Hot Tub Judge in Hot Water Again: Accused of Ignoring Supreme Court!
Judge Erika Ballou, who once sparked controversy for posting a hot tub selfie with public defenders, is now facing serious allegations that go far beyond poor judgment on social media. According to state judicial authorities, Ballou failed to comply with a direct order from the Nevada Supreme Court—an accusation that could end her time on the bench.
A Judge Under Fire—Again
Ballou, who serves as a judge in Clark County District Court, was formally charged by the Nevada Commission on Judicial Discipline for misconduct. This time, it’s not about a photo—it’s about allegedly defying a court order and showing bias in a criminal case.
In 2021, Ballou ordered the release of Mia Christman, a woman convicted of a violent crime in 2008. Ballou claimed Christman had received poor legal representation. But in 2022, the Nevada Supreme Court reversed that ruling and instructed Ballou to reconsider. Instead, Ballou allegedly continued to hold hearings that undermined the high court’s decision and delayed re-incarcerating Christman.
Judicial investigators say this amounts to a judge going rogue—acting outside her authority and showing clear favoritism.
A Pattern of Pushing Boundaries
Judge Ballou isn’t new to controversy. Just last year, she was officially reprimanded for posting a hot tub selfie online with two public defenders, captioned: “Pretty Girls Like Hot Tubs.” Many felt this undermined the seriousness expected of a judge.
She also made waves in 2022 after telling a Black defendant during a court hearing, “You’re a Black man in America—you know you don’t want to be nowhere where cops are.” That statement drew heavy backlash from law enforcement unions and conservative voices, who accused her of being anti-police and unprofessional.
Reform or Recklessness?
Ballou campaigned for judge in 2020 without raising a single dollar, framing herself as a voice of reform in the justice system. Supporters admire her for being outspoken and unafraid to challenge the status quo. Critics, however, say she’s gone too far, turning the courtroom into a platform for personal activism rather than following the law.
Now, she’s at a crossroads.
If found guilty of the latest charges, Ballou could be suspended or removed from the bench altogether. Her term runs until 2027, but whether she completes it may depend on the outcome of this investigation.
Pulkeet Gupta is a dedicated content writer specializing in the field of education and entertainment niche. With a passion for learning and a keen interest in sharing knowledge, Pulkeet has established himself as a prominent figure in the education and entertainment writing community.
