How a Biased Judge Used Illegal Actions to Imprison Me and Take Custody of My Son
Guest Blog by Angela Jones
I cannot recall all the words that were being said to me as I was instructed to return to the stand. I also cannot remember what it felt like as I felt the cuffs being locked around my wrist. I do remember the kindness and tenderness I felt from the bailiff as he looked into my eyes and the compassionate, gentle tone that he used with me as everything was happening so fast. It truly felt like I had been sucked into another dimension, where standard world values like justice and law did not exist. All I could think about in that moment was my sons and my family having to endure the unimaginable consequences of what was happening. This single day has left me questioning everything I ever believed before about fairness, justice, law and our rights as an American citizen. What happened this day was a nightmare that no one should ever have to endure. My experience with the judicial system has traumatized and changed my family forever. My 15-year-old son and I were called names, ridiculed and judged without any sort of defense, and were unable to present ANY facts or evidence. Without even giving me a chance to present the truth, a biased judge not only used illegal actions to imprison me, but also took custody of my son away from me.
The Nightmare Begins
I am very familiar with the family court system due to a long and challenging history with my ex-husband. The emotional, physical and financial toll that had come from all of these previous hearings had left me scarred and drained. As a single mom of 2 boys, I had very limited funds and was unable to continue lengthy legal battles. I had accepted rulings that had not been adequately defended. The untangling of half-truths with fabricated events was challenging and both emotionally and financially draining. However, I was determined to stay focused on raising my sons and putting their needs first. Although I am familiar with the family courts, this most recent battle would be the first time that I have appeared before Judge Tametrice Hodges-Linzey.
Weeks prior to this most recent case regarding my 15-year-old son, I was briefly introduced to Judge Hodges’ courtroom during a hearing for a status update on our case. From the moment that Judge Hodges took the bench, I could sense something was off. Her demeanor was very cold, dismissive and accusatory. I never once had the chance to speak that day, and although I was talked about, I was never talked to directly. In fact, everyone was very limited in their ability to talk or offer any input in her courtroom, except for my ex-husband and his counsel. It was very evident by her tone and actions that her mind was already made up and we had only appeared before her for further instructions. On this date, a new family counselor was appointed on the request of my ex’s counsel. My son had grown very close to the previous court-ordered family counselor, so this was nothing but another unjustified and unwarranted order. It was almost like a retaliation of sorts, as this counselor had recently written a letter regarding concern for my son and his relationship with his father. However, I have always valued our legal system and respected any orders I had received. I hoped our next meeting in the courtroom may have more of a fair tone and allow for justice and truth.
On May 13, 2024, I appeared in Chancery Court before Judge Tametrice Hodges-Linzey as a defendant to a Contempt and Request for Modification of Visitation that had been filed by my ex. On this day, there was not a Request for Modification of Custody filed, only a Modification to Visitation. I walked into the courtroom clinging to a false sense of security that a change in custody was not even a possible outcome for this hearing, and that my son wouldn’t have to worry about even the prospect of that. However, like the last time I was in the courtroom in front of her, from the moment Judge Hodges-Linzey entered the courtroom, I could feel something was off. Her tone was again very harsh and accusatory towards both me and my lawyers. All objections and request made by my counsel were quickly dismissed and overruled. Her demeanor was nothing but cold, harsh and dismissive. In contrast, a much softer, understanding and even encouraging tone was given towards my ex and his counsel. What was not said by the Judge could easily been seen in her looks and actions. Once again, it was blatantly apparent her mind was already made up and favored heavily towards the opposing counsel.
Before the trial had even officially started, our newly appointed GAL had also filed for an extension of this hearing. This extension was being requested to allow the recently appointed family counselor to give a report to the courts. That gave me hope it may be another brief meeting, and that I would escape after only a stern lecture. However, the Judge quickly denied the GAL her Request for Extension and instructed her that she may be dismissed for the remainder of the hearing if she wanted to. Looking back, I am grateful she chose to remain in the courtroom for the remainder of the hearing, as I could not have predicted what was to come.
A Biased Judge: More Than Just a Feeling
For reference, I have been a RN over 20 years and worked in both demanding and challenging roles. I have never had a history of criminal activity and have had a deep respect for the law throughout my entire life. I have also always had full physical custody of my son since our divorce, ever since he was 2 years old. Looking back, I believe wholeheartedly that if I was given the opportunity to provide evidence and present documentation that day, my desires to be a supportive and loving parent would be apparent. However, I was never given this opportunity.
