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 Nevada, contempt of court is addressed under Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS) 22.010 to 22.120. Contempt of court can be categorized as either civil or criminal. Civil contempt typically involves failing to comply with a court order, and the purpose of the sanction is to compel compliance with the order. Criminal contempt involves behavior that disrespects the court or obstructs the administration of justice, and the punishment is meant to preserve the court's authority and punish the wrongdoer. Penalties for contempt can include fines, imprisonment, or both, depending on the severity of the contempt and whether it is civil or criminal. The specific circumstances of the contemptuous action will determine the exact penalties imposed. It is important for individuals to follow court orders and maintain proper conduct in court to avoid contempt charges. An attorney can provide guidance on how to comply with court orders and the potential consequences of contempt in Nevada.