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A Florida woman’s desperate plea to stay in jail unveils a sobering reality for people caught between homelessness and the criminal justice system. And social media is having a surprising response to her vulnerability.
In the video, the woman is seen speaking to a judge, who is not visible on camera. He confirms the woman was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia.
Before he can resolve the case, the woman asks, “Sir, is it possible I can get like 60 days?”
In response to the surprising request, the judge offers time served. Then the woman reveals that she is homeless and needs extra time before pleading for 30 days.
The judge responds by indicating that they would delay resolution, notifies the woman that she has a $500 bond, and orders her not to bond out. The video ends with the judge wishing her good luck, leaving viewers to reflect on the woman’s situation and broader systemic issues.
Instagram commenters were divided on the outcome. One cites the judge’s sympathetic approach, writing, “He could’ve put her back on the streets, but he listened to her!! Jail isn’t the best place but it’s safer than the streets. In 30 days from now she’ll be 30 days sober and prayerfully a case manager or social worker there will help her apply for assistance!”
Another wrote, “No resources offered??”
One X user tweeted. “That’s heartbreaking. When jail feels safer than the streets, it says everything about how broken the system really is. No one should have to beg for a cell just to survive that’s not freedom, that’s failure.”
Straight From 
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