On Thursday, April 23, 2026, the Texas Commission on Judicial Conduct publicly admonished Steve Duble, Justice of the Peace, Pct. 1, Pl. 2 in Houston, Harris County, and ordered him to obtain additional education following a review of allegations against him. The Commission’s decision cites Duble’s failure to comply with the law and maintain professional competence in several instances.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Judge Steve Duble,” with case numbers 24-0092, 24-0789, and 24-0890.
The Commission found that Judge Duble failed to timely hear protected property exemption claims in approximately ten cases. Additionally, he failed to provide notice or hold hearings before terminating receiverships in the Cruz and Smith Cases. These actions were found to be in violation of Canons 2A, 3B(2), and 3B(8) of the Texas Code of Judicial Conduct, which mandate that judges comply with the law, maintain professional competence, and accord every person with a legal interest in a proceeding the right to be heard.
The cases in question include Scil Texas, LLC b/d/a Speedy Cash vs. Juan Franscisco Cruz III (the “Cruz Case,” Cause Number 191200430613) and Scil Texas, LLC b/d/a Speedy Cash vs. Endia Smith (the “Smith Case,” Cause Number 191200131596). Kasey Bozhuk served as the Court Appointed Receiver in these matters. Judge Duble signed orders terminating receivership in the Cruz Case on May 15, 2024, and in the Smith Case on May 22, 2024, without providing notice to any of the parties or conducting a hearing.
In his response to the Commission, Judge Duble admitted that no notice was provided and no hearing was held regarding the orders terminating receiverships in the Cruz and Smith Cases. He stated that he now recognizes the necessity of providing notice to the creditor, debtor, and receiver and holding a hearing before terminating a receivership.
Judge Duble also acknowledged that he “dropped the ball” on seven cases during his first six months in office and on three cases during his predecessor’s term, where he failed to timely hear the protected property exemption claim. He stated that upon learning of the error, he promptly set these cases and conducted timely hearings in every such matter since late 2023.
As a result of the Commission’s order, Judge Duble is required to obtain two hours of instruction with a mentor, in addition to his required annual judicial education for Fiscal Year 2026. This additional education is to focus on the timely execution of court business and protected property claims. The Texas Justice Court Training Center will assign the appropriate mentor for Judge Duble. Judge Duble must complete this additional instruction within 60 days of receiving written notification of the mentor assignment.
The Commission stated it is taking this action under the authority conferred in Article V, Section 1-a(8) of the Texas Constitution to promote confidence and high standards for the judiciary.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
