On Thursday, March 5, 2026, KENS 5 reported that Bexar County Judge Rosie Speedlin Gonzalez lost her reelection bid in the Democratic Primary after being suspended for ordering a defense attorney to be handcuffed during court proceedings. Speedlin Gonzalez, who sought reelection, was defeated by challenger Alicia “Ali” Perez, who garnered 65% of the vote.

Speedlin Gonzalez, a Democrat, faced indictment in January on charges of unlawful restraint and official oppression, just weeks before early voting began. She is known for spearheading innovations to rehabilitate first-time domestic violence offenders in Bexar County Court 13. No Republican candidates ran in the primary for County Court 13.

The events leading to Speedlin Gonzalez’s suspension stemmed from a December 2024 hearing regarding a domestic violence suspect’s probation revocation. The hearing devolved into a dispute between Speedlin Gonzalez and defense attorney Elizabeth Russell, according to court transcripts. Speedlin Gonzalez questioned the defendant about violating release conditions, noting that attorneys are not allowed to coach their clients.

The situation escalated when Speedlin Gonzalez asked the defendant if he had completed his community service, to which he responded, “Not true.” Speedlin-Gonzalez then stated the defense had given a “true plea for violation of Condition No. 4 that Mr. Collins then withdrew and stated ‘not true’ after being coached by his attorney.” Russell objected to the judge’s characterization, leading Speedlin Gonzalez to threaten Russell with contempt.

The judge then requested that Russell be placed “in the box” and handcuffed. The cuffs were removed after the judge asked if she would “conduct yourself professionally,” to which Russell agreed. Russell then accused Speedlin Gonzalez of prejudice, and the judge threatened to prevent Russell from practicing in her courtroom.

Speedlin Gonzalez was briefly arrested following her indictment and was later suspended without pay by the State Commission on Judicial Conduct in early February. The commission stated that the suspension would remain in effect until the indictment is dismissed or the judge is acquitted.

Speedlin Gonzalez’s next court hearing is pending and has been assigned to the 379th District Court, overseen by Judge Ron Rangel.

County Court 13 is currently overseen by County Court 4 Judge Alfredo Ximenez, who has served on the bench in Bexar County since 2019.

 

 

Source: KENS 5