Direct contempt of court is conduct that happens in the presence of the judge. It usually involves disruptive behavior. The judge can hold people in contempt without a hearing. The record just needs to show they were being disruptive. Indirect contempt of court is conduct that happens outside the presence of the judge. Conduct that happens inside the courtroom can still be out of the judge's presence if the judge does not see or hear it. Indirect contempt cases require a hearing before the court can issue penalties.