your situation.
Can I get attorney fees for a contempt case in Virginia Beach?
Yes. Virginia courts can award attorney fees to the prevailing party in contempt proceedings under Va. Code § 20-99. An enforcement of court order lawyer Virginia Beach can request fees as part of your case.
Learn more about Virginia family law. Compare with Henrico County family law lawyer or Chesterfield County family law lawyer. See also Virginia Beach criminal defense lawyer and Virginia Beach DUI lawyer. View attorney profile and our Richmond location.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.