Harris County judge in viral IT spat orders attorney into court
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A Harris County state district court judge is facing backlash from attorneys after a video went viral of him arguing with an IT staffer.
Why it matters: The situation could come to a head next week when a prominent Houston defense attorney who privately criticized the judge is set to appear in his court.
Catch up quick: The video, posted this week, shows 215th state District Court Judge Nathan Milliron reporting problems with his computer to a Harris County IT employee during a recent court proceeding over Zoom.
- When the IT worker was unable to replicate the problem, he said, "False alarm."
- "No, it wasn't a false alarm," Milliron replied.
- "False negative," the worker said, chuckling. The judge told him, "Don't joke around" and reiterated that he was previously having computer problems.
Milliron then ordered the worker to "get out of my courtroom."
- "Find his supervisor," Milliron said to an unknown person in the courtroom once the IT worker left. "Jesus Christ. I'm sick and tired of this bullsh*t today."
Driving the news: James Stafford, a Houston attorney, emailed Milliron this week condemning his behavior and demanding that he apologize to the worker.
- Milliron responded to Stafford by ordering him to appear in court April 9 to address the email.
- "You probably shouldn't be communicating with the judge ex parte on his judicial email address," Milliron wrote, according to a copy of the email exchange obtained by KPRC.
Yes, but: Stafford's supporters say he was acting as a private citizen and voter, not an officer of the court.
- Stafford, a criminal defense attorney of more than 50 years, told KPRC he doesn't have any cases in Milliron's court, which handles civil matters.
What they're saying: Brent Mayr, president of the Harris County Criminal Lawyers Association, said in a video Wednesday that Milliron's actions were "absolutely inappropriate" and that he addressed the IT worker in a "humiliating manner."
- "This judge, with a questionable temperament, is trying to order James Stafford to appear before him ... to address James' opinion, his expressions as a citizen, as a voter protected by the First Amendment," Mayr said.
The other side: Milliron did not respond to Axios' request for comment.
What's next: Stafford is scheduled to appear before Milliron at 8am April 9.
- Mayr said the lawyers association will be in court supporting Stafford.