HABLA ESPAÑOL • AVAILABLE 24/7/365 • HELP WITH BAIL BONDS

(949) 622-5522
(949) 622-5522
En Español
Schedule Consultation

Contempt of Court in Aliso Viejo Crime Defense Lawyers

Available 24/7/365
See All Criminal Defense Practice Areas

As Seen In

10 News First
CNN
Court TV
Forbes
Huff Post Live Alt
Huff Post Live
KTLA

Contempt of Court in Aliso Viejo

Summary: This page covers Contempt of Court PC 166 in Aliso Viejo, Behavior Defined as Being in Contempt of Court, Defense Against PC 166.

Contempt of Court PC 166 in Aliso Viejo

Contempt of court occurs when a judge feels someone is improperly challenging or ignoring the court’s authority, and is categorized as either criminal or civil. Criminal contempt is when the contemnor interferes with the ability of the court to function properly. With direct contempt, it happens in the presence of the court. An example would be yelling at the judge or refusing to testify in a manner that is disrespectful and/or impedes the court’s ability to function. With indirect contempt, it happens outside the presence of the judge, and is most often the case with civil contempt. Civil contempt of court happens when someone fails to adhere to an order from the court or fails to satisfy a court order. For example, someone who fails to pay court ordered child support or failing to abide by a child custody order can be punished for civil contempt.

In the city of Aliso Viejo and in the state of California, ‘contempt of court’ essentially refers to behavior that is disrespectful of the court or its process. The purpose of the ‘contempt of court’ charge is to assert the authority of the court and to maintain its dignity and respect.

Behavior Defined as Being in Contempt of Court

California Penal Code Section 166 defines the conduct that the court would define as ‘contempt of court’. Some of the behavior viewed as disrespectful and therefore in ‘contempt of court’ includes:

  • Interrupting court proceedings in an unbecoming manner. For example, by excessively shouting in a court proceeding
  • Publishing a grossly inaccurate/false account of court proceedings
  • Deliberately disobeying the terms of an issued injunction or court order
  • Declining to be sworn in as a witness or refusing to answer a material question when there is no legal exception to do so
  • Deliberately and knowingly violating a protective/stay-away order that involves elder abuse, adult dependent abuse or domestic abuse

Defense Against PC 166

To defend against a PC 166 charge, you need an expert defense attorney who can represent you and prove the following:

  • That you did not know or lacked requisite knowledge. For example, you did not know there was a court order because it was mailed to a wrong address
  • You did not act intentionally. For example, you visited a cinema where you happened to meet someone you were ordered by the court to stay away from or
  • You have been falsely accused of being in contempt of court

Another defense that could be used is that you were simply unable to abide by the order. Because of this, the contempt was not done willfully and therefore does not satisfy all the elements of what is defined as contempt of court. This is a common defense for people instructed by the court to pay child support or other fees, but do not have the financial capability to do so.

It is important to call a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible, for the best defense to be strategized. We can defend you at Johnson Criminal Law Group. Call our law firm immediately.

Get A Criminal Defense Consultation Now

Do you already have a court date?*
Please do not include any confidential or sensitive information in a contact form, text message, or voicemail. The contact form sends information by non-encrypted email, which is not secure. Submitting a contact form, sending a text message, making a phone call, or leaving a voicemail does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Recover Your Future with a Commanding Legal Defense

Immediate Action to Restore Control

Neutralize threats & prevent escalation with a firm that begins active case management as soon as you retain us

24/7 Access to Elite Legal Counsel

Connect with a member of our team at any time to begin addressing your legal challenges swiftly and decisively

Resolve Uncertainty with Clear Guidance

Reduce stress and uncertainty through honest, candid assessments and a clear, strategic path to resolution

Fierce Representation for Urgent Situations

Secure lasting stability for you or your loved one through an aggressive defense and diligent case preparation

Contact Us 24/7/365

Criminal Defense Case Results

Mr. R was charged with embezzling close to $100,000 as a utility salesperson using a scheme to steal customers’ identities. Client avoided any jail time and received probation.

Mr. P was charged with embezzling equipment from John Wayne Airport while working as a contractor. Our office negotiated a civil compromise, resulting in the dismissal of felony charges and sealing his arrest record.

