HOUSTON — A prospective juror in a marijuana possession trial was hauled off to jail Tuesday after police said they caught her smoking a joint outside the courthouse.

KHOU-TV

Cornelia Mayo

Attornies in the case had narrowed the jury pool down to 20 people when they took a 45 minute break.

When the break was over, 49-year-old Cornelia Turner Mayo didn't return to Judge Sherman Ross' courtroom.

Turns out she was on a smoking break -- but what she was allegedly smoking was illegal.

"I've had prospective jurors get lost before, but it never occurred to me that they might be getting ready for a marijuana trial by, allegedly, smoking marijuana," Judge Ross told the Houston Chronicle.

Mayo was booked on a charge of possession of marijuana. She'll be arraigned next week in the courtroom across from Judge Ross.

Mayo was released from jail after posting bail.

We're guessing she's not going to be picked for the jury.