MIAMI – A woman who flipped off a Miami-Dade County Circuit Judge returned to court for her third appearance on Friday.
Siting case law, Miami-Dade County Circuit Judge Jorge Rodriguez-Chomat read several instances that justified his decision to sentence Penelope Soto, 18, to 30 days in jail after she flipped him off in court earlier this week.
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Soto tried interrupting the judge during Friday's hearing, but her lawyer quickly quieted her down.
Her lawyer argued that Soto's judgment was impaired the day she first appeared in court. He also stated that Soto has received a psychological evaluation and will be receiving treatment for her addiction.
After hearing further testimony, the judge ordered she be released from jail.
Soto's case has captured national attention, even spawning a Facebook fanpage and a "Free Penelope" Twitter feed.
Penelope Soto, 18, was originally arrested for illegal possession of Xanax.
When Soto faced Judge Rodriguez-Chomat on Monday morning, she got in even more trouble.
Video shows that after Rodriguez-Chomat issued Soto a $10,000 bond, the 18-year-old walked away, muttered "F*** you," and flipped him off.
Rodriguez-Chomat responded by holding her in contempt of court and sentenced her to 30 days in jail.
In drug court on Wednesday, observers said she was more respectful. Another judge lowered her bond to $5,000 and sentenced her to serve in a drug program. If she completes it, her charges may be dropped.