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HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — In a follow-up to a story first reported by, Harris County District Court Judge Kelli Johnson found herself facing legal trouble on Tuesday morning after being arrested on a DWI charge last week.
Johnson appeared in court with her attorney to sign her bond conditions. Inside the courtroom, the judge was described as “empathetic” toward the charges against her.
Due to a conflict of interest, the district attorney’s office recused itself from the case, and a special prosecutor will be appointed to continue handling it.
Following her court appearance, Johnson and her attorney spoke with the media. “Judge Johnson is now, does now, and always has been a big believer in the judicial process, and she’s going to let it play itself out,” her attorney said.
Initially, the state requested that Johnson have an ignition interlock device, submit random urine samples, and wear a Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitor (SCRAM) device. However, the judge did not impose these conditions. Instead, Johnson will need to appear in court, commit no other crimes, and avoid using drugs without a prescription.
The incident occurred early on June 25, when a Houston Police Department officer witnessed Johnson make an improper turn from a center lane on Hempstead Road onto Kempwood Drive. She was arrested after police determined she was under the influence of a controlled substance, noting she was driving 15 miles below the speed limit, had dilated pupils, and took a wrong turn.
During the traffic stop, the officer noticed two prescription pill bottles, and Johnson disclosed that she was on antidepressant medication.
This incident follows another encounter with police on April 12, where Johnson was stopped for reckless driving and suspected drunk driving. Court records indicate that body-worn camera footage of the 45-minute ordeal was obtained by through an open records request.
In that instance, the judge was let off with a warning.