Contempt of court is broadly defined as disobedience to or disrespect of a court by acting in opposition to its authority. Contempt of court may be punished by the court with civil penalties (fines) and criminal punishment (confinement in jail).
In Colorado, contempt of court is addressed under the Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 107 and relevant state statutes. Contempt of court can be classified as either civil or criminal. Civil contempt is typically used to compel a party to comply with a court order, and sanctions are imposed to enforce compliance, such as fines. Criminal contempt, on the other hand, is punitive and is used to punish actions that disrespect the court or obstruct the administration of justice, which can include fines, imprisonment, or both. The specific penalties for contempt of court in Colorado depend on the nature of the contemptuous action and the discretion of the court. It is important to note that due process rights apply, and individuals accused of contempt must be given notice and an opportunity to be heard.