Lawyers for the State Commission of Correction asked a judge Thursday for an order compelling Sheriff Timothy B. Howard to meet state requirements at the Erie County Holding Center because commission inspectors have found numerous violations.

With a court order, the commission could turn up the pressure on Howard to improve the jail’s conditions by asking the court to hold him in contempt if further violations are found.

Erie County Attorney Cheryl A. Green responded by saying the commission has held Erie County to an unfair standard. State Supreme Court Justice Diane Y. Devlin said she would rule at a later date.