Top Westchester County Defense Lawyers for Criminal Contempt and Orders of Protection 

Marcia Payton and Stephen Riebling  are Criminal Contempt and Order of Protection Defense Lawyers who have the trustworthiness and dedication that you or your loved one deserves when facing charges for criminal contempt or if an order of protection has been issued against them.

Our firm has a former New York City prosecutor who served numerous years in the New York County District Attorney’s Office, a Top 100 Trial Lawyers selection by the National Trial Lawyers, an Avvo’s Client Choice in Criminal Law and a multi-year Super Lawyer selection in New York. In practice since 1996, our criminal defense attorneys have a thorough understanding of police procedures from years spent working with officers and detectives throughout Westchester County, Putnam County, and New York City. 

We have handled thousands of criminal cases, and most importantly, countless criminal contempt and order of protection cases. Marcia and Stephen have each successfully had many criminal contempt charges reduced or dismissed entirely. They have also obtained not-guilty verdicts for clients facing a variety of criminal charges that would have resulted in lengthy sentences.

Our extensive experience in the Westchester County Criminal Courts has made us familiar with every aspect of handling all misdemeanor and felony cases including arraignment, bail applications, motion practice, discovery and trial. Our criminal defense team works tirelessly to provide you with the best defense possible.

Contact us today at (914) 712-6878 for a consultation!

What Is Considered Criminal Contempt in Westchester, NY?

Under NY Penal Law § 215.50,  criminal contempt in the second degree when a person engages in the following conduct:

1. Disorderly, contemptuous, or insolent behavior, committed during the sitting of a court, in its immediate view and presence and directly tending to interrupt its proceedings or to impair the respect due to its authority; or
2. Breach of the peace, noise, or other disturbance, directly tending to interrupt a court's proceedings; or
3. Intentional disobedience or resistance to the lawful process or other mandate of a court except in cases involving or growing out of labor disputes as defined by subdivision two of section seven hundred fifty-three-a of the judiciary law; or
4. Contumacious and unlawful refusal to be sworn as a witness in any court proceeding or, after being sworn, to answer any legal and proper interrogatory; or
5. Knowingly publishing a false or grossly inaccurate report of a court's proceedings; or
6. Intentional failure to obey any mandate, process or notice, issued pursuant to articles sixteen, seventeen, eighteen, or eighteen-a of the judiciary law, or to rules adopted pursuant to any such statute or to any special statute establishing commissioners of jurors and prescribing their duties or who refuses to be sworn as provided therein; or
7. On or along a public street or sidewalk within a radius of two hundred feet of any building established as a courthouse, he calls aloud, shouts, holds or displays placards or signs containing written or printed matter, concerning the conduct of a trial being held in such courthouse or the character of the court or jury engaged in such trial or calling for or demanding any specified action or determination by such court or jury in connection with such trial.

Criminal contempt in the second degree is a class A misdemeanor.

What Are Orders of Protection in New York?

An Order of Protection is a legal mandate issued by a court to limit the behavior of someone who is accused of harming or threatening to harm another person. These orders are designed to protect the safety and well-being of individuals who are victims of abuse, harassment, stalking, or other forms of domestic violence. In New York, Orders of Protection can be issued by criminal courts, family courts, and supreme courts, and they may include directives such as no-contact orders, stay-away orders, and orders prohibiting the possession of firearms. Violating an Order of Protection can result in serious legal consequences, including arrest and criminal charges.

How a Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help Defend You Against Orders of Protection

A skilled criminal defense attorney can provide invaluable assistance if you are facing an Order of Protection. They will first carefully review the specifics of your case to ensure that your rights were not violated during the process of issuing the order. An experienced lawyer will gather evidence, witness statements, and any other relevant documentation to build a robust defense. They can also negotiate with the court to modify the terms of the order or seek its dismissal, especially if it was improperly issued or based on false allegations. Legal representation can be crucial in ensuring that your side of the story is heard and that any undue restrictions imposed by the Order of Protection are addressed appropriately.

What Is Considered Aggravated Criminal Contempt in New York?

Aggravated criminal contempt represents a heightened form of criminal contempt under New York law, emboldened with more serious implications and heavier penalties. According to NY Penal Law § 215.52, a person is guilty of aggravated criminal contempt when they violate an Order of Protection and, in doing so, intentionally or recklessly cause physical injury or serious physical injury to the protected party. This form of criminal contempt often involves cases where the intent to harm or the resultant harm significantly elevates the severity of the violation. Aggravated criminal contempt is classified as a felony, underscoring the serious nature of the offense and the stringent legal consequences that follow.

How a Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help Protect You From Aggravated Criminal Contempt Charges

Facing charges of aggravated criminal contempt can be daunting, but with the support of a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney, you can navigate the complexities of the legal system more effectively. An experienced lawyer will scrutinize every detail of your case, from the issuance and conditions of the Order of Protection to the circumstances surrounding the alleged violation.

They will work diligently to uncover any discrepancies, gather crucial evidence, and obtain witness testimonies to construct a strong defense. Additionally, a skilled attorney can negotiate with the prosecution, potentially reducing the charges or seeking alternative resolutions. Their expertise is vital in ensuring that your rights are thoroughly defended and that you receive the best possible outcome in your case. Legal representation is indispensable when confronting the serious implications of aggravated criminal contempt, providing you with both a vigorous defense and peace of mind.

Criminal Attorneys in Mount Kisco

With offices conveniently located in Mount Kisco, NY and White Plains, NY our criminal defense team handles felonies in Federal Court, as well as New York State Courts in New York City, Westchester County, including Ardsley, White Plains, Yonkers, Mount Vernon, Rye, Sleepy Hollow, Tarrytown, Dobbs Ferry, Armonk, Chappaqua, Greenburgh, Elmsford, Valhalla, Eastchester, New Rochelle, Bronxville, Peekskill, Mount Pleasant, Scarsdale, Mamaroneck, Hartsdale, Harrison, Mount Vernon, Pelham, Port Chester, Bedford, Mount Kisco, Yorktown, Cortlandt, Croton on Hudson, Somers, Nyack, Brewster, Southeast, New Castle, North Castle, Lewisboro, South Salem, North Salem, Putnam Valley, Ossining, Briarcliff, Hastings, Irvington, Pleasantville, Larchmont, Tuckahoe, Manhattan, Bronx, Brooklyn, Putnam County, Dutchess County, Rockland County, Ulster County and throughout the Hudson Valley.

If you or someone you know is facing allegations of Criminal Contempt or have an Order of Protection issued against them, don’t hesitate to contact our Criminal Contempt Attorneys and begin the fight to protect your rights.

Contact us today at (914) 712-6878 to schedule your free consultation.