by San Antonio, TX – A Bexar County judge has been indicted after allegedly ordering a defense attorney to be handcuffed during a courtroom dispute last year. Authorities say the incident, which occurred during a probation hearing in December 2024, led to criminal charges against the judge for unlawfully restraining an attorney while on the bench.
The case has drawn statewide attention, raising questions about judicial authority, courtroom conduct, and defendants’ rights.
Indictment Filed Against Bexar County Judge
Bexar County Court at Law Judge Rosie Speedlin Gonzalez, 60, was indicted on Thursday on two misdemeanor counts: unlawful restraint by a judicial officer and official oppression, according to court records.
Prosecutors allege the judge improperly restricted the movement of an attorney during a court proceeding, substantially interfering with her liberty without legal justification.
Dispute Erupted During Probation Hearing
The incident at the center of the indictment occurred while attorney Elizabeth Russell was representing a client at a hearing on a motion to revoke probation, according to reporting by KSAT.
During the hearing, Russell’s client responded “true” to one of the allegations. Russell then asked the court for a brief moment to confer with her client. Judge Speedlin Gonzalez denied the request, stating that attorneys are not allowed to coach their clients, according to a transcript later obtained by the station.
When the court proceeded and Russell objected, the exchange escalated quickly.
Judge Threatened Contempt, Then Ordered Arrest
According to the transcript, Judge Speedlin Gonzalez sharply rebuked the attorney.
“Stop,” the judge said. “It’s on the record. Your argumentative ways are not going to work today. Stop. Stop, or I’ll hold you in contempt, Ms. Russell. I will hold you in contempt.”
The judge also stated that Russell was “not allowed to be argumentative and argue just for the sake of argument.”
Moments later, the judge ordered a bailiff to detain the attorney.
“Take her into custody and put her in the box,” Speedlin Gonzalez directed. “We are not having this hearing this way.”
Attorney Says Judge Overstepped Authority
After Russell was placed in custody, Judge Speedlin Gonzalez continued to lecture her, accusing the attorney of years of misconduct in her courtroom.
“You will not run around these courtrooms, especially [court number] 13, and think that you can just conduct yourself in the way you’ve been conducting yourself for at least the last six years,” the judge said.
Russell responded by noting that she had only been practicing law for five years. After being released, she filed a criminal complaint against the judge, setting the investigation in motion.
Prosecutors Allege Unlawful Restraint
According to the indictment, prosecutors claim Judge Speedlin Gonzalez restricted Russell’s movements without her consent and interfered “substantially with her liberty” by ordering her handcuffed during the hearing.
The case progressed slowly. In September 2025, Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales recused his office. The following month, 24th Judicial District Attorney Brian Cromeens was appointed as special prosecutor.
Cromeens has declined public comment, telling local media he does not discuss ongoing investigations.
Judge Appears in Court, Bond Set
On Thursday, Judge Speedlin Gonzalez turned herself in and appeared in a Bexar County court for an initial appearance. The case has been assigned to 379th District Court Judge Ron Rangel.
Court records show her bond was set at $20,000.
The indictment also underscores the legal protections afforded to attorneys while advocating for their clients, even during contentious proceedings.
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