differences between civil and criminal contempt
The distinction between civil and criminal contempt is critical, because criminal contempt triggers additional constitutional safeguards. Civil contempt must be proved by clear and convincing evidence. In a criminal contempt proceeding, the burden of proof is beyond a reasonable doubt.
If it is for civil contempt the punishment is remedial, and for the benefit of the complainant. But if it is for criminal contempt the sentence is punitive, to vindicate the authority of the court. An unconditional penalty is criminal in nature because it is solely and exclusively punitive in nature.
With criminal contempt, generally there is no opportunity to purge the contempt as the purpose is to punish. A civil judge in a civil proceeding can generally find someone in criminal contempt, but the required showing/standard is higher. This response is for general purposes only.