CONROE, Texas – Conroe Municipal Court Judge William Waggoner has released a statement following his arrest and charges of driving while intoxicated and unlawful carrying of a weapon.
Waggoner claims there are lies and fabrications “designed to destroy his reputation.”
OUR FIRST REPORT: Conroe judge arrested for DWI, arrested three times before
Waggoner disputes the officer’s report in the sworn affidavit, which states he told police to “be aware that he is a judge.” He says that claim is false and that bodycam footage will prove it.
KPRC 2 has requested bodycam footage from the Montgomery Police Department and is awaiting the department’s response.
In his statement, Waggoner said the incident followed an emotionally difficult day, during which he was informed of a situation involving one of his soldiers.
“I had a bad day, but that does not excuse the conduct,” he wrote.
Waggoner also denied having multiple DWIs.
However, KPRC 2 confirmed he has been arrested several times for DWI, though none resulted in convictions.
READ MORE: Court records: Conroe judge disciplined for DUI during military service
Court records show:
- In 2014, Waggoner was arrested, but the charge was dismissed by the assistant district attorney citing “insufficient evidence.”
- In 2017, he was arrested again in San Antonio. Court records indicate he took a plea deal and received deferred adjudication.
- Waggoner was also disciplined in the military for DWI.
Waggoner’s Full Statement
You can read Waggoner’s full statement below:
“I have sworn an oath as a Marine, a Soldier, and a Judge. And today, I am speaking directly to you because the facts of this case are being twisted for political gain and cheap headlines.
Let’s kill the lies right now. I do not have multiple DWIs. That is a fabrication designed to destroy my reputation before you hear the facts.
Here is the truth regarding the misinformation: Let’s be clear that the legal outcomes in my past cases were correct based on the facts. Regarding the night in question, I never leveraged my title. Reports claiming I said “be aware that he is a judge” are lies on a sworn affidavit that are directly contradicted by body-worn camera footage and transcripts. I respect the badge and expect no special treatment, however, I expect the truth.
Furthermore, the narrative of erratic driving is false. The dash camera clearly shows I was not driving on a single dotted line or pulling into a ditch. Finally, I carry a firearm in my vehicle, just as many Texans do. It was lawfully owned, safely secured, and never touched or displayed during this incident. To suggest the public was in danger is a lie.
Here is the context of that night.
I was informed that afternoon of a situation with one of my soldiers. Navigating that situation resurfaced difficult memories and the heavy weight of losing friends I served with to suicide.
I share this not to seek sympathy, but to be transparent about my state of mind. I had a bad day, but it does not excuse the conduct. I own that. I will have to handle this just as any citizen would and will remain transparent throughout.
But hear this:
My opponents think this is the moment to end me. They think a man with scars can’t serve as a judge. They are wrong.
We don’t need more judges who sit in ivory towers, pretending they are perfect. We need judges who know what it means to be human. We need judges who have stood in the fire, who have faced the darkness, and who have come out the other side with their faith and their principles intact.
I treat every person who enters my courtroom equally. I don’t see files; I see people. I don’t rush to judgment, because I know what it feels like to be the one standing accused. Many have come forward recently stating exactly that, confirming they were treated with dignity and respect in my courtroom.
My scars don’t make me weak. They make me fair.
I am not quitting. I am not hiding. I am asking you to reject the politics of personal destruction and judge me by my entire record of service, not by rumors. I ask for your prayers for my family, your forgiveness, and the opportunity to continue earning your trust every single day on the bench.
I am Judge William Waggoner. And I am just getting started."
Details from the Most Recent Arrest
An arrest affidavit obtained by KPRC 2 states that officers noticed a strong smell of alcohol, glassy and bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, and unsteady movement.
Waggoner admitted he had been driving but denied drinking.
Officers asked him to complete standardized field sobriety tests, but he refused the walk-and-turn and one-leg stand tests, as well as chemical tests, including breath, blood, and urine. A judge signed off on a forcible blood draw; the results have not been included in court documents.
According to the affidavit, Waggoner told officers to “be aware that he is a judge.”
READ MORE: Conroe judge told officers to ‘be aware that he is a judge’ during DWI stop
City Statement
A city spokesperson sent KPRC 2 the following statement:
“The City is aware that our Municipal Judge, Will Waggoner, was arrested early this morning for a possible DWI and UCW. No one is above the law, or immune from making mistakes. It is an unfortunate incident and as with any arrest, one is not guilty until proven so. Judge Waggoner is an elected official and he is still the sitting Municipal Judge. We will not comment on the facts of the case.”
Waggoner is currently running for Justice of the Peace in Montgomery County’s Precinct One. KPRC 2 has reached out to him several times and is waiting for a response.