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Your Syracuse Criminal Contempt Attorneys

A criminal contempt charge can have a catastrophic lifetime impact. Cambareri & Brenneck, your criminal defense team, can help.
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OUR NATIONAL RECOGNITION
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Experienced Criminal Contempt Attorneys

Trust former prosecutors to handle your criminal contempt case.
Type Of Cases
Drug possession attorney: Hands being cuffed, symbolizing legal defense.

Is it Really Criminal Contempt?

Determining if an action constitutes criminal contempt under New York State law often requires legal expertise. Typically, criminal contempt involves disobedience or resistance to a lawful court order. Every case is unique, and we highly recommend consulting with a criminal contempt attorney to accurately assess your situation.
Explore your legal options with an experienced and knowledgeable former prosecutor before a plea deal is entered. We take all situations into consideration to get you the best results.

What Kind of Proof is Needed?

To convict someone of criminal contempt, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that there was a clear and unequivocal court order in effect, the defendant knew about it, and willfully disobeyed or was indifferent to it. It’s vital to have a skilled attorney who can critically examine the prosecution’s evidence and advocate on your behalf.

At Cambareri & Brenneck we regularly examine whether or not:

  • There have been rights violations against our client.
  • Violation of search and seizure laws.
  • There are misconduct issues.
  • There are pieces of evidence that should be suppressed.
  • There have been chain-of-evidence issues.
  • There are witnesses (or other evidence) that dispute the state's version of events.

Is His/Her Word Enough?

While someone’s statement can form part of the evidence in a criminal contempt case, it generally needs to be corroborated by additional evidence to support a conviction. It’s crucial to have an experienced criminal contempt Attorney who can analyze the evidentiary issues in your case to provide the best possible defense.

When it is appropriate, Cambareri & Brenneck will advocate for our clients’ eligibility for these programs. For more information on the allegations against you, the possible penalties, and what our team is prepared to do to secure the most favorable outcome possible, call our offices today.

Criminal Contempt Penalties Include

  • Jail
  • Probation
  • Loss of Access to Property
  • Significant Fines
  • Loss of Access to Children
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Understanding Criminal Contempt in Syracuse

Types of Criminal Contempt Cases:
Full & Partial Order of Protection
In cases where an order of protection has been issued and alleged to have been violated, the accused may face criminal contempt charges. We have vast experience in handling such cases, and we can help guide you through the complexities of this legal process.
If an escort notice has been disobeyed, it may also result in criminal contempt charges under New York state law. Our experienced attorneys can help you understand your rights, the legal implications, and provide you with robust defense strategies.
Both criminal contempt in the first degree (class E felony) and second degree (class A misdemeanor) in New York involve violating court orders with varying levels of severity and intent. Our attorneys are well-versed in handling these cases and are prepared to offer you the best possible representation.
Aggravated criminal contempt, a Class D felony, involves serious harm to a person protected by an order of protection. It’s a serious charge requiring a serious defense. Our dedicated Syracuse criminal contempt Attorneys are prepared to fight vigorously for your rights.

MEET THE TEAM

Your Criminal Defense ATTORNEYS

Cambareri & Brenneck is a firm founded by and comprised of former prosecutors. Because our attorneys have experience on both sides of the courtroom, our clients can trust that their case will be effectively navigated through the criminal justice system. Every viable avenue toward a positive outcome will be exhaustively pursued.

Steve Cambareri
Steve Cambareri

Partner, Attorney

Scott A. Brenneck
Scott A. Brenneck

Partner, Attorney

Ret. Judge John
(Ret.) Judge John

Special Counsel

Melissa K. Swartz
Melissa K. Swartz

Attorney

Joe Centra Esq
Joe Centra, Esq.

Attorney

Michele Previte
Michele Previte

Office Manager

Jess Edwards
Jess Edwards

Administrative Assistant

Steve Cambareri
Steve Cambareri

Partner, Attorney

Scott A. Brenneck
Scott A. Brenneck

Partner, Attorney

Ret. Judge John
(Ret.) Judge John

Special Counsel

Melissa K. Swartz
Melissa K. Swartz

Attorney

Joe Centra Esq
Joe Centra, Esq.

Attorney

Michele Previte
Michele Previte

Office Manager

Jess Edwards
Jess Edwards

Administrative Assistant

WHY CHOOSE US

The Defense Firm You Have Been Looking For

Free Consultation
315-424-8326
Strong Reputation

Our honest, transparent approach to criminal defense helps us better protect our clients' best interests.

Former Prosecutors. Proven Defense.

With 75+ years of collective experience, we leverage our insight to benefit our clients.

Available 24/7

We are available 24/7 to help you with the personal, private, and professional consequences associated with your situation.

Free Case Consultations

Please contact our team to schedule your free case consultation.

AREAS WE SERVE

Serving Syracuse & Upstate New York

Free Consultation
315-424-8326

FAQS

Frequently Asked Questions

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What is criminal contempt under New York law?
Criminal contempt in New York occurs when someone willfully disobeys or shows indifference toward a lawful court order. This can include violating an order of protection, an escort notice, or another court-issued directive. If you’ve been charged in Syracuse or anywhere in Upstate New York, contact Cambareri & Brenneck for a free consultation.
New York recognizes several degrees of criminal contempt, including Criminal Contempt in the First Degree (a Class E felony), Criminal Contempt in the Second Degree (a Class A misdemeanor), and Aggravated Criminal Contempt (a Class D felony). The specific charge depends on the nature of the alleged violation and any prior contempt history. Our Syracuse criminal contempt attorneys handle all levels.
Penalties vary by charge severity and may include jail time, probation, significant fines, loss of access to property, and loss of access to your children. A felony-level contempt conviction can affect employment, housing, and your permanent record. The sooner you retain a criminal defense attorney in Syracuse, the more options you have.
The prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that: (1) a clear and unequivocal court order was in effect, (2) you were aware of the order, and (3) you willfully disobeyed or were indifferent to it. Our former prosecutors know how to scrutinize each element of the state’s case.
No. A single statement alone is generally not sufficient for a criminal contempt conviction without corroborating evidence. Our Syracuse defense attorneys analyze every evidentiary issue in your case — including credibility, inconsistencies, and chain-of-evidence problems — to build the strongest possible defense.

CONTACT US

Free Confidential Consultation

Tell us a little about your situation and we’ll get back to you quickly. All conversations are confidential and protected by attorney-client privilege.

Phone Number

315-424-8326

Email

info@yourcriminaldefense.com

Locations

300 South State Street 1st Floor, Syracuse, NY 13202