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C.R.C.P. 242.40

Contempt During Proceeding

activein force · 2021-07-01 – presentact-effective-date

(a) Applicability. If, during a proceeding under this rule, a person knowingly obstructs

an investigation, fails to comply with a subpoena, refuses to answer a proper question

when testifying, or disrupts through misbehavior the Hearing Board or the Presiding

Disciplinary Judge in the performance of authorized duties, the person may be held in

contempt and sanctioned. Authority conferred under this section 242.40 is in addition to

any other authority to issue sanctions. C.R.C.P. 107 does not govern contempt proceedings

under this section.

(b) Procedure for Direct Contempt. If a person commits contemptuous conduct that the

Presiding Disciplinary Judge sees or hears and that is so extreme no warning is necessary,

or that has been repeated despite a warning to desist, the Presiding Disciplinary Judge may

summarily punish the conduct by imposing reasonable sanctions, including a fine. In such

a case, the Presiding Disciplinary Judge will enter an order on the record reciting the facts

constituting the contempt, including a description of the conduct, and finding that the

conduct is offensive to the authority and dignity of the tribunal. Before the Presiding

Disciplinary Judge imposes sanctions, the person held in contempt has the right to respond

to the charge of contempt, including making a statement in mitigation.

(c) Procedure for Indirect Contempt.

(1) Motion. A party may file with the Presiding Disciplinary Judge a motion for an

order to show cause alleging that a person has, outside of the direct sight or hearing of the

Hearing Board or Presiding Disciplinary Judge, as applicable, engaged in any of the

conduct identified in subsection (a) above. The party must also serve the motion on the

person alleged to be in contempt.

(2) Order to Show Cause. The Presiding Disciplinary Judge may enter an order to

show cause directing the person alleged to be in contempt to appear at a specified time and

place and to show cause why the person should not be held in contempt.

(3) Determination. If the Presiding Disciplinary Judge finds that the person has

engaged in any of the conduct described in subsection (a) above, the Presiding Disciplinary

Judge may hold the person in contempt and impose reasonable sanctions. The Presiding

Disciplinary Judge also may order costs and reasonable attorney’s fees.

(d) Independent Charges. An allegation or a finding of contempt does not preclude the

Regulation Counsel from filing independent disciplinary charges based on the same

underlying conduct.

(e) Referral to Other Court. Nothing herein precludes the Regulation Counsel from

referring a matter to another court of competent jurisdiction to commence other proceedings or to address other appropriate sanctions or remedies.

(f) Appeal. For the purposes of appeal, an order deciding the issue of contempt and

sanctions is final.

History

Source: Entire rule added and adopted May 20, 2021, effective for cases filed with the Presiding Disciplinary Judge or the Supreme Court on or after July 1, 2021, and, as to all other matters covered by these rules, effective July 1, 2021. Part XI. Information, Expungement, and General Provisions

Provenance

Source
content.leg.colorado.gov
Retrieved
2026-09-15
Edition
2026-09-15
Content hash
1b32d993ad303f9222a67a50d2712251fe3a9bea6b2f19d4218a89d1ed0efb3b
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C.R.C.P. 242.40 — Contempt During Proceeding · binding.law