Judge Speedlin Gonzalez Indicted After Handcuffing Attorney in Courtroom

The incident stemmed from a dispute over a defendant changing his plea during a probation violation hearing.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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County Court Judge Rosie Speedlin Gonzalez has been indicted on charges of official oppression and unlawful restraint after she allegedly had a defense attorney handcuffed and placed in a jury holding area during a hearing in December 2024. The incident occurred after the judge accused the attorney of 'coaching' her client into changing his plea during a probation violation hearing.

Why it matters

The case has raised concerns about judicial conduct and the appropriate boundaries between judges and attorneys in the courtroom. It also highlights the potential consequences for judges who are accused of abusing their authority, as Speedlin Gonzalez now faces criminal charges that could result in jail time and fines.

The details

According to court transcripts, the hearing was held after the state accused the defendant of violating the conditions of his probation. When the defendant initially pleaded 'true' to the allegations, the judge accused the defense attorney, Elizabeth Russell, of 'coaching' the defendant to change his plea. This led to a heated exchange, with the judge threatening to hold Russell in contempt. The judge then ordered Russell to be taken into custody and placed in the jury holding area, despite Russell's objections that she was entitled to a hearing on any contempt charge.

  • The incident occurred on December 17, 2024.
  • Speedlin Gonzalez was indicted by a grand jury last month.
  • Speedlin Gonzalez has been temporarily removed from her position as County Court 13 judge after being suspended by the Texas Commission on Judicial Conduct.

The players

Judge Rosie Speedlin Gonzalez

The County Court 13 judge who is accused of handcuffing a defense attorney and placing her in a jury holding area during a hearing.

Elizabeth Russell

The San Antonio defense attorney who was allegedly handcuffed and placed in a jury holding area by Judge Speedlin Gonzalez.

Brian Cromeens

The special prosecutor from Goliad County who will be handling the case against Judge Speedlin Gonzalez after the Bexar County District Attorney's Office recused itself.

Ron Rangel

The judge of the 379th District Court, who said he plans to recuse himself from presiding over Judge Speedlin Gonzalez's case.

Alicia Perez

The Democratic challenger running against Judge Speedlin Gonzalez in the upcoming March primary election.

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What they’re saying

“Attorneys are not allowed to coach answers to their clients.”

— Judge Rosie Speedlin Gonzalez, County Court 13 Judge (expressnews.com)

“Your honor, I'm entitled to a hearing on any criminal contempt. You can't just hold me in contempt without a hearing.”

— Elizabeth Russell, Defense Attorney (expressnews.com)

“I have full control over everything that happens in this courtroom. I've been given that duty by the voters of Bexar County.”

— Judge Rosie Speedlin Gonzalez, County Court 13 Judge (expressnews.com)

What’s next

The judge's case was assigned to the 379th District Court, over which Judge Ron Rangel presides, but Rangel said he planned to recuse himself. The case will now be handled by Special Prosecutor Brian Cromeens of Goliad County after the Bexar County District Attorney's Office recused itself.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of maintaining proper decorum and professional conduct in the courtroom, even in the face of disagreements between judges and attorneys. It also raises questions about the appropriate use of judicial authority and the need for checks and balances to prevent abuse of power by those in positions of authority.