July 9, 2005
One night in jail because of a ringtone
Even Sergio Cortez Herrera admits the popular Mexican rock song "Oye mi amor" (Listen, my love) that blasted out of his cell phone last week was awfully loud. Loud enough to land him a night's stay at the Chatham County jail, reports News Observer.
The man had gone to District Court in Siler City to try to get his driver's license back but Judge Joe Buckner held him in direct criminal contempt of court, initially handing him a 10-day jail sentence, which he later reduced to one night.
Judges, bailiffs and lawyers say cell phones in court can be a major distraction. Still, a ringing cell phone is rarely considered cause for jail time. Direct criminal contempt is usually reserved for people who fight or loudly argue in the courtroom.
Silent phones and proper decorum are necessary so those facing a judge get the attention they deserve, Buckner said.
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