Bill > HB4893

This bill proposes to increase the penalties for contempt of court, which refers to behavior that disrespects or obstructs the authority of a magistrate court. Currently, a magistrate can punish individuals for various acts, including disrespectful behavior, disturbing the peace, violence or threats towards court officials or participants, misbehavior by county officials, and resisting lawful court orders. The bill would raise the fines for these offenses: a first offense could result in a fine of up to $200 and community service, a second offense related to the same matter could incur a fine of up to $500 and community service, and a third or subsequent offense could lead to a fine of up to $1,000, up to ten days of confinement in jail, or both. Additionally, for third or subsequent offenses, a magistrate could, at their discretion, sentence the individual under a different section of the code related to alternative sentencing. The existing provisions for issuing arrest warrants, providing an opportunity to be heard, and the right to appeal to the circuit court would remain.

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http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=4893&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill