CA - Contempt of Court... what could happen?

Just looking for advice before my court date. I’m in California and facing 3 counts of contempt: 1) missed one weekend visit (first time ever in 5+ years), 2) said a few negative things about the mother to the kids over the years, and 3) didn’t complete my anger management course by the 2019 deadline, but finished it recently. I’m really worried about what kind of punishment I could be looking at. Has anyone been through this? How likely is a trial or serious punishment?

From what I’ve seen, CA courts usually don’t push for jail time unless it’s a repeated offense or something serious. For your first contempt charges, they might just give you a warning or probation. If you’ve completed the anger management, that’s going to help a lot!

@Flynn
That’s reassuring. I’m hoping the fact that I finally did the class will help, even though it was late.

Denver said:
@Flynn
That’s reassuring. I’m hoping the fact that I finally did the class will help, even though it was late.

Definitely. As long as you’ve made the effort to comply, the court will likely be lenient. Maybe just a fine or community service.

About the missed visit, unless you missed several in a row or it was intentional, I don’t think it’ll be a big deal. One missed visit probably won’t lead to any real punishment, just a warning.

Emerson said:
About the missed visit, unless you missed several in a row or it was intentional, I don’t think it’ll be a big deal. One missed visit probably won’t lead to any real punishment, just a warning.

Yeah, it was just the one time and I was sick, but she’s making a big deal out of it.

@Denver
If it was just once and not a pattern, I really wouldn’t worry too much. The court will see that as a minor issue.

The disparagement stuff is tricky, but unless there’s been a real impact on the kids, it’s hard to prove harm. Just be careful going forward to avoid saying anything negative. Courts don’t like it when parents involve kids in their disputes.

@Joss
I know, I slipped up a couple of times, but I try to avoid badmouthing her. It’s just hard when she’s telling the kids things that aren’t true.

Denver said:
@Joss
I know, I slipped up a couple of times, but I try to avoid badmouthing her. It’s just hard when she’s telling the kids things that aren’t true.

Totally understandable. Just focus on positive communication with the kids and let the court know you’re working on it. That’ll show you’re trying to improve things.

Honestly, it sounds like the biggest issue here is the anger management course. Since you completed it, I doubt they’ll hit you with anything more than maybe a fine or community service. First contempt cases are usually lighter, especially if you’ve shown you’re trying to comply with court orders.

@Kipp
I really hope that’s the case. I don’t want anything worse than that. I was late, but I didn’t completely ignore it.

Denver said:
@Kipp
I really hope that’s the case. I don’t want anything worse than that. I was late, but I didn’t completely ignore it.

Exactly, and the fact that you finished it now is key. The court just wants to see compliance, even if it was late.

Courts tend to be more focused on getting people to comply than on punishing them harshly. Since you’ve done the course and the other issues seem minor, I think the worst-case scenario here is community service and maybe some fines. Just be upfront with the judge about your efforts.

@Wren
That’s what I’m hoping for. I’ve never been in this situation before, so it’s all new and stressful.

Denver said:
@Wren
That’s what I’m hoping for. I’ve never been in this situation before, so it’s all new and stressful.

I get that. Just stay calm and show that you’ve made an effort to meet the court’s orders. Judges appreciate honesty and will work with you if you show you’re trying.