An Arkansas television reporter began a three-day jail sentence for contempt of court on after admitting to recording proceedings in a hearing in a capital murder case last month.

KNWA Reporter Nkiruka Azuka’s sentence came after Benton County Circuit Judge Brad Karren found her in contempt on Tuesday, according to the Associated Press.

According to the AP, Azuka maintains she recorded the proceedings to take notes and has worked at stations in other markets where reporters recorded hearings for that purpose without incident.

Yesterday Azuka was released from jail this after judge gave her time served after turning herself in.

The NABJ released this statement:

“NABJ is disheartened to learn that KNWA/FOX24 reporter Nkiruka Azuka has been sentenced to 10 days in jail with 7 days suspended, 6 months probation and a ban from covering a murder trial in a judge's courtroom, according to news reports. NABJ believes the sentence is excessive.

As reported by her station, Azuka is being jailed for a simple oversight, that she apologized for, which occurred while working on a news assignment. She stated that she was unaware of a court's rule that did not permit her to record while reporting on a murder trial. She later confirmed that she did not publish the recordings.

According to her station, it appears there was no ill intent in Azuka's efforts to simply do her job and ensure accuracy in her coverage.

We advise our members and all journalists to ensure they are aware of federal, state and local laws when it comes to recording in public or municipal spaces.

We encourage newsrooms to also provide training on this issue and we will continue to incorporate such training into our programming.”