Criminal Contempt in the First Degree is a felony. You can be charged with Criminal Contempt in the First degree, in violation of N.Y. Penal Law Section 215.51 when it is alleged that you have committed any of the following acts:

  • Refusing to be sworn as a witness before a grand jury, or having been sworn as grand jury witness, refusing to answer questions, N.Y. Penal Law Section 215.51(a);
  • Violating an Order of Protection by:
    • Menacing or Threat, N.Y. Penal Law Section 215.51(b)(i).
    • Stalking, N.Y. Penal Law Section 215.51(b)(ii).
    • Instilling Fear by Electronic Means, N.Y. Penal Law Section 215.51(b)(iii).
    • Repeated Telephone Calls, N.Y. Penal Law Section 215.51(b)(iv).
    • Striking, Kicking, or Other Physical Contact, N.Y. Penal Law Section 215.51(b)(v).
    • Physical menace by placing the protected party in fear of death, or imminent serious physical injury or injury, N.Y. Penal Law Section 215.51(b)(vi).
  • Intentionally violating the Order of Protection when you have a previous conviction of Criminal Contempt within the last 5 years, N.Y. Penal Law Section 215.5(c); and
  • Intentionally or Recklessly causes $250 or more damages to the property of the protected party N.Y. Penal Law Section 215.51(d).