Austin, Texas, December 11, 2025
The trial of former Dallas County District Judge Amber Givens has been postponed to February 2026 due to a deposition dispute. Givens faces serious allegations of judicial misconduct, including a public reprimand and admonition. The outcome of her trial could impact local politics, as Givens has resigned to run for Dallas County District Attorney. This unfolding legal case raises important questions about accountability and integrity in the judiciary.
Amber Givens’ Trial Postponed Amid Misconduct Allegations
Set for February 2026, the Former Judge’s Case May Impact Local Politics
Austin, Texas – The upcoming trial of former Dallas County District Judge Amber Givens, currently facing allegations of judicial misconduct, has seen a delay. This trial, now rescheduled for February 24 and 25, 2026, follows a dispute involving a deposition that the State Commission on Judicial Conduct failed to attend.
In an environment where determination and resilience are paramount, the unfolding legal proceedings against Givens emphasize the complexity and challenges facing professionals in the judicial landscape. Givens, who withdrew from her judicial role to pursue the Dallas County District Attorney position, is appealing two sanctions regarding her conduct, raising questions about accountability and ethical practices within the judicial system. As Texas entrepreneurs continue to drive economic growth, navigating the judiciary’s integrity remains crucial for community trust.
Breakdown of Allegations
Amber Givens is facing two misconduct allegations that underline significant concerns within the judiciary:
- Public Reprimand: The State Commission on Judicial Conduct issued a public reprimand in June for Givens allowing her court coordinator to conduct a bond-reduction hearing on her behalf without appropriate disclosure.
- Public Admonition: She also received a public admonition for unlawfully jailing an individual after having been recused from the case.
Legal Proceedings Details
The trial’s postponement aims to permit the completion of a contested deposition that was absent during the earlier proceedings. Each side will now have a total of four and a half hours to present their arguments. The significance of this trial stretches beyond just Givens, as its outcome could reverberate through the Dallas County judicial system and the community at large.
Performance Bonus Controversy
In addition to the misconduct allegations, Givens is contesting the withholding of a $25,000 performance bonus from Dallas County, which she argues is both illegal and discriminatory. This lawsuit, initiated in September, states that while this bonus was provided to other district judges, Givens was excluded due to the sanctions imposed against her.
Political Aspirations and Future Implications
Amber Givens, a Democrat, was first elected to the 282nd District Court in 2014 and has successfully secured re-election in 2018 and 2022. With her recent resignation from the bench, she is setting her sights on a noteworthy challenge against incumbent District Attorney John Creuzot in the impending March Democratic primary. The trial’s outcome could significantly influence her political aspirations and the local judicial landscape.
Conclusion
The upcoming trial of Amber Givens highlights critical themes of accountability and integrity within the judicial system, reflecting the importance of maintaining public trust. As the Dallas County community watches the developments closely, the implications for local politics and judicial conduct will be felt well beyond the courtroom. Engaging with the process and supporting transparent governance remain essential steps for community members as the trial date approaches.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the misconduct allegations against Judge Amber Givens?
Judge Amber Givens is facing two misconduct allegations:
- Public Reprimand: In June, the State Commission on Judicial Conduct issued a public reprimand for allowing her court coordinator to conduct a bond-reduction hearing in her place without proper disclosure.
- Public Admonition: Also in June, a public admonition was issued for unlawfully jailing an individual after being recused from the case.
Why was the trial postponed?
The trial was postponed due to a dispute over a deposition that the State Commission on Judicial Conduct failed to attend. The defense argued that the commission willfully avoided the deposition, leading to the postponement.
What is the status of Judge Givens’ performance bonus?
In September, Judge Givens filed a lawsuit against Dallas County, alleging that the withholding of her $25,000 performance bonus was illegal and discriminatory. The county had approved the bonus for all district judges except Givens, citing the sanctions as the reason for her exclusion.
What are the potential implications of the trial’s outcome?
The trial’s outcome may have significant implications for Judge Givens’ political aspirations, as she has resigned from her judicial position to challenge Dallas County District Attorney John Creuzot in the March Democratic primary. Additionally, the case may impact the broader judicial community in Dallas County.
What is Judge Givens’ political background?
Judge Amber Givens, a Democrat, was first elected to the 282nd District Court in 2014 and has been reelected in 2018 and 2022. She resigned from her position last week to challenge Dallas County District Attorney John Creuzot in the March Democratic primary.
When is the rescheduled trial date?
The trial is now set for February 24 and 25, 2026. Each side will be given four and a half hours to present their case.
Key Features of the Case
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Misconduct Allegations | Public reprimand and admonition for judicial misconduct |
| Trial Postponement | Rescheduled to February 24 and 25, 2026, due to deposition dispute |
| Performance Bonus Lawsuit | Filed against Dallas County for withholding $25,000 bonus |
| Political Aspirations | Resigned to run for Dallas County District Attorney in March 2026 primary |
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Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