After a lengthy morning of testimony from my ex and his counsel, they closed their testimony with no other questions. We were then dismissed for a short lunch break. Through the entire trial, it was continuously, blatantly apparent that this Judge has a personal agenda against me. However, even through our break, I still continued to cling to a false since of hope that this hearing was only about possible modification of visitation and nothing more. From the beginning, Judge Hodges-Linzey had again clarified that morning from the bench that this hearing was only regarding visitation. The consideration for custody was only prompted by my ex-husband’s testimony and his supposed desire to have full physical custody. I had not been served any paperwork regarding the issue of custody at all. This is all in direct defiance of a Rule 81 Summons, which states that a defendant has to be served with documentation stating that they are to appear at a certain time and state what they must defend.
I had unfortunately accepted the obvious bias and hostile tone from Judge Hodges-Linzey, but I still felt it was important that my 15-year-old son have the opportunity to testify to his wishes and experiences with my ex-husband. I hoped and prayed that the same bias and harsh tone that I experienced wouldn’t be present during my son’s testimony. However, I will regret this decision for the rest of my life.
The Illegal Actions
Returning from lunch, we entered the courtroom to resume the hearing. Judge Hodges-Linzey took the bench and addressed the courtroom, starting by instructing my ex-husband and his counsel to return to the stand for additional testimony about his desire to have full custody of our son. She also then explained that she had decided sua sponte (on her own accord) to allow additional testimony regarding a change of custody. At once, all of my false securities that I had felt were ripped away from me. I was careful to hide my devastation. I had to stay strong. My counsel quickly objected, referencing the law and asking to go on record for the objection. Judge Hodges- Linzey barely acknowledged the objection and ordered that testimony for custody from the opposing counsel to resume. The Judge also continued to address my counsel with the same mocking and provoking tone. I had to fight not to let fear, hopelessness and despair to take over. I had to remain strong for my son and my family.
Opposing counsel and my ex-husband finished presenting all of their additional testimony, and I was then called to the stand briefly for cross-examination by the opposing counsel. I do not remember walking to the stand, but I knew then and there that there was nothing I could say to make a difference. I only answered a small number of questions from the opposing counsel. Instead, the majority of my testimony came from the direct questioning of the Judge. I cannot begin to fully describe all of the physical ques that showed her bias and dislike towards me. The sighs, rolling eyes, and aggressive accusatory questioning was overwhelming. She even tossed documented evidence to the side at one point when I answered her. Her questions were regarding the testimony previously given by my ex-husband, while also asking additional questions regarding testimony that we had not had the chance to present yet. I had filed an Answer to the Contempt and Modification of Visitation that my ex-husband filed, on top of a Contempt on my ex-husband. During my questioning from the Judge, I was asked for specific dates and amounts that I could not recall off the top of my head. Due an extensive and complicated history, I wanted to assure that I was giving accurate information. Several times, I requested to reference paperwork that was with my counsel, but I was refused each time. There was nothing I could say or present that would allow a fair and just trial in any sort of way. Meanwhile, my ex-husband and his lawyer seemed to have the judge’s ear, with every argument being accepted without question. I could feel the walls closing in on me. This wasn’t just a case of bias, this was something far more sinister.
Finally, it was supposed to be our chance to provide a defense. However, that chance never came. Instead, it was now time for my son to give his testimony. I knew there was nothing I could do to be treated fairly, but I hoped differently for him. I never thought my son would be treated with the same bias and harsh manner that I was. My counsel called my son first to give his testimony, thinking it was best to allow him the chance to speak for himself. Judge Hodges-Linzey gave the instructions for both my ex-husband and I to leave the courtroom during my son’s testimony. I was not there to hear what my son had to say. He has had his own challenging history with my ex-husband and was eager for the opportunity to talk with the Judge. I have always done my best to navigate any obstacles that may be present and assist in nurturing their relationship. I had encouraged my son to be honest, respectful and to trust the courts. My son is mature for his age and a straight A student. He has worked hard to overcome the challenges of dyslexia. He has always been an empathetic and kind person. This next part is still unbelievable and difficult to recall and write.
Custody of My Son: A Heartbreaking Loss
I sat in a witness room, alone, waiting for what seemed like an eternity for my son to conclude his testimony. Time seemed like it stood completely still. Finally, my counsel appeared, instructing me to return to the courtroom. I took my seat at the table beside my attorneys, waiting for the Judge to return to the bench. The air was thick and heavy, with an unnerving stillness to it. I later learned that this environment was due to the hellish experience my son had during his testimony. It was then that I began to feel a heightened sense of the impending doom, and I knew whatever was about to come was not going to be good. I tried to take deep breaths and prepared myself for what may come, but nothing could have EVER prepared me for what the judge said once she finally arrived.
