Bexar County Misdemeanor Judge Accused of Handcuffing Attorney Appears in Court

Judge Rosie Speedlin Gonzalez faces charges of unlawful restraint and official oppression after a 2024 incident in her courtroom.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 7:07pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a pair of handcuffs against a pitch-black background, capturing the stark, gritty, and investigative nature of this crime-related story.The handcuffing of an attorney in a judge's courtroom raises troubling questions about the abuse of judicial power.Laredo Today

Rosie Speedlin Gonzalez, a Bexar County court-at-law judge, appeared in court for a hearing related to charges of unlawful restraint by a judicial officer and misdemeanor official oppression stemming from an incident in her courtroom in December 2024, where she allegedly had an attorney handcuffed and kept in the jury box. The case has been assigned to retired Judge Oscar Hale Jr., and Speedlin Gonzalez is set to return to court in June.

Why it matters

The allegations against Judge Speedlin Gonzalez raise concerns about judicial misconduct and the potential abuse of power by those in positions of authority. The case highlights the importance of holding judges accountable for their actions and ensuring the integrity of the judicial system.

The details

According to court records, Speedlin Gonzalez, 61, was indicted in January 2026 on charges of unlawful restraint by a judicial officer, a felony, and misdemeanor official oppression. The charges stem from an incident in December 2024, where Speedlin Gonzalez allegedly had an attorney handcuffed and kept in the jury box during a court proceeding. Since her arrest, the State Commission on Judicial Conduct has suspended Speedlin Gonzalez without pay, and she has lost her re-election bid in the Democratic primary.

  • Incident occurred in December 2024.
  • Speedlin Gonzalez was indicted in January 2026.
  • Speedlin Gonzalez appeared in court for a hearing on April 10, 2026.
  • Speedlin Gonzalez is set to return to court in June 2026.

The players

Rosie Speedlin Gonzalez

A Bexar County court-at-law judge who is accused of having an attorney handcuffed and kept in the jury box during a court proceeding in December 2024.

Oscar Hale Jr.

A retired judge from Laredo, Texas, who has been assigned to preside over Speedlin Gonzalez's case.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide in June whether to allow Speedlin Gonzalez to be released on bail or to continue her suspension.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of holding judges accountable for their actions and ensuring the integrity of the judicial system. The allegations against Judge Speedlin Gonzalez raise concerns about the potential abuse of power by those in positions of authority, and the outcome of this case will be closely watched by the community.