Judge Caught on Bodycam During DWI Arrest Pleads Guilty

The Traffic Stop That Changed Everything

Newly released bodycam footage reveals the dramatic moments when Conroe Municipal Court Judge William Waggoner was pulled over around 2:30 a.m. on Dec. 10 in Montgomery after officers observed him speeding and swerving . The video shows the officer telling Waggoner "You were going 65 in a 35 man, that's way too fast" before immediately noting signs of intoxication.

The officer pointed out that Waggoner's "eyes are red, glossy, gazed out" and noted he "stuck a piece of gum in or whatever Altoids or something when I walked up" . Despite the judge's position, officers remained firm in their duties. One officer can be heard acknowledging Waggoner's role but making clear "He's a judge. He's still getting a ticket. 61 in a 35 is insane" .

The footage captures multiple officers discussing obvious signs of impairment. One responding officer stated "I can smell it from him from the distance" , while the officer conducting field sobriety tests noted the judge was "not following my finger" .

A Judge's Resistance and Explanations

During the stop, Waggoner told officers "I just got into a very deep conversation about 9/11 and the Afghanistan war and I was very upset" as an apparent explanation for his condition. The video shows Waggoner initially complying with field sobriety tests as the officer walks him through instructions, but that cooperation appears to shift .

The judge expressed frustration, telling the officer "I feel like these tests are designed to make me fail" . At one point, he becomes hesitant about continuing, saying "Actually, I don't want to take any of this because I'm nervous about it" . He does acknowledge he was speeding during the stop .

Judge Waggoner refuses a breath test and consents to a blood draw in the patrol car. He is then seen refusing a blood draw when taken to the hospital and then the officer obtains a warrant before his blood is drawn . Officers also retrieved a handgun from his vehicle, leading to an initial unlawful possession charge that was later dropped .

Legal Consequences and Political Fallout

Court records show Waggoner pleaded guilty to DWI last month . According to court documents, Waggoner avoids jail time with this sentence, as he was given one year of community supervision. Waggoner's driver's license was also suspended for 90 days .

The arrest had immediate political ramifications. Waggoner ran for Montgomery County's precinct one but lost in the primary to Scott Carson . Following his electoral defeat, he posted a reflective message on social media about his four years serving the community from the bench.

Under Texas law, a misdemeanor DWI conviction does not automatically disqualify someone from running for judicial office in the future . However, this incident highlights the complex intersection of personal accountability and public service, where elected officials must navigate both legal consequences and voter judgment when personal conduct becomes public record.