What classification of offense is violating a court order?

Violating a court order is classified as a misdemeanor. Misdemeanors are typically less severe than felonies and are often punishable by fines or imprisonment for up to one year. A court order, which could pertain to various matters such as restraining orders, custody agreements, or probation terms, is issued by a judge and has legal weight. When an individual does not comply with such orders, it demonstrates a disregard for the authority of the court, which can result in misdemeanor charges.

In contrast, infractions are minor violations, often related to traffic rules, that generally do not carry jail time and only result in fines. Felonies are more serious offenses that can lead to significant prison sentences and serious penalties. Violations generally refer to minor breaches of law but, in this context, do not adequately capture the legal implications associated with ignoring court orders, which aligns with a misdemeanor classification.