What may happen to an officer of the court held in contempt of court?

An officer of the court held in contempt of court can be released on their own recognizance in certain cases, especially if the contempt is considered civil rather than criminal. This implies that the individual may have the ability to resolve the issue that led to the contempt, such as adhering to court orders or complying with specific directives from the judge.

In cases of civil contempt, the purpose is often to compel the officer to comply with court orders rather than to punish them. Therefore, the officer may be allowed to remain free while they work towards compliance. The situation may vary based on the severity of the contempt and the specific court's procedures, but the option of being released on one’s own recognizance reflects the court's intention to encourage compliance rather than impose immediate punitive measures.

The other choices imply more severe immediate consequences, such as termination from their position or immediate incarceration, which may not always align with the purpose of contempt procedures in civil matters. Access restrictions may occur as a result of contempt, but they typically are not directly tied to the release decisions made at the time of contempt findings.