Homeless woman pleads with judge to let her remain in jail after release 

A homeless woman in Florida has sparked widespread discussion after pleading with a judge to allow her to stay in jail despite being granted release.

The incident occurred on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, during a routine court appearance on a minor charge of drug paraphernalia possession. The defendant, a woman in her forties, interrupted the proceedings to beg the judge for more jail time — initially requesting 60 days, then lowering it to 30 — explaining that she needed more time to gather money for a temporary place to stay.

Her emotional plea left the courtroom momentarily silent as she added that even one more night behind bars would help her survive on the streets.

The judge, showing compassion, offered an alternative: he set a $500 bond and advised her not to post it if she had nowhere safe to go. A public defender was later assigned to assist her with the next steps.

The touching exchange, captured on video, has gone viral online, drawing attention to the growing issue of homelessness and the challenges faced by those struggling to find stability after incarceration.