Suzanne Wooten

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Suzanne H. Wooten was a judge for Texas District 380. She resigned from the bench in November 2011 following a conviction on eight criminal charges.

Bribery charges

In October 2010, Wooten, her manager for the 2008 campaign, and two donors were indicted on six counts of bribery and one court of engaging in organized crime activity. The District Attorney in Collin County alleged that Wooten traded a favorable ruling for campaign contributions. The judge's attorney responded, stating, "Judge Wooten has done nothing wrong. I'm confident we'll beat these charges in court." He also suggested that the indictments were part of a political vendetta.

Following the charges, Wooten was suspended with pay from the bench by the State Commission on Judicial Conduct. That same day, members of the Collin County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association held a rally at the courthouse, showing their support for Wooten. The president of the organization, Sharon Curtis said, "We know it's a witch hunt and we know who is orchestrating all of this. She didn't play ball with the DA and her integrity has not been missed by anybody in this courtroom."

In November 2011, Wooten was convicted. As a result, she was sentenced to ten years probation, 1,000 hours of community service, was fined $10,000, and had to step down from the court.

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