In the Ozarks, a routine traffic stop has turned into a legal battle involving 39-year-old Dale County resident Reginald Burks, who faces up to 30 days in jail after refusing to apologize to an officer following a controversial traffic stop in December.

Burks was driving her kids to school when she was stopped by police for speeding. After receiving the ticket, Burks told the officer to move out of the way so she could take her kids to school.

After Burks paid the fine and appeared in court to plead guilty to the traffic offense, Ozark County Judge Nicholas Bull ordered him to write a letter of apology to the officer or face 10 to 30 days in jail. Burks refused, citing free speech rights.

“I'll pay the fine, but I'm not going to apologize,” says Burks. Said NewsNation. “I have done nothing to this officer except swear. There is no law that says you can't swear or express your opinion.” Birx's attorney, David Harrison, said Birx is being punished by not having his case in court.

The case continues to attract attention and debate as the June 4 deadline for Birx to apologize approaches, as she remains steadfast in her refusal to apologize and remains prepared to go to jail to defend what she believes are fundamental rights.

“I think I deserve an apology and my children deserve an apology,” Birx said. “We have rights, and if we don't stand up for those rights, we're never going to get them.”

Grayson Everett is the state and politics editor for Yellow Hammer News. You can follow him on Twitter. Grayson