Mr. W. was charged with eight counts, including domestic violence, child endangerment, and criminal threats. Our office negotiated an offer of one year in therapy and then a dismissal of all charges.

Mr. H. was found by police passed out in his vehicle with drugs out in the open. Our office was successful in obtaining a diversion out of the criminal justice system and ultimately a dismissal.

Read More Case Results

Hear From Our Clients

Refreshing & Life-Changing Experience

Ms. Johnson-Norris is an aggressive, professional and effective attorney. Thank you for your legal assistance. Her follow-through is to be commended, and she always returns phone calls and quickly replies to email. The outcome would not have been the same without Ms. Johnson-Norris as my attorney. I would highly recommend Ms. Johnson-Norris to friends and family in need of legal advice. Thank you!

M.B., a Family client

Ms. Johnson-Norris has been a ‘guardian angel’ in our case from the first second we spoke. She’s dedicated such intense time and detail into making sure everything is handled perfectly. Our case has not been finished (yet), and we’re just in the initial stages, but we are already extremely confident in her abilities. Our case is extremely sensitive in nature, but Ms. Johnson-Norris has shown compassion, composure, and extensive knowledge, which is always super comforting. I can say with certainty that Ms. Johnson-Norris will handle our legal needs from the beginning to the end. Also, Ms. Johnson-Norris is really easy to get ahold of. She returns phone calls and/or emails very quickly, which is also a very comforting factor, and something I wanted to point out about her.

Jill, a Juvenile client

Lauren Johnson-Norris was not only responsive, she was compassionate and reasonably priced. I would highly recommend her. She negotiated with the district attorney and brought the case to a win/win.

Shannon, a Criminal Defense client

Lauren Johnson-Norris was amazing. She explained everything in ways that were easily understood, & answered all of my questions. She was respectful, but also open & honest. She started work on my case the first day we met & got results quickly. She demonstrated passion, concern, and showed true feeling for my situation. My expectations were greatly exceeded. I would say she has an incredible attention for detail, & has a real dedication to her work. Lauren Johnson-Norris would be my first recommendation to any of my family or friends similarly in need of legal assistance.

Heather, a Juvenile client

Thank you, Ms. Johnson-Norris, for your help and support in a very scary, bad time in my life! You were a ray of sunshine in a very dark place. I didn’t have to step foot in a courtroom once; Ms. Johnson-Norris was there for me. Always kept me up to date and informed of the progress of my case, was able to work out a very good deal with the courts. If you need a great attorney that will work for you and with you, then I would highly recommend you hire Lauren Johnson-Norris!

J.B., a criminal client

Read more Testimonials

Criminal Defense FaQ

What immediate steps will you take to protect my rights?

We provide immediate crisis command by reviewing the allegations against you and intervening with law enforcement to prevent further exposure. From the moment you retain the Firm, we act as your shield, managing all communications and executing a decisive strategy to protect your liberty and reputation.

We prioritize discretion and exposure management. We understand that a public allegation can be as damaging as a conviction; therefore, our strategy focuses on minimizing the visibility of your case while challenging the prosecution’s narrative to preserve your standing in the community.

We begin by meticulously reviewing the allegations to determine if the conduct even constitutes a crime under the law. We then scrutinize the prosecution’s evidence against the highest standard — proof beyond a reasonable doubt. By analyzing the “who, what, when, where, and how,” we identify the natural questions a jury will have, allowing us to build an expert strategy that derails the prosecutor’s narrative.

.

Yes, our firm offers comprehensive legal services in Orange County with a unique focus on “crossover” cases where criminal and juvenile law intersect. Johnson Criminal Law Group provides the specialized expertise necessary to navigate investigations that threaten parental rights and family stability.

When you partner with Johnson Criminal Law Group, you receive 24/7 responsiveness and a clear, strategic plan designed to resolve your legal emergency decisively. We balance aggressive defense strategies with genuine human connection, ensuring you are treated with the respect and transparency you deserve during a crisis

Habla Español • Available 24/7/365 Help With Bail Bonds

Schedule A Consultation
(949) 622-5522