Disregarding the authority of the court carries significant repercussions across the U.S. You can be charged with contempt of court in Kansas if you either willfully obstruct the court’s operations or disregard a court order. This applies to any actions that disrupt the court’s functions or ignore its orders. Contempt charges may also be brought against attorneys who behave in a disrespectful or disobedient manner during court proceedings in Kansas. If found guilty of contempt of court in Kansas, the consequences might include jail time, fines, or both.
The skilled attorneys at Kansas Legal Group are here to assist you:
- Defend Against Contempt Charges: Safeguard yourself from severe penalties associated with contempt of court in Kansas.
- Pursue Contempt Charges: Initiate a contempt of court action against a former partner in family court settings.
What Is Contempt of Court in Kansas City?
Contempt of court in Kansas refers to actions that undermine the authority of the judiciary. This offense can be seen in various court settings, including family, civil, and criminal courts.
One example in family court involves a parent who fails to pay court-ordered child support.
Contempt can manifest in the direct presence of the court or indirectly relate to court proceedings. Here are some scenarios that could result in a contempt of court citation:
Direct Contempt:
- Refusing to respond to questions under oath by a judge or attorney.
- Not adhering to established court rules.
Indirect Contempt:
- Belittling or ridiculing court proceedings outside the court.
- Interrupting or undermining court proceedings, such as withholding evidence.
- Failing to file required legal documents on time.
Contempt of court in Kansas frequently occurs in family law disputes, where there is a need to trust that parties will comply with settlement agreements. For instance, judges expect compliance with orders regarding child custody or spousal support following a divorce.
Unlike in criminal cases, where a judge’s sentence is immediately enforced by court officials and law enforcement, civil courts often lack direct enforcement systems. Filing a contempt of court citation allows a complainant to seek enforcement of a court’s ruling.
Contempt of court in Kansas can occur both inside and outside of any courtroom, and can involve anyone connected to a legal case.
The Process of Addressing Contempt of Court in Kansas City
Contempt of court in Kansas City is relatively common, especially in contested divorce cases where one spouse may request that the judge hold the other in contempt for violating a court order.
In such cases, the complainant will:
- Request a “hearing in aid of execution” any time after 14 days have passed since the judgment was issued.
- If the defendant fails to comply with the hearing in aid of execution (by not paying, providing information to the complainant’s attorney, or appearing in court), the court can issue a Citation for Contempt of Court, requiring the defendant to appear at a specified date and time. The court then ensures that the defendant follows this order.
- If the defendant does not appear after the Citation is issued, the court can issue a bench warrant, compelling the defendant to attend the hearing.
Upon receiving the forms, the court clerk will review them and set a hearing date. All concerned parties will be notified about the hearing date.
What to Expect at the Hearing
If you are accused of contempt of court in Kansas City, it is mandatory to appear in court on the assigned date to defend yourself against the charges. Failure to appear may lead to the issuance of an arrest warrant.
It is highly advised that individuals hire an experienced Kansas City attorney specializing in family law to advocate on their behalf during the hearing. Typically, one party will be required to demonstrate why the other should be held in contempt. Evidence presented might include:
- Documentation of unpaid child support.
- Evidence of failing to provide spousal support.
- Proof of not adhering to child visitation schedules.
In Kansas, nonpayment of support can be established with one or more of the following:
- An affidavit signed under penalty of perjury.
- Court clerk-certified records of nonpayment.
- Official records from the Family Support Registry.
The resolution of contempt charges can require multiple hearings and typically spans two to four months, depending on the complexity of the case.