Criminal Contempt in Queens County
11,605 cases · Queens County Courts · DCJS Data
Criminal contempt cases in Queens County are dismissed at a dramatically higher rate than across New York State. With a 68.5% dismissal rate compared to the statewide average of 33%, Queens County dismisses these cases at more than double the state rate. This 35.5 percentage point gap reflects a strong trend: dismissals have grown steadily from 48.7% in 2019 to 69.8% in 2024, indicating that prosecutors and courts have increasingly moved away from pursuing criminal contempt charges. The 31.4% conviction rate and zero acquittals suggest that most cases either never reach trial or are resolved before one occurs.
Charge reductions are the dominant pathway in these cases. Eighty-two percent of defendants charged with criminal contempt have their charges reduced to something less serious, with disorderly conduct accounting for 94.5% of all reductions. At pretrial, most defendants are released without bail entirely—56.7% receive release on their own recognizance—while only 17% face bail with a median amount of $5,000. Those few who are convicted typically serve time already spent in jail rather than receive new prison sentences; 14.6% receive time served as their sentence, while 11% receive jail time and only 1.4% receive prison.
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: 11,605 public court records, Queens County Courts — NewYorkCourtFile.com
Outcomes by Charge Class
How outcomes differ by felony and misdemeanor classification for Criminal Contempt in Queens County.
| Charge Class | Cases | Dismissal Rate | Conviction Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| E Felony | 10,310 | 67.7% | 32.3% |
| A Misdemeanor | 1,265 | 74.9% | 25.0% |
| B Misdemeanor | 30 | 76.7% | 23.3% |
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 Queens County have changed over time.
| Year | Cases | Dismissal Rate | Conviction Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 2,216 | 48.7% | 51.0% |
| 2020 | 1,791 | 74.2% | 25.8% |
| 2021 | 1,818 | 78.3% | 21.6% |
| 2022 | 1,909 | 72.5% | 27.5% |
| 2023 | 1,945 | 71.2% | 28.8% |
| 2024 | 1,925 | 69.8% | 30.2% |
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 Queens 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 Queens County are reduced
Sentencing When Convicted
Breakdown of sentencing outcomes for Criminal Contempt convictions in Queens County.
82.0% of Criminal Contempt cases in Queens County are reduced to lesser charges. An attorney can review your situation — free, no obligation.
Ask a Queens County attorney — freeOutcomes by Demographics
Case outcome rates by race for Criminal Contempt in Queens County. These statistics reflect systemic patterns and structural factors in the criminal justice system, not individual behavior.
| Race | Cases | Dismissal Rate | Conviction Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black | 4,279 | 67.8% | 32.1% |
| Hispanic | 3,478 | 69.1% | 30.9% |
| Asian | 2,092 | 69.6% | 30.4% |
| White | 1,651 | 67.7% | 32.0% |
| Native American | 59 | 61.0% | 39.0% |
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. 11,605 cases analyzed for Criminal Contempt in Queens County. Last updated March 2026. — NewYorkCourtFile.com
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