How much time at most for contempt of court?

Answer 1

That depends on the order, some orders are time limited. In general terms though these orders stand until they are complied with. For Example: If a court orders you to cut down a tree, finds you are in contempt for refusing to cut down the tree - the order stands until you cut down the tree (or cause it to be cut down) OR upon order of the court the court orders it cut down and billed to you.

Answer 2

It's up to the judge. Typically it will be a fairly short period such as overnight; for most people, that's enough for them to get the hint.

It also depends on the type of contempt of court involved. There are two types, depending on the reason for the citation: punitive contempt and coercive contempt.

Punitive contempt sentences are typically very short duration, sometimes as little as several hours. Punitive contempt is intended to punish a person for doing something that was contumacious to the dignity and authority to the court, such as acting disrespectfully in a courtroom.

Coercive contempt may be as long as necessary in order to coerce a person to do something which he or she has an obligation to do but refuses. A common example is the case of New York Times reporter Judy Miller who refused to answer questions at a Grand Jury proceeding about her sources regarding the Valerie Plame matter. She refused to identify her sources even though she had no legal right to refuse. In order to coerce her into giving the information, the court held her in contempt until such time as she testified. She spent 85 days in jail before she agreed to testify and would have been held longer had she not agreed to testify.

Punitive contempt punishes a completed action with a specific sentence or fine.

Coercive contempt seeks to stop a continuing action with an open-ended sentence or continuing fine. It is commonly said that in situations of coercive contempt, the person being punished holds the keys to his or her own cell, because the person will be released immediately upon discontinuing the contumacious behavior.

Answer 3

Until they agree to comply with the court's order.

Answer 4

Until you are no longer in contempt or the judge decides you've met the requirements to be let out.