We transferred the case from the Appeals Court on our own motion. See id. at 531. See id. at 528. We conclude that the Juvenile Court lacks the power to do so. Criminal contempt for violation of an order requires a clear and unequivocal order, evidence that the defendant knew of the order and its repercussions, and intentional disobedience of the order.
Courts have the inherent power of contempt for violation of their orders.
This inherent power, however, is recognized only if the underlying order is valid. See Matter of Vincent, supra at 530. Contempt requires a clear and unequivocal, or direct, order as its basis. See Furtado v. Furtado, supra at 144-145. The Legislature has expressly provided the options available for failure to comply with conditions of custody, including placement with DSS or counselling, but excluding criminal contempt.