Houston Judge Kelli Johnson faces DWI charges, her attorney releases statement to FOX 26
HARRIS COUNTY, Texas - Judge Kelli Johnson, currently serving as the presiding judge of the 178th Criminal District Court, was arrested early this morning for driving while intoxicated (DWI) on Kempwood, as reported by the Houston Police Department.
This after the Harris County Sheriff's Office says on Friday, April 12, Johnson was pulled over for speeding at 23708 US 290 in northwest Harris County. A patrol supervisor claimed he possibly smelled alcohol on her breath during the stop.
Kelli Diane Johnson (Photo: Houston Police Department)
A patrol deputy conducted a Standardized Field Sobriety Test and there were not enough signs to determine if Johnson was under the influence of alcohol or any other impairment. She was released with a warning citation for speeding.
Before that, the district court confirms Johnson was on leave from her bench, citing personal issues.
"She's a wonderful person but her behavior that night wasn't wonderful. You don't as an officer of the court, as an elected judge, use that position as a cudgel to try to get your way out of being in trouble," said attorney and former Judge Charles Adams.
Johnson posted her bail and was released from custody Tuesday afternoon.
The district court would not comment on her case but did confirm that other judges have been assigned to oversee her cases at this time.
"If any it'll have very little impact on the cases on her docket right now," said Charles. "I think this issue will be quickly resolved with an agreement to enter into a pretrial program and she will move on as if nothing ever happened."
The judge has served in her role as a judge for 17 years and was on the bench for all three AJ Armstrong murder trials.
She also found Brian Coulter guilty of capital murder in the brutal killing on an 8-year-old boy. That decision made in April, the same month as her first traffic stop.
From her bench Johnson said to Coulter in the courtroom, "those children have haunted me this last week, haunted my mind and interrupted my safe space when I leave this building."
She has presided over many cases in her judicial capacity, from state jail felonies to capital murder cases.
Judge Johnson has been recognized throughout her career for her contributions to judicial efficiency and innovation, notably implementing mental health assessments and chairing committees for improved docket management systems. She has received several awards, including Prosecutor of the Year and the Crime Victims Appreciation Award.
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Judge Johnson has not yet publicly commented on the arrest. As she prepares for reelection to her third term in 2024.
In a statement to FOX 26 on Tuesday evening, attorney Christopher L. Tritico released a statement saying, "Judge Kelli Johnson was not behind the wheel intoxicated. In fact, she voluntarily submitted to a breath test which came back 0.0, or no alcohol. This situation was not caused by an alcohol or drug abuse issue. The brief medical episode is being immediately addressed with her doctor. She asks for privacy while addressing this personal health matter. Judge Johnson has served Harris County with distinction for more than 20 years, as a judge and former Assistant District Attorney. She looks forward to returning to the bench and continuing to provide respect, fairness, and justice to all who come before her."
Further developments regarding the incident and its implications for Judge Johnson's career will be monitored closely.