Kleberg County Judge Rudy Madrid arrested on DWI charge after DPS traffic stop
Updated on January 11, 2026, 8:10 pm
Madrid's attorney Mark Gonzalez released the following statement on his behalf:
“Judge Madrid’s main focus is continuing to serve the wonderful people of Kleberg County, as he has since 2014. He has the utmost respect for the men and women of law enforcement, both with regard to Kleberg County and the Texas Department of Public Safety, as well as law enforcement across the state and nation. On the advice of counsel, Judge Madrid will not be making any statement regarding these allegations; however, I can assure you that he will be vigorously contesting any accusations while respecting the criminal justice process.”
The original story is posted below:
By Menda Eulenfeld, STCN - Updated January 10, 2026, 8:25am
KINGSVILLE, TEXAS - On January 9, 2026, Texas Department of Public Safety trooper stopped Kleberg County Judge Rudy Madrid just after 6 p.m. on southbound U.S. Highway 77 near County Road 2180 for driving without headlights when required.
Kleberg County Judge, Rudy Madrid.
The trooper reported the odor of an alcoholic beverage and administered standardized field sobriety tests at the scene. DPS officials said Madrid completed the horizontal gaze nystagmus test but refused to perform the other two tests.
Authorities said Madrid was read the implied consent warning and refused to provide a breath or blood specimen. A search warrant was later obtained to conduct a blood draw at Spohn Kleberg Hospital as part of the investigation.
Madrid was taken into custody and charged with driving while intoxicated. He was held at the Kleberg County Detention Center and later released at 2 am on January 10, 2026.
Rudy Madrid Photo updated on 1/10/2026
Kleberg County Sheriff’s office.
