NY PENAL § 215.50: Criminal Contempt in the Second Degree

Call Now To Speak With Me Immediately

Disrupting Court Proceedings or Violating a Court Order

What is Criminal Contempt in the Second Degree?

Criminal contempt in the second degree refers to a variety of disruptions to the normal workings of a court. This can include disrupting a court proceeding such as a trial, but it also applies to court orders and representations of proceedings.

When the Charge of Criminal Contempt in the Second Degree Applies

If you watch courtroom dramas on television, you may be familiar with scenes of judges “holding in contempt” some lawyer or other person who is disrespectful or disruptive in the courtroom. In reality, these cases are a relatively small portion of the cases of criminal contempt in the second degree. Far more common are cases of people violating orders of protection that have been put in place to safeguard individuals who have been injured or threatened by someone. In these instances, a person is charged with criminal contempt in the second degree when they do something prohibited by a restraining order (such as visiting the house of or making calls to someone they’re not allowed to contact).

Second degree criminal contempt also applies to representations of court proceedings. Namely, the law makes it a criminal act to knowingly publish lies or misrepresentations of what happens in a courtroom. In addition, it requires individuals to answer questions when called as a witness in a court, and to follow the legal guidelines for serving as a juror.

NY PENAL § 215.50: Criminal Contempt in the Second Degree

New York State’s penal code says:

A person is guilty of criminal contempt in the second degree when he engages in any of the following conduct:
1. Disorderly, contemptuous, or insolent behavior, committed during the sitting of a court, in its immediate view and presence and directly tending to interrupt its proceedings or to impair the respect due to its authority; or
2. Breach of the peace, noise, or other disturbance, directly tending to interrupt a court’s proceedings; or
3. Intentional disobedience or resistance to the lawful process or other mandate of a court except in cases involving or growing out of labor disputes as defined by subdivision two of section seven hundred fifty-three-a of the judiciary law; or
4. Contumacious and unlawful refusal to be sworn as a witness in any court proceeding or, after being sworn, to answer any legal and proper interrogatory; or
5. Knowingly publishing a false or grossly inaccurate report of a court’s proceedings; or
6. Intentional failure to obey any mandate, process or notice, issued pursuant to articles sixteen, seventeen, eighteen, or eighteen-a of the judiciary law, or to rules adopted pursuant to any such statute or to any special statute establishing commissioners of jurors and prescribing their duties or who refuses to be sworn as provided therein; or
7. On or along a public street or sidewalk within a radius of two hundred feet of any building established as a courthouse, he calls aloud, shouts, holds or displays placards or signs containing written or printed matter, concerning the conduct of a trial being held in such courthouse or the character of the court or jury engaged in such trial or calling for or demanding any specified action or determination by such court or jury in connection with such trial.

Criminal contempt in the second degree is a class A misdemeanor.

What can happen to me if I am charged with Criminal Contempt in the Second Degree?

Although Criminal Contempt in the Second Degree is a misdemeanor, you can still face substantial consequences if you are convicted of it. You can be sentenced to a prison term of up to a year, but even if you are not sentenced to jail time, you can face probation, community service, or a fine. In addition, your immigration status may be affected. Therefore, it is important that you hire an experienced criminal defense attorney who understands the statutes and can put together an effective defense for you. For instance, your lawyer may prove that you did not intend to violate an order of protection, which is a component of Criminal Contempt in the Second Degree. Regardless of your circumstances, you should take the charge seriously and hire a lawyer as soon as possible.

What Should I Do Next?

If you are charged with Criminal Contempt in the Second Degree in Nassau, Queens, or Suffolk County, it is important that you hire an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately. Your defense lawyer will speak on your behalf to police, prosecutors, and the court. He can help you to understand your options and put together the best case to achieve a positive outcome for you. Don’t try to deal with the law yourself; let your New York criminal defense lawyer work on your behalf.

Experienced Representation In All Criminal Defense Matters

Call Now To Speak With Me Immediately

Past Client Testimonials

Past Client Testimonials

I was falsely accused of grand larceny. For someone who has never been arrested, I was in shock. I complied with the police because I respect the law and assumed they would recognize the accuser’s lie and let me go. Little did I realize the criminal justice system treats you as guilty, until proven innocent. The opposite of what I thought. Scott walked me through the painful process of proving my innocence. His knowledge of the law and empathy towards me, helped me survive the process and get a full dismissal. I unequivocally recommend Scott as your defense attorney. Thank you Scott!

Anonymous

Scott Limmer helped me through a difficult very situation. He was professional and guided me through the entire process with clarity and honest guidance. Most importantly, he had my trust through everything. He was responsive to any questions I had, and always returned my calls or emails. I never doubted that he undeniably had my best interests at heart. Thank you again Scott and I will most definitely recommend you to anyone that is in trouble and needs help.

