Teen Gets Jail Time for Cursing Miami Dade Judge

An 18 year-old teenager, P.S., who laughed when a Miami Dade judge asked her whether her jewelry would pay for her bond got into further trouble during her legal proceeding on a drug charge. The judge posted her bond at $5,000 and got annoyed when she said "Adios" before walking away. He called her back and raised her bond to $10,000. The teenager reacted with disbelief and then flipped the judge her middle finger and cursed him. Calling her back again, the annoyed judge sentenced her to 30 days in jail for contempt. She had been arrested in connection with drug possession of Xanax, for which she had no prescription.

In her second court appearance, the teen refrained from laughing or showing any emotion at all in front of a different judge. She was placed in a diversion program, the Florida drug court program, which combines required substance abuse treatment with sanctions, incentives, and court supervision designed to reduce drug addiction and associated crime. Those who successfully complete the program in lieu of incarceration have their cases dropped. The program is available to first-time drug offenders who volunteer for the program. They may also have their arrest record and plea to the dismissed charges expunged.

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Drug possession is one of the most common crimes throughout courts in Miami as well as the rest of the country. If you have been arrested and charged with a drug crime or are the parent of a teenager facing such a charge, getting sound legal advice and guidance is essential. As in the case above, a diversion program may apply which can reduce the negative consequences of such a charge. At the criminal defense firm of Parks & Braxton, P.A., you will find a legal team of attorneys with the extensive knowledge, skills, and resources needed to help you maximize your chances for a favorable outcome.

The legal team has 45 years of combined experience and has received the highest national rating of a lawyer's professional ability and ethical standards by Martindale Hubbell. The attorneys have also been featured on national news programs regarding legal issues, such as ABC News, CBS News, and the Today show. Whether you are facing a drug crime, theft crime, sex crime, drunk driving charge, federal crime, or any other type of criminal charge, contact the firm to learn how an accomplished attorney can help you.