A Family Torn Apart
I never imagined or even believed that what happened ever could have been a possible outcome for our hearing. In all the scenarios I thought through, the one that occurred wasn’t even a possibility. Upon returning to the courtroom, Judge Hodges-Linzey asked the GAL for her recommendation. In a brief statement, the GAL recommended that custody should not be changed and that family counseling be continued with the newly appointed family counselor. This recommendation did not bring any sort of comfort in the already uncomfortable atmosphere. Next, I recall the shock and fear I felt as I heard the Judge begin addressing the court, with name calling and blatant attacks of both me and my son beginning and not stopping through the entire ruling. I was in shock how evidence that had been presented to the court previously and had been ruled on was being completely ignored and overlooked; court orders that had been given years back were being reversed. As I am writing this now, it is difficult to relay the feelings of shock and horror I had that day. All I could think about were my sons and my family.
Not only was I being judged wrongly and being completely demeaned, an even more devastating decision was about to come. Despite my son’s testimony, Judge Hodges-Linzey awarded temporary custody of my son to my ex-husband. The Judge blamed me for all of the feelings my son had towards his father, without hearing any of the history and evidence or considering written statements of the first court ordered counselor. Without any substantial evidence against me, without the opportunity to present a defense, and without any investigation into my history as a parent, the Judge announced she was ready to give judgement. Despite the overwhelming evidence in my favor, including clear documentation of my commitment as a parent, I was ordered to be put in prison for 30 days (in which I actually served 32 days) and my child was taken away from me within seconds.
My heart shattered when I realized that not only was my freedom being taken, but I was losing custody of my son. Having had full physical custody since he was 2 years of age, I had promised to protect and care for him. Being a mom is a true blessing that I have always been grateful for. To have this taken away in such a cold and arbitrary way was devastating. I was deeply concerned for my son and his safety. His wellbeing was being threatened due to his history with his father. It felt as though he was being thrown into a lion’s den without any sort of warning.
This judge's actions were a violation of my parental and personal rights. These actions taken by her not only illegally imprisoned me, but had also deprived me of the right to raise and protect my son without any legal basis at all. It was as if truth and justice no longer existed. The only thing that mattered was the judge’s personal biases and motives. The court is a place we are supposed to seek refuge and fair justice. Instead, this courtroom was used by Judge Hodges-Linzey for destruction and unjust punishment. My attorneys continued to be shut down quickly, and even ridiculed and threatened.
Judge Hodges-Linzey also placed additional orders that stated I was not interfere or participate in the “new” family therapy that was ordered. With the first court ordered counselor, I provided all therapy and paid for all of the cost.
I will continue to challenge this wrongful imprisonment and custody decision. I have found new purpose: I will stand against the corruption and bias that led to this travesty. No parent, child, family or lawyer should ever suffer this treatment in a court of law.
It did not end here. After my release. Judge Hodges-Linzey set forth pro se orders that included a No Contact order for the entire maternal family without any justification or warning. Full custody was also awarded to my ex-husband. It was devastating and shattered any hope that reason and justice were going to be present at all in Judge Hodges Linzey courtroom. I was also ordered to now participate in the family counseling that I had recently been banned from. However, I was only given the chance to meet with this newly appointed counselor once in the next several months, while my son was in his father’s custody.
The nightmare that my son and I have endured, along with my family and attorneys, should never be allowed to happen again. It has changed us forever, leaving wounds and scars that are deep and still untreated. There is more to our story, and I will continue to share our experience to bring awareness to the injustice that can occur family court. Children deserve the chance to be heard and cared for without punishment and more suffering.
Standing for Justice
My story is not unique. There are countless others who have been subjected to biased rulings, illegal actions, and unjust decisions in the family court system. The system is not perfect, but it is our right to demand fairness, transparency, and accountability. I hope to be a voice and an advocate for those that have been silenced and treated unjustly. I want to use our horrible experienced to educate those involved and to offer refuge for those victims.
If you find yourself in a similar situation, know that you are not alone. There are resources available from legal advocacy groups and individuals who have fought against the same corruption. Reach out for additional support and encouragement. We cannot give up or be silenced. Our lives and our children’s lives depend on it.
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Tina Swithin’s Note:
Judge Tametrice Hodges-Linzey is a name that continues to surface in alarming reports from parents navigating the Mississippi family court system. We are deeply concerned about the pattern of judicial behavior described in this account and similar experiences shared by others. The actions detailed in this story raise serious questions about fairness, due process, and the well-being of children and families appearing before this judge. We will continue to monitor and bring awareness to these troubling cases, advocating for transparency, accountability, and meaningful reform in the family court system. If you have had a similar experience in Judge Hodges-Linzey's courtroom, we encourage you to come forward and share your story at www.intheirbestinterest.com.
These two videos were shared with me by parents who have been affected by this judge, namely mothers. It is our opinion that there seems to be a strong bias in favor of fathers — given that this judge was a father’s rights attorney. We ask you to judge for yourself:
Part one (at 2 min 45 seconds to 3 min 53 seconds)
Part two (at 19 min 22 seconds to 19 min 28 seconds)
