Contempt charge over falling pants doesn't hold up

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - A teenager who literally got caught with his pants down in a Florida courtroom did not deserve to be hit with a contempt charge because of the fashion flaw.

So ruled the state's 1st District Court of Appeal on Monday, saying that Circuit Judge Stanley Griffis had no reason for the contempt charge. The Alachua County youth, whose name was not released, spent two days in a juvenile detention center.

Judge Griffis had ordered the teen to pull up his pants, but the youth told him they would not go up. Then the teen's mother forcibly brought him to a podium.

The youth then said something, which prompted the bailiff to ask if something was funny.

Then the judge cited the juvenile for throwing a "tantrum" and disputing the court, and issued the contempt order.

But the appeals court said both the record and a video of the incident do not support the charge.

So everyone can just keep their pants on.