Penalty Info

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ContemptPossibly — unconfirmed

Possibly — unconfirmed

Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.

Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed

§ 401 — Contempt of courtPossibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
At the court's discretion
Fine
At the court's discretion

§ 401 sets no statutory range — punishment is at the court's discretion.

§ 402 — Contempts constituting crimesPossibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
0 (no mandatory prison) – 6 months
Fine
Fine $0–$1,000

0 = the law sets no minimum prison term. The court is not required to impose prison. Depending on the offence, jurisdiction, and case, it may instead impose a non-custodial sentence — e.g. a suspended sentence, community order / probation, a fine, or a discharge.

Reported — not yet confirmed.

2 U.S.C. § 192 — Contempt of Congress (refusal to testify / produce papers)Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment
1–12 months
Fine
Fine $100–$1,000

Reported — not yet confirmed.

Source

Statute
18 U.S.C. §§ 401, 402; 2 U.S.C. § 192
Official source
Secondary sources (reported)
Verification status
§ 401 is discretionary by statute (no range exists to verify). §§ 402 and 2 U.S.C. § 192 reported, not yet confirmed.
Last verified
2026-10-19
Not legal advice. This range is the statutory penalty as written in the law — it is not “your sentence.” What is NOT accounted for here: Priors, plea, discretion. If you face a real charge, consult a licensed lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.