Paris Standoff -- Sheriff vs. Judge

TMZ has learned the reason Paris Hilton stayed at home while the lawyers and judge sat in court is because the Sheriff's Department refused to pick her up.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ the Sheriff's position is that the judge does not have the power to order her to court. The Sheriffs believe they have sole jurisdiction to monitor and control Hilton while she is under house arrest.

The Sheriff's Department says they are the only ones authorized to take her anywhere. Thus, the standoff in court.