FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- State Sen. Mandy Dawson was in court today to answer charges she tampered with a prescription for painkillers.

Judge Marcia Beach had criticized Dawson (pictured) for missing one appearance in court when she chose to remain in Tallahassee to attend the governor's inauguration.

"I needed to be here period ... I needed to make sure there wasn't a perception that I was avoiding anything that was required. That is simply not true," Dawson said. "I fully intend to comply with whatever it is that drug court or any other legal proceeding requires of me."

Dawson was arrested in October after police said she altered a prescription for painkillers.

Dawson is now in drug treatment and has passed a court-ordered drug test.

"Anyone who is familiar with any of the issues within the recovery community knows it is just one day at a time. There is no perfection ... You simply get up every day and ask God to guide you and help you. And you go to bed at night saying thank you," Dawson said.

Dawson will be able to continue her work in Tallahassee and still comply with the court's wishes.