A contempt of court violation in Roanoke County can lead to fines or jail time under Va. Code § 20-107.3. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 34 documented case results in Roanoke County. You need a Contempt Of Court Lawyer Roanoke County to enforce your rights.
What Is Contempt of Court in Roanoke County?
Contempt of court occurs when a person willfully disobeys a court order. In Roanoke County, this includes violating custody orders, failing to pay child support, or ignoring property division terms. The primary statute governing contempt in family law cases is Va. Code § 20-107.3, which Mr. Sris personally amended. This statute allows the court to enforce its orders through civil or criminal contempt proceedings. The Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, has handled numerous contempt cases in Roanoke County.
Last verified: April 2026 | Roanoke County General District Court | Va. Code § 20-107.3 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Contempt of Court vs. General Family Law Violations
While general family law matters fall under Va. Code § 20-91, contempt of court specifically addresses violations of existing court orders. The distinction matters because contempt carries immediate enforcement powers, including the ability to impose jail time or fines without a separate lawsuit. A Contempt Of Court Lawyer Roanoke County understands this procedural difference and can file a motion for show cause to bring the violating party before the judge.
Official Legal Resources
For the complete text of Virginia’s contempt and family law statutes, visit the Virginia General Assembly’s official code site. For court procedures and filing information, check the Roanoke County General District Court website.
How Contempt Cases Work in Roanoke County
Roanoke County Circuit Court handles all contempt matters related to divorce and equitable distribution. The Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court handles contempt for custody and child support orders. Filing a motion for show cause starts the process.
- File a motion for show cause at the Roanoke County Circuit Court (305 East Main Street, Salem).
- Serve the motion on the violating party through sheriff or private process server.
- Attend the show cause hearing where the judge determines if contempt occurred.
- Present evidence of the violation, such as missed payments or denied visitation.
- Request a remedy: purge conditions, fines, or jail time for willful violations.
- If the violation continues, file a motion for enforcement with additional penalties.
In Roanoke County, contempt of court for family law violations carries potential jail time and fines under Va. Code § 20-107.3.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Civil Contempt (failure to pay support) | Civil | Up to 12 months (purgeable) | Up to $2,500 | Driver’s license suspension | Wage garnishment, tax refund intercept |
| Criminal Contempt (willful violation) | Criminal | Up to 12 months | Up to $2,500 | None | Criminal record, potential jail time |
| Violation of Custody Order | Civil/Criminal | Up to 12 months | Up to $1,000 | None | Custody modification, make-up visitation |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. for Your Contempt Case?
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined legal experience to every case. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute that governs many contempt proceedings in Virginia. With 34 documented case results in Roanoke County and a 94% favorable outcome rate firm-wide, our team understands local court procedures. Our court order violation lawyer Roanoke County team knows how to present evidence effectively to secure enforcement.
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
Case Results in Roanoke County
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 34 total documented case results across all practice areas in Roanoke County, with a 94% favorable outcome rate. These results include dismissals, reductions, and favorable settlements in contempt and family law matters.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Roanoke County Location
Our Shenandoah/Woodstock location serves clients at the Roanoke County courts (305 East Main Street, Salem). We are accessible via I-81, I-581, Route 11, Route 419, and Route 220. We serve Salem, Vinton, Cave Spring, Hollins, and Catawba.
Looking for a Contempt Of Court Lawyer Roanoke County near you? Our office is a short drive from Valley View Mall and Tanglewood Mall.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Shenandoah/Woodstock
505 N Main St, Suite 103, Woodstock, VA 22664
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only.
Frequently Asked Questions About Contempt of Court in Roanoke County
How long does a contempt case take in Roanoke County?
It depends. A show cause hearing is typically set within 21-60 days of filing the motion. If the case is contested, it may take 3-6 months for a final resolution. The court prioritizes contempt matters involving child support or custody.
Can I go to jail for contempt of court in Roanoke County?
Yes. Criminal contempt carries up to 12 months in jail. Civil contempt can also result in jail time, but you can purge the contempt by complying with the court order (e.g., paying the owed support).
What is the difference between civil and criminal contempt?
Civil contempt is about forcing compliance with a court order — you can avoid jail by complying. Criminal contempt punishes past willful violations and carries a criminal record. Both are handled in Roanoke County Circuit Court.
How do I enforce a child support order in Roanoke County?
File a motion for show cause at the Roanoke County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. The court can order wage garnishment, intercept tax refunds, suspend driver’s licenses, or impose jail time for willful non-payment.
Do I need a lawyer for a contempt hearing in Roanoke County?
Yes. Contempt hearings involve complex procedural rules and evidentiary requirements. An experienced enforcement of court order lawyer Roanoke County can present your evidence effectively and argue for the strongest remedies available.
What evidence do I need for a contempt case?
You need the original court order, proof of service on the violating party, and evidence of the violation. This can include bank statements showing missed payments, text messages denying visitation, or witness testimony about the violation.
Related Legal Resources
- Virginia Family Law Lawyer — Hub page for all VA family law matters
- Shenandoah County Family Law Lawyer — Nearby locality
- Frederick County Family Law Lawyer — Nearby locality
- Roanoke County Criminal Defense Lawyer — Related practice area
- Roanoke County DUI Lawyer — Related practice area
- Attorney Profile: Bryan Block
- Our Shenandoah/Woodstock Location
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.