When settling a case in court, you may receive a court order from the judge to perform or avoid specific actions. These orders lay out the terms you must follow at all times, and you should always ensure you abide by them. If you violate a court order in any way, you could face serious consequences, like fines, jail time, or community service.
If you violated your court order, our experienced lawyers at John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm in Louisiana might be able to help you get your penalties reduced or, in the best case scenario, completely dropped. We understand court orders can be confusing, so we are here to help you understand the different types of court order violations and their penalties.
Civil vs. Criminal Court Order Violations
When a defendant violates a court order, they can do so in a civil or criminal nature. The judge determines whether the violation was civil or criminal based on the purpose of the original order. Civil violations allow you to clear the offense by complying with specific terms. When you comply with the judge’s orders, you will no longer face the punishments for the violation.
On the other hand, a judge may consider your violation criminal in nature if you have violated an order multiple times. The penalties for this classification are more severe, and the defendant must comply with the terms of the original order. Every court order has different terms and conditions, which can be confusing. We are here to help you better understand your court order to avoid violations and harsh punishments.
Potential Penalties for Violating a Court Order in Louisiana
Whether you committed a civil or criminal violation, you could face serious consequences. These penalties may vary depending on the circumstances of the case, your past behavior, and your criminal record. If you violate a court order, you may face the following punishments:
Imprisonment
A court order violation may result in time behind bars depending on the severity of the violation. According to Louisiana law, you could face up to six months in prison if you violate a court order connected to a criminal proceeding.
Perhaps your court order involves you performing an act or a task. If you fail to carry out these actions, you could face jail time until you complete the order requirements. These stipulations differ in every court order, so we may be able to help you understand these terms and get your punishments reduced.
Fines
Oftentimes, court order violations result in jail time, monetary fees, or a combination of the two. Depending on the type of order you violated, you could face the following fines:
- Restraining order: $1,000
- Child support order: $500
- Child custody or visitation order: $500
- Any other order: $500
The severity of the fines may also vary depending on the classification of your violation. We may be able to represent you in court and advocate for a lower fine or get your fines dropped, in the best case.
Community Service
Instead of jail time or fines, the judge may require you to complete community service as a penalty for violating your court order. This may include picking up litter, volunteering in the community, or donating money to a charity.
Consult a Knowledgeable Louisiana Criminal Defense Lawyer at John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm
If you receive a court order from a judge, you may need clarification on the terms. It’s essential that you fully comprehend the procedures of the order to avoid any violations. Fortunately, you do not have to handle this on your own. Our compassionate legal team at John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm may be able to help you understand your court order, so you can avoid additional jail time and fines.
If you have violated your court order, our lawyers may support you in advocating for reduced penalties. We have years of experience representing defendants in Louisiana, so we have the resources, tools, and knowledge of state law to better your chances of a successful outcome. Give us a call at (318) 377-1555 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation.