CONTEMPT OF COURT

Willful failure to obey an  Order of the Court.  This can include failure to pay child support and/or alimony.  A court has the power to punish (or cite) this offense.  These punishments (or sanctions)  may include fines and/or jail time.  Incarceration is generally just a threat and if imposed, usually very brief.

Being rude, or disrespectful to a judge or another attorney or causing a disturbance in the courtroom, particularly after being warned by the judge is another type of contempt.  Since a judge has discretion to control the courtroom, contempt citations are generally not appealable unless the amount of the fine or jail time is excessive.