Associated Press Release

MIAMI (AP) -- A young Miami woman apologized for flipping off a judge, who then dropped contempt charges and vacated her 30-day jail term.

Eighteen-year-old Penelope Soto admitted Friday she was under the influence of Xanax and alcohol when she made the obscene middle- finger gesture and rude comments earlier this week directed at Circuit Judge Jorge Rodriguez-Chomat. Video of the confrontation quickly went viral.

Soto tearfully apologized to the judge, who said the episode should be a lesson in how to properly treat people. Rodriguez-Chomat said Soto would have been a convicted felon if he allowed the contempt charge to stand.

Her lawyer said Soto will complete a drug court program, which includes treatment for drug addiction and usually results in charges eventually being dropped for first-time offenders.

Miami, FL - A Florida woman's conduct at a court hearing, landed her in some serious trouble with the judge.

18 year old Penelope Soto was arrested for illegal possession of Xanax.

When the judge ordered Soto held on $5,000 bond, her attitude kicked in, and so did her middle finger.

Soto ended up being held on $10,000 bond, and was ordered to spend 30 days in jail, for flipping the judge the bird.