The judge can "throw you in the slammer" for Direct Contempt of Court. This is when you are physically in the court room or in front of the presiding judge and

The judge can "throw you in the slammer" for Direct Contempt of Court. This is when you are physically in the court room or in front of the presiding judge and do/say something that "disturbs the court." However not complying with a court order is Indirect Contempt of Court and the defendant has the right to a hearing in this case. So disobeying a court order is contempt of court, but a judge can't throw you in jail without a hearing for it. Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contempt_of_court#United_States http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contempt_of_court#United_States