Conroe Judge Hamilton Admits DWI Guilt

Conroe Municipal Court Judge Mike Hamilton officially broke her silence Monday, June 3rd, regarding her recent arrest for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), publicly expressing deep regret after pleading guilty to the Class B misdemeanor charge in Montgomery County Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace Judge Wayne Mack’s court.

In a statement released Monday, Judge Hamilton apologized profusely to the citizens of Conroe, her family, and her professional colleagues. She emphasized that her actions on the night of her arrest were “out of character” and inconsistent with her long-standing values and 37 years of public service, which includes 12 years serving as a municipal judge. “I have accepted full responsibility for my actions and the consequences that follow,” Hamilton stated, indicating she has already initiated steps to seek assistance for underlying issues.

The arrest occurred in the early morning hours of Sunday, May 26th. Judge Hamilton was pulled over by Deputy V. Lopez of the Montgomery County Precinct 1 Constable’s Office on Texas 105, near Conroe Country Club Drive. The initial reason for the traffic stop was reportedly speeding, with Hamilton’s vehicle clocked at 60 mph in a posted 45 mph zone. Deputy Lopez observed signs consistent with intoxication, and Judge Hamilton subsequently failed several field sobriety tests. She later consented to a breathalyzer test, which registered blood alcohol content (BAC) readings of .140 and .139, both significantly above Texas’ legal limit of .08.

For her guilty plea, Judge Hamilton received a sentence that includes a $500 fine, 15 months of probation, and 30 hours of community service. Additionally, she is mandated to complete a DWI education program, attend a victim impact panel, and install an ignition interlock device on her vehicle for a period of six months. The court also ordered a drug and alcohol evaluation.

Her guilty plea and subsequent sentence could trigger a review by the State Commission on Judicial Conduct, the independent agency responsible for investigating allegations of judicial misconduct or disability and for disciplining judges in Texas. According to the commission’s rules, judges are expected to maintain public confidence in the integrity and impartiality of the judiciary, and actions outside of official duties can still fall under their purview. A Class B misdemeanor DWI carries potential penalties under Texas law that can include a fine of up to $2,000, up to 180 days in jail, or both, making Judge Hamilton’s probation, community service, and other conditions a standard, albeit impactful, outcome for such an offense. City officials have not yet commented on the matter, but the incident is expected to be a topic of discussion within the Conroe community and among legal professionals. Further details regarding any potential administrative actions or disciplinary proceedings by the State Commission on Judicial Conduct will likely emerge in the coming weeks.