A Maryland Request for Show Cause Order for Contempt is a court order issued by a judge to compel an individual to appear in court to explain why they should not be held in contempt for failing to obey a court order. This type of request is commonly issued when a party fails to comply with the terms of a court order, such as a child support order, divorce decree, or other court-ordered obligation. Contempt of court is a serious offense and can result in fines, jail time, and other penalties. There are two types of Maryland Request for Show Cause Order for Contempt: civil contempt and criminal contempt. Civil contempt is when an individual fails to comply with a court order and is held in contempt of court. Criminal contempt is when an individual willfully and knowingly violates a court order and is held in contempt of court.