News Summary
District Judge Erika Ballou has been suspended for six months without pay by the Nevada Commission on Judicial Discipline due to misconduct. This suspension, beginning Tuesday, follows her failure to comply with a Supreme Court ruling regarding a prisoner’s custody. Ballou is also required to undergo remedial training and faces two years of probation afterward. Her previous scrutiny for social media conduct adds to the commission’s concern, highlighting the need for accountability and ethical standards within the judiciary.
Las Vegas – District Judge Erika Ballou has been suspended from the bench for six months without pay, following a ruling from the Nevada Commission on Judicial Discipline. This suspension is set to begin at 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, with the judge also facing a two-year probation period post-suspension. Ballou has been mandated to complete remedial training specifically designed to address her misconduct.
The case against Ballou involved an incident concerning a prisoner named Mia Christman, whose release was ordered by Ballou. However, after the Nevada Supreme Court reversed this ruling, Ballou failed to remand Christman back into custody. The commission determined that Ballou had violated several provisions of the Nevada Code of Judicial Conduct, which include failing to comply with the law, not performing her duties competently, and lacking the integrity necessary to promote public confidence in the judiciary.
The commission’s panel reached a unanimous decision that Ballou breached the code of conduct, dismissing her defenses as “unpersuasive.” Ballou had argued that the Supreme Court’s terminology—specifically the phrase “proceedings consistent with this order”—could have various interpretations, a claim the panel ultimately rejected. While recognizing that Ballou displayed compassion towards Christman, the panel stated that such compassion could not excuse her legal violations.
This is not the first time Judge Ballou has faced scrutiny for her actions. She was previously censured for inappropriate posts on social media as well as comments made during sentencing that were deemed racially charged. These previous issues had prompted criticism and attempts regarding her removal from certain cases.
The Nevada Commission on Judicial Discipline also referenced other judges throughout Nevada who have been suspended for different reasons, including criminal charges and misconduct. During Ballou’s six-month suspension, a senior judge will supervise the cases she is responsible for to ensure the judicial process remains uninterrupted.
The ruling on Ballou’s suspension underscores the commission’s commitment to maintaining ethical standards in the judiciary, as well as ensuring that judges adhere to the laws and conduct expected of them in their professional duties. The actions taken against Ballou serve as a reminder of the importance of accountability in the judicial system.
As the legal system navigates this issue, it will continue to evaluate the conduct of its judges to foster public trust and demonstrate a commitment to adhering to established legal standards and procedures.
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Additional Resources
- 8 News Now
- Google Search: Las Vegas judge suspended without pay
- Las Vegas Review-Journal
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Judicial Conduct
- Fox 5 Vegas
- Google News: Judge Ballou suspension
- KTNV
- Google Scholar: Judicial Discipline in Nevada
- News 3 Las Vegas
- Wikipedia: Choose a Good Judge
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LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER The LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELasVegas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Las Vegas, Clark County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Electric Daisy Carnival, World Series of Poker, and Consumer Electronics Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and Three Square Food Bank, plus leading businesses in hospitality and entertainment that power the local economy such as MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, and Las Vegas Sands. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Nevada's dynamic landscape.
