On Tuesday, November 25, 2025, the Texas Commission on Judicial Conduct suspended Brown County Judge Alan Shane Britton without pay, following a series of indictments. Britton faces multiple charges, including Abuse of Official Capacity, Hindering Apprehension or Prosecution, Tampering with a Government Document, Assault Public Servant, and Tampering with a Witness in a Family Violence Case.

The case is entitled “In the Matter of Judge Alan Shane Britton,” with case number 26-0402.

According to court documents, the indictments stem from several alleged incidents. One charge of Abuse of Official Capacity relates to Britton reportedly violating Texas Government Code Section 82.064 on December 11, 2023, by practicing law as a licensed lawyer in Brown County while simultaneously serving as a Brown County Judge.

Another indictment for Tampering with a Witness in a Family Violence Case alleges that Britton coerced a victim in a family violence case on January 31, 2024. Documents suggest he pressured the victim through John Jacobus Karakaris to sign an affidavit of non-prosecution, and by allegedly withholding arrest warrants issued for Karakaris intended to protect the victim. Prosecutors contend that Britton intended to prevent the victim from testifying in Karakaris’s family violence prosecution.

The Assault Public Servant charge arises from an incident on March 20, 2024, where Britton allegedly “intentionally, knowingly, and recklessly” caused bodily injury to an attorney during plea negotiations.

Furthermore, Britton faces charges for Tampering with a Government Document and Hindering Apprehension or Prosecution. Court documents indicate that in January 2024, Britton allegedly concealed a governmental record and attempted to obstruct the arrest of Karakaris by intentionally not signing the arrest warrant. Despite his duty as a Brown County Judge to sign the warrant, he reportedly kept it unsigned on his desk. He is also accused of attempting to conceal Karakaris’ warrant on January 10, 2024.

A copy of the original filing can be found here.