Arizona DUI & Criminal Defense Attorney Blog
News Story That Went Viral
Last week in the news, we learned of a suspect was arrested on minor drug charges: unlawful possession of a controlled substance, Xanax. When she appeared in Miami-Dade Circuit Court, the Judge questioned her about her assets, for purposes of a release bond. The suspect laughed in response to the Judge’s questions. He continued to remind her that the proceedings were to be taken seriously, and that they were not in a night club but a court of law. Unfortunately, she did not answer his questions seriously. As a result, the Judge then ordered bail of $10,000.00. At that point, the suspect made an inappropriate exit remark, and disrespectful gesture with her hand. The judge immediately demanded the suspect to return to the podium, and promptly sentenced her to 30 days in jail for contempt of court.
After serving 4 days in jail, the defendant retained a criminal defense attorney. He appealed the harsh 30 day jail sentence and $10,000.00 bond. The defendant formally apologized to the judge for her actions and explained she was under the influence of a controlled substance in her previous court appearance. The Judge remanded her sentence. She was released from jail, and the bond was dropped. She will participate instead in a substance abuse treatment program.