Montgomery County Judge Craig Doyal was reinstated into office Aug. 2 following a hearing with the State Commission on Judicial Conduct July 26. Doyal was suspended from office by the commission June 28 following an indictment regarding a possible Texas Open Meetings Act violation during negotiations with the Texas Patriots PAC for the Montgomery County road bond that was on the ballot last November. Doyal remains suspended without pay from performing judicial functions but can continue performing administrative duties as Montgomery County judge, according to a revised suspension order issued by the commission Aug. 2. “I am excited and I appreciate the committee’s quick action,” Doyal said. “I look forward to getting back to work for the citizens of this county. I also look forward to our day in court to get this issue resolved.” Doyal, his lawyer Rusty Hardin and a handful of local officials testified July 26 to the commission that Doyal should not be suspended by the commission because he only serves as the county’s chief executive officer and does not perform the judicial functions. “Having considered the indictment, the testimony of Judge Doyal and his witnesses, and the argument of Judge Doyal's counsel, the Commission determined that Judge Doyal has met his burden,” the commission said in the suspension order. The commission’s decision does not affect the outcome of the TOMA violation case, which is considered a Class B misdemeanor. Doyal’s arraignment hearing along with county commissioners Charlie Riley and Jim Clark as well as political consultant Marc Davenport—who were also indicted—has been rescheduled for the second time. A new date has not been determined.