SLR 20-19.005: Remedial and Punitive Contempt Actions

(1) These rules apply to all actions seeking civil relief for a violation of a court order, whether remedial or punitive. (2) Plaintiff must conventionally file initiating instruments for remedial or punitive contempt and pay the associated filing fee. Subsequent filings may be submitted using the electronic filing system. (3) Court Clerk then issues a new Criminal Contempt case number. Plaintiff shall notate the new Criminal Contempt case number on the initiating instrument and further pleadings and the words “Related to [court name] Case No. [case number] if arising from an existing circuit court case. (4) If the plaintiff is seeking confinement as a remedy, the initial appearance will be for advice of rights and potential appointment of counsel for the defendant. (5) If the defendant fails to appear as scheduled, the court may issue a bench warrant for defendant’s arrest. Defendant’s next appearance will be at the Law Enforcement Center (LEC). When defendant appears, LEC court staff will consult with case managers to get a new court date, provide that date to the defendant, and send notice of scheduled court appearance to the plaintiff. (6) If the plaintiff fails to appear for any hearing (excepting for appearance at LEC after issuance of a bench warrant), the contempt action will be dismissed. Page 33 of 46 Washington County, 20th Judicial District February 1, 2026 CHAPTER 21 – FILINGS AND SERVICE BY ELECTRONIC MEANS; ELECTRONIC FILES OF THE COURT