The Docket

Judge Susan Reynolds wanted Courtney Lynn Hill to slow down and take her time in Danbury Superior Court Monday.

Hill showed up in court charged with third-degree criminal mischief, a class B misdemeanor. She apparently had an argument with her mother in April, and broke a table. Her mother wanted the case over with, and Hill was happy to plead guilty.

Hill was all set to plead guilty and pay the fine.

The problem with this, Judge Reynolds told her, is if you plead guilty, you'll have a record.

"No problem," Hill said.

You don't ever want to be president, Reynolds asked, looking at Hill, who was very polite and soft spoken.

"No," Hill said.

By then, Assistant State's Attorney Sharmese Hodge was catching the judge's mood on this case, and she made a suggestion.

Hodge said that if Ms. Hill would go downstairs and make a $150 charitable contribution, she could then return to the courtroom with the paper proving the contribution. Then her misdemeanor charge would be changed to an infraction of creating a public disturbance. She would then pay a $50 fine for the infraction. No record.

Hill walked out of the courtroom and came back clutching a piece of paper.

She then pleaded guilty to creating a public disturbance.

That would make me feel better, just if you decide you want to become president of the United States, Reynolds said.