Illinois Contempt of Court is a legal action in which an individual is found to be in violation of a court order or a court ruling. It is a criminal offense that is punishable by fines or jail time. The primary types of Illinois Contempt of Court are civil and criminal. Civil Contempt of Court occurs when an individual willfully fails to comply with a court order or ruling, such as failing to pay child support or alimony, failing to appear in court, or failing to turn over documents as ordered. Punishment for civil contempt can include fines, jail time, or other forms of sanctions. Criminal Contempt of Court occurs when an individual willfully disobeys the authority of a court or directly challenges the dignity of the court. Examples of criminal contempt include verbal or physical outbursts, failure to comply with a court order, or refusal to take an oath. Punishment for criminal contempt can include fines, jail time, or other forms of sanctions.