We previously reported on the ethics charges filed against Clark County District Judge Erika Ballou arising from her social media posts. See Nevada Judge Faces Ethics Violations Over Social Media Posts.
The saga has now come to a close. Judge Ballou has agreed to resign from her position and not seek a judicial position in Nevada in the future, according to documents filed with the state’s Supreme Court. The order was signed by Ballou on May 1 and accepted by the Nevada Commission on Judicial Discipline on May 5.
The misconduct went well beyond the social media posts that first drew attention. The order states that Ballou admitted to behavior in separate incidents while presiding over cases in 2023 and 2025 that violated the code of conduct. At a sentencing hearing in 2023, she reprimanded a defendant with comments including “I have been able to find nothing of value in your existence” and “I have never ever wanted anyone to die in prison, until you.” She was also sanctioned for defying a Nevada Supreme Court order by releasing a prisoner and refusing to comply when the high court reversed her decision on appeal.
As part of the agreement, Ballou waived her right to contest the allegations at a formal hearing. The Commission also stated it would not pursue a separate action related to Ballou allegedly practicing law while serving as a judge.
