61-3608. Bench warrant; hearing; penalty. (a) If a person fails to comply with the requirements of K.S.A. 61-3606, and amendments thereto, or if it appears to the court that the person is hiding to avoid the process of the court or is about to leave the county for that purpose, the court may issue a bench warrant commanding the sheriff to whom it is directed to bring such person before the court to answer for contempt. The bench warrant does not need to be supported by affidavit or other verification. The court may make such orders concerning the release of the person pending the hearing as the court deems proper.

(b) When such person is brought before the court, a hearing shall be held to determine if the person should be punished for contempt. If the court determines that the person is guilty of contempt, the court may punish the person by a fine in an amount to be set by the court or by imprisonment in the county jail for a period of not to exceed 30 days, or both. The court may also order the person guilty of contempt to pay the reasonable attorney fees incurred by the judgment creditor in the filing of the bench warrant and the hearing thereon.

History: L. 2000, ch. 161, § 69; L. 2002, ch. 157, § 15; July 1.