Texas Judge Indicted for Allegedly Handcuffing Attorney

Rosie Speedlin Gonzalez faces felony charges after clashing with defense lawyer in her courtroom

Feb. 1, 2026 at 12:55pm

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Bexar County Judge Rosie Speedlin Gonzalez, the first openly LGBTQ judge elected in the county, has been indicted on felony charges of unlawful restraint and official oppression after allegedly ordering a defense attorney handcuffed and held in the jury box during a December 2024 hearing.

Why it matters

The case has drawn national attention due to Gonzalez's high-profile status as an openly LGBTQ judge and her past legal battles, including over her right to display a pride flag in her courtroom. The charges raise questions about judicial conduct and the appropriate boundaries between judges and attorneys in the courtroom.

The details

According to court transcripts, the incident occurred when defense attorney Elizabeth Russell asked to speak with her client after he pleaded 'true' to a probation violation. When Russell objected after Gonzalez refused, the judge ordered the bailiff to 'take her into custody and put her in the box.' Russell was then handcuffed and placed in the jury box.

  • The incident occurred in December 2024.
  • Gonzalez turned herself in on the charges on February 1, 2026.
  • Gonzalez is seeking reelection in the March 2026 Democratic primary.

The players

Rosie Speedlin Gonzalez

A 60-year-old Bexar County judge who became the first openly LGBTQ judge elected in the county when she took office in 2019. She has previously faced legal battles, including over her right to display a pride flag in her courtroom.

Elizabeth Russell

A defense attorney who was allegedly handcuffed and held in the jury box by Judge Gonzalez during a December 2024 hearing.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Rosie Speedlin Gonzalez (New York Post)

What’s next

A special prosecutor has been appointed to the case, and no court date has been set yet. The State Commission on Judicial Conduct has not yet taken action against Gonzalez as of the time of the report.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex issues surrounding judicial conduct and the balance of power between judges and attorneys in the courtroom, particularly when high-profile judges with unconventional backgrounds are involved. It raises questions about the appropriate use of judicial authority and the potential consequences for overstepping those boundaries.