In a stunning turn of events, a Bexar County judge has been indicted on serious charges stemming from a heated courtroom clash that raises questions about judicial overreach.
Bexar County Court at Law Judge Rosie Speedlin Gonzalez turned herself in on Thursday, January 29, 2026, facing one felony count of unlawful restraint by a judicial officer and one misdemeanor count of official oppression. The charges arise from an incident during a December 2024 hearing where Gonzalez ordered defense attorney Elizabeth Russell to be handcuffed and placed in the jury box after a disagreement. No court date has been set for the charges as of the latest reports.
Let’s cut to the chase: when a judge orders an attorney into custody over a mere objection, it smells like a gross overstep. The facts are clear—during that December 2024 hearing, Russell simply asked to confer with her client after a plea, and Gonzalez shut her down, claiming attorneys shouldn’t “coach” clients. That’s a flimsy excuse for silencing legal counsel and flexing muscle from the bench.
“Take her into custody and put her in the box,” Gonzalez reportedly ordered, The Daily Caller reported after viewing court transcripts. That command alone paints a picture of a judge more interested in control than justice. It’s no wonder a grand jury saw fit to indict her on felony charges that could carry up to 20 years behind bars.
Gonzalez, 60, made history in 2019 as the first openly LGBTQ judge elected in Bexar County. While that milestone is noted, her tenure has been anything but smooth, with past incidents like paying a civil penalty in 2022 for carrying a loaded handgun in her airport bag. These moments pile up, raising eyebrows about judgment and temperament.
Then there’s the four-year legal fight over displaying a rainbow flag in her courtroom, which she ultimately won on appeal in 2023. While some may cheer that as a victory for personal expression, others see it as a distraction from the core duty of impartiality on the bench. Courts aren’t stages for personal agendas—they’re places for law and order.
“I’m a proud public servant, I’m LGBTQ, I own a gun, I’m bilingual, I’m an American citizen — and I have every right to defend myself,” Gonzalez has said. Fair enough, but defending oneself shouldn’t mean trampling on others’ rights in a courtroom. Her words sound defiant, but they don’t erase the gravity of handcuffing an attorney over a procedural spat.
With Gonzalez seeking reelection in the upcoming March 2026 Democratic primary, this indictment couldn’t come at a worse time. Voters are likely to question whether someone facing felony charges is fit to wield judicial power. The timing adds a layer of political intrigue to an already messy situation.
Critics are also pointing to the broader implications of this case for our legal system. When judges act like petty tyrants, it erodes public trust in the very institutions meant to uphold fairness. This isn’t just about one person—it’s about ensuring the bench doesn’t become a bully pulpit.
A special prosecutor had to step in after the local district attorney’s office recused itself, which only fuels suspicion of insider favoritism or conflict. Why the hesitation to handle this locally? It’s a question that demands answers as this case unfolds.
Interestingly, the State Commission on Judicial Conduct hasn’t acted against Gonzalez as of January 29, 2026. That silence is deafening—shouldn’t there be some oversight when a judge’s actions lead to felony charges? The public deserves swift scrutiny, not bureaucratic foot-dragging.
Looking ahead, this case could set a precedent for how judicial misconduct is handled. If Gonzalez faces no real consequences, it sends a dangerous message that judges are above the law. That’s a slippery slope no one should want to slide down.
For now, the nation watches as this courtroom drama plays out. It’s a stark reminder that power, unchecked, can corrupt even the most hallowed halls of justice. Let’s hope the system rights this wrong before trust is irreparably broken.