Anonymous

I was charged with Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument and my confidant charged with unregistered vehicle and other traffic summons. I called Scott Limmer the next day, he was straight forward, and well versed about the charge we were hit with. Mr. Limmer was interested and he had our best interest which was to get our cases dismissed. He was willing to go to trial and fight. The cost were given from the start, no hidden fees. Scott Limmer is straight forward, a fighter, accommodating, articulate, caring, knowledgeable and he will have your best interest genuinely. Which is rare these days. He always tell me if anything in the future comes up, in which my case may be brought up against me, he said call him. That's a good lawyer right there!

Anonymous

Mr. Limmer is a total professional. He truly cares about his clients. Mr. Limmer helped my son out of a tough situation. He guided my son with complete honesty. He is very responsive and knowledgeable. He spoke to us in layman’s terms and prepared us for what to expect before each appearance. His efficiency allowed us to feel confident that his experience would help get us the best possible outcome. During a very difficult time for my family, we found ourselves in need of a criminal defense attorney and after much research and many phone calls, we felt confident that Mr. Limmer was the right choice. His fees are very reasonable and there are no hidden charges.We highly recommend Mr. Limmer. He deserves more than 5 stars.

Anonymous

Let me start by saying that I was in deep S..t at one point last year and I was in a breaking point and no where to run. I needed a lawyer more that you know and I searched the web for one and found Scott Limmer. Didn't know much about him and really at that moment didn't care.
He was truthful and straight forward with me. Didn't con me in thinking it will be an easy road but told me we will beat the case in court. He fought with the judge to a point I thought I was in contempt with the judge. lol.. Called the ADA's bluff and we road it out together. He is fair, understanding and as for me, I have his name on speed dial.

Anonymous

Never thought we would need a lawyer. But we did. Found Scott Limmer online when our son got in some trouble. Scott was there for us. My wife and I didn't have a clue how the system worked. Scott was helpful in every way. At times my son wasn't the easiest client. Scott was there for us. He made us understand what and why things are going to happen.

Anonymous

I found Scott when I was in a very tough spot. I had been charged with two serious felony level crimes. I met with a handful of attorneys and Scott's reviews and presence both online and in person impressed me, so I hired him.
I am so thankful I made that decision. Scott was consistently friendly,  professional, and easily accessible. His fees were very reasonable, especially considering the level of service he provided. Most importantly to me, Scott made sure that the Judge and a zealous DA's office saw that the charges were not at all what they were chalked up to be. In the end, there was no jail time, no probation, no criminal record and no fines or community service.
If you are being criminally charged, I couldn't recommend hiring Scott more strongly. He delivered when I needed it and I am forever grateful.

Anonymous

I am grateful for everything that Scott has done for me. If you are looking for a lawyer look no further.  Scott went above and beyond for me, he did everything in his power to help me.  And because of him I have my life back and it's intact. I was innocent from the beginning but if I did not have Scott, I do not think I would have won. He is one of the smartest people I have ever met. He thinks 10 to 20 steps ahead in any scenario. There isn't one thing bad I have to say about this man. To all those out there who need representation, Scott is your guy. The one thing that means more than anything to me is that he ACTUALLY cares. Not many people are like that anymore, and he is amazing. He cared about me when he didn't have to, he just had a job to do. To have a lawyer who actually cares about their client and doesn't see them as their next pay check, pick Scott. I cannot stress how amazing of a lawyer and person he is, he will fight tooth and nail for you.

Anonymous

I reached out to Scott after a police officer contacted my employer.  I was worried that my case could have a negative affect on my employment situation and freedom. Scott kept my mind at ease and ensured we would not plea guilty and rightfully so. By the end of my case, I was not convicted with any crimes. I could not have asked for a better lawyer experience.
From first contact, Scott was approachable, very responsive and engaged, professional, and compassionate. He took time to talk through every concern and explained the process thoroughly, gave best and worst case scenarios and didn’t not over promise. In fact he under-promised and over-delivered. My family will forever be thankful we choose Scott to represent us. He is a down to earth, smart, highly capable professional.

Anonymous

I hired Scott Limmer to defend my son who had gotten into trouble in school and with the law. From our first meeting to our last, and there were many in between, not only was Scott extremely knowledgable in both aspects, but he always kept us informed about what was going on, and answered my phone calls any time of the day to put my mind at ease. Scott went above and beyond for our son to make sure that he would get the best outcome possible and that outcome was better than we had ever expected. He is very compassionate about his work and it shows in everything he does. I truly believe that if I hadn't hired Scott as my lawyer, my son would not have been given the fresh start that he now has.

Anonymous