On Thursday, April 23, 2026, the Texas Commission on Judicial Conduct publicly warned Judge Melissa Morris of the 263rd District Court in Houston, Harris County, for failing to comply with legal standards and for inappropriate conduct.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Judge Melissa Morris,” with case numbers 24-1101 and 25-0393.
The Commission’s decision, which followed a review of allegations against Judge Morris, highlights concerns about her professional competence and adherence to the Texas Code of Judicial Conduct.
The Commission found that Judge Morris breached grand jury secrecy by forwarding a “Subpoena Email Chain” to the defense counsel. This action violated Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 20A.202(b), which mandates that any information regarding a grand jury proceeding or investigation must be kept secret to prevent unauthorized disclosure.
Additionally, Judge Morris was warned for issuing discharge orders in four cases where the defendants were required to register as sex offenders. This action contravened Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Article 42A.111(b), which stipulates that a judge may not dismiss proceedings and discharge a defendant charged with an offense requiring them to register as a sex offender under Chapter 62. Shortly after their sentencing, the defendants in the four cases were deported back to their home country.
The Harris County Community Supervision and Corrections Department recommended that warrants be issued in case any of the defendants re-entered the United States. The Harris County District Attorney’s Office (HCDAO) became aware that Judge Morris had entered orders “early terminating” the deferred adjudication community supervision in the Four Cases.
The Commission also determined that Judge Morris failed to be patient, dignified, and courteous towards Assistant District Attorney Ryan Kent when she sent him an email. The email followed reconsideration hearings regarding the discharge orders, during which Kent represented the State. Judge Morris’s email, which included the HCDAO Appellate Division and Trial Bureau, along with the Texas Lawyer’s Creed attached, alleged a lack of professionalism and disrespect on Kent’s part.
Judge Morris acknowledged issuing the Discharge Orders, explaining she believed it “would be saving the county time, money and resources.”
The Commission concluded that Judge Morris’s actions constituted willful and persistent conduct that was clearly inconsistent with the proper performance of her duties and cast public discredit on the judiciary or on the administration of justice, in violation of Canons 2A, 3B(2) and 3B(4) of the Texas Code of Judicial Conduct and Article V, Section 1-a(6)A of the Texas Constitution.
The State Commission on Judicial Conduct took this action to protect the public and promote public confidence in the judicial system.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
