Judge Wood Apologizes for DWI Arrest

CONROE, Texas – Montgomery County Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace Cara Wood has publicly broken her silence regarding her arrest for driving while intoxicated earlier this month, releasing a statement this week that conveyed deep remorse and “profound embarrassment” over the incident.

In her statement, Judge Wood offered a sincere apology to her constituents, her family, and the entire community she serves. “I am deeply remorseful and profoundly embarrassed by my actions,” Judge Wood stated. She acknowledged the seriousness of her actions and pledged to “take full responsibility” for the incident, affirming her commitment to fully cooperating with the legal process and expressing dedication to regaining the trust of the community.

The arrest occurred on Saturday, June 15, 2024. Judge Wood was reportedly pulled over by Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers on I-45 near Willis after being observed driving erratically. Following field sobriety tests conducted at the scene, she was arrested on suspicion of DWI, a Class B misdemeanor. Authorities later reported her blood alcohol content (BAC) at .161, which is more than twice the legal limit of .08 percent in Texas. She was subsequently booked into the Montgomery County Jail and later released on bond.

As a Class B misdemeanor, Judge Wood’s case will typically be heard in a Montgomery County Court at Law. Given her position as a sitting judge, it is common for a special prosecutor to be appointed to avoid any potential conflict of interest, or for the case to potentially be moved to another jurisdiction to ensure impartiality. As of her statement, Judge Wood continues to serve in her judicial capacity as Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace. Justices of the Peace in Texas preside over a range of civil and criminal matters, including small claims, truancy cases, evictions, minor criminal offenses, and inquests.

While Judge Wood has expressed her commitment to continuing her service, a DWI conviction can carry significant consequences for a public official, including fines, potential jail time, and implications for her professional license and judicial standing. The Texas Constitution and Government Code outline procedures for the removal of judges for various reasons, including official misconduct or a felony conviction. While a Class B misdemeanor conviction alone does not automatically trigger removal from office, such an incident can lead to scrutiny by the State Commission on Judicial Conduct.

Judge Wood’s pledge to regain public trust underscores the challenge faced by elected officials involved in such incidents, as the community is expected to closely monitor the legal proceedings and the ongoing impact on her judicial role.