Understanding Criminal Contempt Charges in New York: A Guide by Spodek Law Group and Attorney Todd Spodek

When it comes to criminal charges, it can be challenging to navigate the law’s intricate and confusing terminology. At Spodek Law Group, we understand the importance of clarifying legal jargon to help our clients understand their situation better. We’ve simplified some of the more complex aspects of New York’s penal law, from healthcare fraud to larceny, bribery, and more, to make it easier to understand.

In this post, we’re delving into criminal contempt charges, which involve a defendant who’s already in court proceedings. This process can be complicated, but our aim is to simplify the charges and make them easier to comprehend. We’ll outline the charges involved in criminal contempt, such as aggravated criminal contempt, bail jumping, and failing to respond to an appearance ticket.

Criminal Contempt in the Second Degree

The charge of Criminal Contempt in the Second Degree involves disorderly, contemptuous behavior in court, breaching the peace, or intentionally disobeying lawful processes. It’s a class A misdemeanor, which means it’s a serious offense that can result in up to a year in jail.

Criminal Contempt in the First Degree

The charge of Criminal Contempt in the First Degree is more severe than the second degree. It applies if a defendant refuses to be sworn as a witness or violates an order of protection and intentionally displays a deadly weapon to place someone in fear, or if they put someone in fear of physical injury by following them. This crime is a class E felony, which means it carries significant penalties such as a prison sentence of up to four years.

Aggravated Criminal Contempt

Aggravated Criminal Contempt involves causing physical harm to someone who has a protective order against the defendant. This is a class D felony, which can result in a prison sentence of up to seven years.

Bail Jumping in the Third Degree

Bail Jumping in the Third Degree is when a defendant is released on the condition that they appear in court but then fail to show up. This is a class A misdemeanor and can result in up to one year in jail.

Bail Jumping in the Second Degree

This charge is similar to Bail Jumping in the Third Degree, but it applies when a defendant has committed a felony. This is a class E felony, which can result in a prison sentence of up to four years.

Bail Jumping in the First Degree

Bail Jumping in the First Degree applies if a defendant has committed a class A or class B felony. This charge is a class D felony, which can result in a prison sentence of up to seven years.

Failing to Respond to an Appearance Ticket

Failing to Respond to an Appearance Ticket is a violation that occurs when a defendant fails to appear in court after being served with an appearance ticket.

Bail Jumping and Failing to Respond to an Appearance Ticket: Defense

It’s an affirmative defense that a defendant’s failure to appear was due to circumstances beyond their control. If the defendant appeared as soon as they could, or didn’t appear due to circumstances beyond their control, they may have a valid defense.

Criminal Contempt of the Legislature

Criminal Contempt of the Legislature occurs when a defendant fails to attend after being subpoenaed as a witness, refuses to be sworn, refuses to answer any question, or refuses to produce material that qualifies as evidence. This crime is a class A misdemeanor and can result in up to one year in jail.

Criminal Contempt of a Temporary State Commission

Criminal Contempt of a Temporary State Commission occurs when a defendant fails or refuses to attend as a witness after being subpoenaed. This is a class A misdemeanor and can result in up to one year in jail.

Criminal Contempt of the State Commission on Judicial Conduct

Criminal Contempt of the State Commission on Judicial Conduct applies if a defendant fails to attend a state commission hearing. This is a class A misdemeanor and can result in up to one year in jail.

At Spodek Law Group, we understand that navigating the legal system can be intimidating and overwhelming. Our team has a deep understanding of the law and extensive experience in handling various legal situations, including criminal contempt charges. We use compelling and emotionally charged language to help our clients understand the charges they’re facing and develop effective defense strategies.

In conclusion, criminal contempt charges can be complex, but with the right legal representation, you can navigate the legal system and achieve the best possible outcome. Whether you’re facing charges of criminal contempt or any other criminal offense, contact Spodek Law Group and Attorney Todd Spodek for legal representation that you can trust.

In New York, criminal contempt charges involve a defendant who is already in court proceedings. These charges can range from misdemeanors to felonies and include: Criminal Contempt in the Second Degree, Criminal Contempt in the First Degree, Aggravated Criminal Contempt, Bail Jumping (in the Third, Second, and First Degree), Failing to Respond to an Appearance Ticket, Criminal Contempt of the Legislature, Criminal Contempt of a Temporary State Commission, and Criminal Contempt of the State Commission on Judicial Conduct.

To navigate these complicated charges and the legal system, it is essential to have expert legal representation. Spodek Law Group and Attorney Todd Spodek can provide this, with their deep understanding of the law and extensive experience in handling various legal situations, including criminal contempt charges. They can help clients understand the charges they’re facing, develop effective defense strategies, and achieve the best possible outcome.