Nevada Supreme Court Hears Arguments in Suspension of Justice of the Peace Michele Fiore

Carson City, NV – The Nevada Supreme Court on Thursday, March 5, 2026, heard arguments regarding the suspension of Justice of the Peace Michele Fiore, a case stemming from a federal fraud conviction and a subsequent pardon from former President Donald Trump. The central question before the court was whether the state’s judicial discipline commission had the authority to suspend Fiore, given the timing of the alleged misconduct in relation to her time on the bench.

Background of the Case

Fiore, a former Las Vegas City Council member, state assemblymember, and Republican nominee for state treasurer, was initially convicted in October of six counts of federal wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. The charges related to her misuse of funds raised for a memorial statue honoring a fallen Las Vegas police officer, which she used for personal expenses, including cosmetic surgery, rent, and her daughter’s wedding. President Trump issued a full pardon in April 2025, a move that ignited further controversy.

The Suspension and Commission’s Argument

In May 2025, the Nevada Commission on Judicial Discipline temporarily suspended Fiore with pay, one month after the presidential pardon. The commission argued that it was investigating whether Fiore committed acts although on the bench – such as withholding ill-gotten money tied to her criminal convictions – that could negatively affect public perception of the judiciary. Attorney Theresa Shanks, representing the commission, stated that a judge shall not violate the law, and that Canon 1 applies to criminal law.

Fiore’s Legal Challenge

Fiore is arguing that the commission improperly suspended her, claiming the decisions were based on conduct that occurred before she became a judge or on convictions that were wiped away by the presidential pardon. Her lawyer, Paola Armeni, argued that the commission is attempting to discipline Fiore despite the limitations of its jurisdiction. Fiore is currently running for re-election as Pahrump justice of the peace, a position she is unable to fill due to the suspension.

Jurisdictional Debate

The case centers on whether the commission has jurisdiction to suspend Fiore, considering the timing of the alleged misconduct. Nevada law states the commission’s jurisdiction covers conduct once someone is a judge, while the State Bar of Nevada has oversight over pre-office activity. However, this only applies if someone is a licensed attorney, which Fiore is not. Chief Justice Douglas Herndon questioned whether the law would grant the judicial discipline commission exclusive jurisdiction in Fiore’s case, given her lack of a law license.

Commission’s Position on the Pardon

Shanks argued that Trump’s pardon does not resolve the matter, as the investigation stems from new complaints against Fiore. The commission’s investigation focuses on new complaints, but the basis for her suspension focused on her alleged violation of the state’s judicial code of conduct by not reimbursing people she defrauded, including Governor Joe Lombardo while he was Clark County sheriff. The commission stated that Fiore’s “continuing deceit” harms the public’s perception of the judicial system.

No Ruling Issued

The seven-member Supreme Court made no decision on Thursday, March 5, 2026. Both sides declined to comment after the arguments.