This past Friday, the Louisiana Supreme Court issued an opinion on charges filed by the Louisiana Judiciary Commission against Shreveport City Judge Sheva Sims.
The Commission recommended suspending the judge without pay for twelve (12) months. Sims' attorney argued for a sixty (60) day suspension.
In a split decision, the Court ordered a nine (9) month suspension without pay. Three justices wanted a more severe sanction imposed.
The suspension becomes final fourteen (14) days after the ruling, on March 20. Sims can continue to wear her black robe, and remain on the payroll, for this time interval.
Within this fourteen-day period Sims can petition the Supreme Court for a rehearing.
If this is granted, the suspension will be delayed until the Court rules on her request. If a request is denied, the suspension begins on the date of the court’s denial.
Sims can waive her right to request a rehearing at any time during the fourteen (14) days. If she does so, the suspension starts the day after her waiver.
Thus, Sims could waive this right today (Monday) and start her suspension tomorrow (Tues.).
Currently she has a city court docket tomorrow (Tues.), Wed, and Thurs. of this week. In effect Sims can decide how long she gets paid until her suspension commences.
Once the suspension becomes effective the Louisiana Supreme Court will appoint an ad hoc judge to serve on the Shreveport City Court. There are several local retired judges and attorneys who have served as ad hoc judges at city court.
The more interesting question is whether Sims can file for re-election in July for a new term beginning on Jan. 2, 2027. Legal pundits are split on this issue; many believe Sims can run for re-election while suspended.
The primary election for Sims’ judicial seat is Nov. 3 of this year with a Dec. 13 run-off election date. The Court’s decision was dated Mar. 6. Unless the suspension time is reduced, Sims will remain suspended on the primary election date.
If Sims files for reelection, several questions must be answered including campaign fundraisers, forum appearances, and campaign expenses for the reelection effort.
The last Sims campaign finance report, reflecting $0, was filed with the Louisiana Ethics Commission on Jan. 17, 2021 for the 2020 year. If Sims had any campaign fund contributiions in 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, or 2025 she should have filed a campaign finance report with the Ethics Administration.
John came to Shreveport in January of 1977 when he was transferred to Barksdale AFB.
He’s been active in Shreveport politics since deciding to make Shreveport his home.
John practiced law for 40 years and he now monitors local politics. He regularly attends Shreveport City Council and Caddo Parish Commission meetings.
John is published weekly in The Inquisitor, bi-monthly in The Forum News, and frequently in the Shreveport Times.
He enjoys addressing civic groups on local government issues and elections.