Portsmouth Police say a local woman tried to argue her way out of an arrest using the so-called sovereign citizen defense — a tactic popular in internet circles but not recognized in any actual court of law.
According to a police report, Nina Book “was talking her sovereign citizen lingo the entire time” when officers served her with a warrant. Despite her arguments, police booked her into the Scioto County Jail on charges of making false alarms. She has a hearing set for October 23.
What Is the “Sovereign Citizen” Defense?
The “sovereign citizen” argument is a set of pseudo-legal claims often spread online and through YouTube videos. Followers insist they aren’t subject to government laws, police authority, or even U.S. courts.
The problem? Judges and officers don’t buy it. No matter how many obscure legal terms or “constitutional loopholes” are thrown around, it doesn’t stop arrests or convictions. As one officer put it, trying this tactic is like “getting your law degree from the U of Tube.” It may be popular in online forums, but in real life, it doesn’t hold up.
Book’s History
This isn’t Book’s first run-in with the law. Back in September, she was arrested for violating a stalking protection order. At that time, she waived her right to a lawyer and asked for a jury trial. She was released on her own recognizance and is due back in court on October 23 — the same date as her new hearing.
Court records show she has a long list of prior arrests, including obstruction of official business, resisting arrest, persistent disorderly conduct, assaulting an officer, carrying a concealed weapon, and trespassing
