The young man returns to night court after visiting a month ago — on the same case. Then, as now, the judge offers him an adjournment contemplating dismissal (ACD) for a marijuana charge.

But, again, the man refuses the penal wrist slap. He desires full vindication.

The confounded judge explains that an ACD will disappear in six months time. There will be no record. The events, then and now, will be expunged.

The defendant stands his ground. He gives the judge a slow-motion shake of the head.

"OK," says the judge, "then we'll have to proceed. Will the people please present the field report."

To win a drug conviction, the people need to prove that there were actual drugs involved — and not parsley or oregano. Apparently, the preparation of the field report in this case was delayed, which caused the man's arraignment to be pushed until tonight.

The prosecutor hands the judge the report.

The original arrest occurred on May 17, but the judge discovers that the date on the field report reads May 11.

The devil is in the details, and this defendant is back on the street.