What it is
A request asking the court to find that a party or nonparty violated a clear court order and should face coercive or compensatory consequences. Contempt can be civil or criminal depending on purpose and procedure.
Sanctions / enforcement
Motion for Contempt
Asks the court to sanction or coerce compliance after someone violates a court order.
When it's used
Filed when someone disobeys an injunction, discovery order, subpoena, settlement order, turnover order, or judgment-enforcement directive.
What the other side does
The alleged contemnor argues the order was unclear, compliance was impossible, they substantially complied, the movant did not prove violation, or sanctions requested are excessive.
Common outcomes
The court may deny contempt, order compliance, award fees, impose daily fines, compensate losses, or in severe cases refer or impose stronger sanctions.
Not legal advice. Motion practice varies by court,
judge, and case type. Local rules and standing orders frequently
modify the federal defaults shown here. If you're facing a motion
or considering filing one, talk to a lawyer about strategy and
timing for your specific case.