The “f-word” leads to four days in jail
That’s right, and they were said in a court building.
23-year-old, Valerie Perez, was in court in Illinois for a speeding ticket. After waiting most of the morning for her case to be called, the judge took a break. Perez was over heard in the hallway saying “I waited all f****** morning, and now she takes a break and I’m tired of waiting.”
The comment was reported to the judge who found Perez in contempt of court and sentenced her to eight days in jail. Her sentence was appealed and she ended up serving four days after the appellate court determined that her speech was protected under the First Amendment. Perez didn’t address her remarks to the judge or even in her presence. She was complaining about the time involved and when asked to calm down by the bailiff, she did. Although considered by some to be offensive, using the “f-word” is generally not a criminal act.
