Criminal Contempt in Bronx County
5,510 cases · Bronx County Courts · DCJS Data
Criminal contempt cases in Bronx County are dismissed at a dramatically higher rate than the statewide average. With an 81.5% dismissal rate compared to 33% across New York, defendants charged with criminal contempt in the Bronx are significantly more likely to see their cases dismissed. This 48.5 percentage-point gap is substantial and reflects how this charge is handled locally—judges and prosecutors appear to view many contempt cases as unsuitable for prosecution. The trend strengthens this pattern: dismissal rates have climbed from 74.4% in 2019 to 89.6% in 2024, indicating a growing inclination to resolve these cases without conviction.
When cases proceed to resolution, charge reductions are common. Over half of criminal contempt cases are reduced to lesser charges, primarily harassment and disorderly conduct, suggesting prosecutors frequently negotiate down from the original contempt charge. Among those convicted, jail sentences are most likely, occurring in roughly 26.5% of convictions, though the median bail amount when set is low at $3,000. Release before trial is accessible: nearly 60% are released on their own recognizance without bail conditions. Cases move relatively quickly, with a median of 107 days to disposition.
Dismissal rate includes judicial dismissals and cases dismissed in the interest of justice. Conviction rate includes guilty pleas and findings of guilt at trial. Avg duration measures arraignment to final disposition. Data sourced from New York DCJS Pretrial Release Data. Last updated: March 2026
Case Outcomes
Source: 5,510 public court records, Bronx County Courts — NewYorkCourtFile.com
Outcomes by Charge Class
How outcomes differ by felony and misdemeanor classification for Criminal Contempt in Bronx County.
| Charge Class | Cases | Dismissal Rate | Conviction Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| E Felony | 2,790 | 81.3% | 18.6% |
| A Misdemeanor | 2,594 | 81.8% | 18.1% |
| B Misdemeanor | 126 | 80.6% | 19.4% |
Charge class reflects the severity classification at arrest (e.g., A Felony is the most serious, B Misdemeanor the least). Outcomes vary by class due to differing prosecutorial priorities, plea bargaining patterns, and case complexity. Source: New York DCJS Pretrial Release Data.
Year-Over-Year Trends
How Criminal Contempt outcomes in Bronx County have changed over time.
| Year | Cases | Dismissal Rate | Conviction Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 1,001 | 74.4% | 25.6% |
| 2020 | 783 | 82.2% | 17.8% |
| 2021 | 770 | 76.4% | 23.6% |
| 2022 | 1,016 | 80.8% | 19.1% |
| 2023 | 987 | 84.1% | 15.9% |
| 2024 | 952 | 89.6% | 10.3% |
Year reflects arrest year from DCJS Pretrial Release Data. Case volumes may vary as more recent cases may still be pending disposition.
Pretrial Release
How defendants charged with Criminal Contempt in Bronx County are handled at arraignment.
Pretrial release data reflects arraignment outcomes under New York's bail reform laws. ROR = Released on Own Recognizance. Bail Set = cash bail or bond required. Remanded = held without bail.
Charge Reductions
in Bronx County are reduced
Sentencing When Convicted
Breakdown of sentencing outcomes for Criminal Contempt convictions in Bronx County.
52.9% of Criminal Contempt cases in Bronx County are reduced to lesser charges. An attorney can review your situation — free, no obligation.
Ask a Bronx County attorney — freeOutcomes by Demographics
Case outcome rates by race for Criminal Contempt in Bronx County. These statistics reflect systemic patterns and structural factors in the criminal justice system, not individual behavior.
| Race | Cases | Dismissal Rate | Conviction Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black | 2,650 | 81.9% | 18.1% |
| Hispanic | 2,400 | 80.9% | 19.1% |
| White | 219 | 81.9% | 18.1% |
| Asian | 184 | 84.5% | 15.5% |
| Native American | 26 | 79.2% | 20.8% |
Disparities in case outcomes reflect well-documented systemic factors including policing patterns, socioeconomic inequality, and structural bias in the criminal justice system. These statistics should not be used to draw conclusions about any individual or group. Data sourced from DCJS Pretrial Release Data.
Common Questions
Statistics from public court records for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. Past outcomes do not predict future results. Consult a licensed attorney for guidance on your case.
Data source: New York DCJS Pretrial Release Data. 5,510 cases analyzed for Criminal Contempt in Bronx County. Last updated March 2026. — NewYorkCourtFile.com
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