Woke Judge Arrested Following Outrageous Courtroom Orders
Texas Judge Arrested for Ordering Attorney to be Handcuffed During Court Dispute
A Texas judge was arrested Thursday on charges of unlawful restraint and official oppression following a December 2024 courtroom incident, authorities said.
Bexar County Court at Law Judge Rosie Speedlin Gonzalez allegedly ordered a defense attorney handcuffed during a dispute over courtroom procedure, overstepping her authority and restricting the attorney’s freedom.
The 60-year-old judge turned herself in and was booked at the Bexar County Jail before posting a $40,000 bond and being released later the same day.
Through her attorney, Speedlin Gonzalez denied any wrongdoing and vowed to vigorously contest the allegations.
The charges stem from a hearing in which defense attorney Elizabeth Russell represented a client facing a motion to revoke probation.
Court records indicate that Russell requested a brief consultation with her client after challenging the judge’s handling of the proceedings.
Prosecutors say Speedlin Gonzalez then directed a bailiff to handcuff Russell and seat her in the jury box, which they classify as unlawful restraint—a second-degree felony—and official oppression, a Class A misdemeanor under Texas law, according to KSAT.
Due to a conflict of interest, Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales recused his office from the case. Special Prosecutor Brian Cromeens of Goliad County was appointed to oversee the proceedings.
Speedlin Gonzalez has served on the Bexar County bench since 2019 and presides over the Reflejo Court, a specialized program for first-time domestic violence offenders.
Texas Public Radio reports that she is the county’s first openly LGBT-elected judge and previously drew attention for displaying a Pride flag in her courtroom, which the State Commission on Judicial Conduct later cleared.
This is not her first time under scrutiny.
In 2022, she paid a $2,475 civil penalty after a loaded handgun was found in her luggage at San Antonio International Airport.
Speedlin Gonzalez explained that she began carrying the firearm after receiving threats following her 2018 election.
She is currently seeking reelection in the March Democratic primary against challenger Alicia Perez.
Officials said her caseload has been temporarily redistributed among other judges, though she continues to receive her salary while the legal proceedings continue.
According to Law & Crime, transcripts from the December 2024 hearing provide details on the escalation.
After the defendant admitted to one of the allegations, Russell requested a brief consultation with her client.
Speedlin Gonzalez denied the request, admonished the attorney repeatedly, and ultimately ordered her restraint. Russell filed a criminal complaint in response, triggering months of investigation that culminated in Thursday’s arrest.
The case has been assigned to 379th District Court Judge Ron Rangel. Special Prosecutor Cromeens has not publicly commented.
Legal observers say the case raises broader questions about courtroom authority, judicial discretion, and the proper balance of power between judges and attorneys during high-stakes proceedings.
Observers note that the incident may prompt renewed discussion on judicial oversight and courtroom conduct nationwide, as it involves an elected judge exercising authority in a way that critics say could threaten legal norms and attorney rights.
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