In Rockingham County, a contempt of court motion can lead to jail time or fines for violating a court order. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 30 documented case results in Rockingham County. Va. Code § 20-107.3 governs family law matters. Our Contempt Lawyer Rockingham County team provides case-specific defense strategies.
Last verified: April 2026 | Rockingham/Harrisonburg General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Contempt of court in Virginia is the willful disobedience of a court order. Under Va. Code § 20-107.3, a court can hold a party in contempt for failing to pay spousal support, violating custody orders, or refusing to comply with property division terms. The court may impose fines, jail time, or both. A contempt of court motion lawyer Rockingham County can help you respond to these allegations or file a motion to enforce your rights.
For official legal references, see Va. Code § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution) and the Rockingham/Harrisonburg General District Court website.
- File a motion for contempt at the Rockingham County Circuit Court, 53 Court Square, Harrisonburg, VA 22801.
- Serve the opposing party with the motion and a show-cause order.
- Attend the show-cause hearing where the judge determines if contempt occurred.
- Present evidence of the violation, such as missed payments or denied visitation.
- If contempt is found, the court may order compliance, fines, or jail time.
- Appeal any adverse ruling to the Virginia Court of Appeals within 30 days.
In Rockingham County, contempt of court carries potential jail time up to 12 months and fines up to $2,500 for each violation.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Civil Contempt | Civil violation | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | May be purged by compliance |
| Criminal Contempt | Class 1 misdemeanor | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Samantha Rae Powers, Associate Attorney at Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Licensed in VA, FL. Experienced family law and civil litigator. View Samantha Rae Powers’s Profile
Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute (Va. Code § 20-107.3), giving him unique insight into contempt proceedings related to property division and support orders. With 120+ years of combined firm experience and 4,739+ total case results firm-wide, the team handles complex contempt matters in Rockingham County.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 30 total documented case results across all practice areas in Rockingham County, with a 100% favorable outcome rate. A court order violation lawyer Rockingham County from our firm can review your case and explain your options.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Shenandoah/Woodstock Location serves clients at Rockingham County courts (53 Court Square). Accessible via I-81, Route 33, Route 11, Route 42, Route 340.
We serve Harrisonburg, Bridgewater, Dayton, Elkton, Timberville, Broadway.
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Q: Can you go to jail for contempt of court in Rockingham County?
Yes. Civil contempt can result in up to 12 months in jail. Criminal contempt carries the same maximum. The court may also impose fines up to $2,500 per violation.
Q: How do I file a contempt motion in Rockingham County?
File a motion at the Rockingham County Circuit Court, 53 Court Square, Harrisonburg, VA 22801. The filing fee is approximately $86. You must serve the opposing party with the motion and a show-cause order.
Q: What is the difference between civil and criminal contempt?
Civil contempt is intended to compel compliance with a court order. Criminal contempt punishes past disobedience. Civil contempt can be purged by complying; criminal contempt results in a permanent record.
Q: How long does a contempt hearing take in Rockingham County?
It depends. Show-cause hearings are typically set within 21-60 days of filing. Contested hearings with evidence may take 2-4 hours. Complex cases involving multiple violations may require multiple hearings.
Q: Can I appeal a contempt finding in Virginia?
Yes. You can appeal a contempt finding to the Virginia Court of Appeals within 30 days of the final order. An appeal does not automatically stay the contempt finding unless the court grants a stay.
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Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.