On Friday, August 16, 2024, ABC 13 Eyewitness News reported that prosecutors are still awaiting toxicology report results in the DWI case against Judge Kelli Johnson of Harris County District Court. Johnson was arrested in June after being pulled over by police in Houston.
According to court documents, Judge Johnson was driving 15 miles below the speed limit and made an improper turn from the center lane on Hempstead Road on June 25th. During the traffic stop, officers observed that Johnson exhibited slow movements and had dilated pupils. She admitted to taking antidepressant medication. Johnson was subsequently arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated.
On Thursday, August 15th, a judge heard the case against Judge Johnson during a routine hearing. However, prosecutors informed the court that they had not yet received the toxicology reports related to Johnson’s arrest. Such reports, which analyze samples of a suspect’s blood, urine or other specimens to detect drugs or alcohol, can often take 60–90 days or longer for labs to process and provide results.
Johnson’s defense attorney, Chris Tritico, stated that delays in receiving evidence like toxicology reports are common at early stages of DWI cases. He argued it is typical for defendants to not be present during preliminary hearings when there is no new evidence or information to discuss.
The case was postponed and a new court date of October 1st was set to allow time for the reports to be completed.
Source: ABC 13 Eyewitness News
