The Dallas judge who’s facing an ethics complaint for giving a hug and Bible to convicted murderer and ex-police officer Amber Guyger may have further exposed herself to a sanction because of statements she gave to national news media to defend her actions.

While 204th Criminal District Judge Tammy Kemp’s statements to the media could help her in the court of public opinion, they could have the opposite effect in the defense of her ethics complaint and even give fodder to a new complaint. This is because ethics rules bar judges from commenting publicly on pending cases. In this litigation, the window has not closed for post-trial motions or appeals.