Bexar County Judge Indicted for Handcuffing Attorney

Bexar County Judge Rosie Speedlin Gonzalez was arrested and indicted on Thursday, January 29, 2026, on charges stemming from an incident in which she allegedly ordered a defense attorney handcuffed and detained in her courtroom more than a year earlier.

The charges include one felony count of unlawful restraint by a judicial officer and one misdemeanor count of official oppression. They relate to a December 17, 2024, hearing on a motion to revoke probation in Gonzalez's Bexar County courtroom in San Antonio, Texas. During the proceeding, defense attorney Elizabeth Russell represented a client described in court records as having cognitive challenges. When the client pleaded true to one of the prosecutor's allegations, Russell requested a brief private consultation with her client. Gonzalez denied the request, stating that attorneys are not permitted to coach their clients during questioning.

An argument followed, with Russell continuing to object. According to court transcripts, Gonzalez warned Russell against being argumentative and threatened to hold her in contempt. When Russell persisted, the judge ordered court officers to handcuff her and place her in the jury box....