Asja Outerbridge got in trouble when she was caught cooking a sandwich for her kid during a virtual court session.
Outerbridge, from Metro Detroit, had a 9 a.m. court appearance for a misdemeanor charge. She was to appear before Judge Sean Perkins in Detroit’s 36th District Court early but she irritated the court by arriving late. Outerbridge claimed she logged in at 9:22 a.m., but had a good reason.
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Outerbridge told CBS News Detroit, “I got multiple court dates, so I called to get the Zoom number, and they had told me like, ‘Oh, you’re supposed to be there right now.’ What I had said 1 p.m. I hung up with them, and hopped on at 9:22 AM exactly, and waited there from 9:22 to 11:30. That’s when the robe thing happened, and then he put me back in holding. So with being on hold for 2 hours, I’m not going to lie, I kind of forgot he was on the phone.”
According to Outerbridge, she hurried to the phone while preparing a sandwich as soon as she learned the session had begun. She didn’t even recall that she had put on a robe during the two hours she waited at home.
The fact that she was wearing a robe and preparing sandwich did not sit well with the judge.
“Put whatever you’re trying to prepare down,” judge Perkins could be heard saying to Outerbridge during the hearing, according to WWJ. “I’m sorry that your daughter is sick, but again, you’re in court,” he added.
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Though the mother said she holds herself accountable for her actions, she wishes to use this circumstance for the greater good.
“I definitely was wrong. I could have came dressed better and more prepared, and I don’t want to judge to think that I’m laughing at the situation at him because I’m not. I take that very seriously, I do genuinely, with a serious face, apologize to the judge,” she remarked.
“I’m a personal stylist, so I know how to present myself, but that day, you know, it’s hard for moms out here. I’m not gonna lie. I took that transition of what you wear to court, and I will show different outfits you could wear to court, how you can present yourself, and how you can not be caught lacking in a robe, making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. You don’t want to do that.”
Experts advise that the best way to conduct oneself in a virtual court session is to avoid distractions, be prepared, and show up on time. One must also dress appropriately as if they were visiting court in person. Except for religious reasons, hats and other headgear are often not allowed. Participants should also not bring food including gum into the courtroom.
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