Shreveport Judge Faces Possible Year-long Suspension for Misconduct

Shreveport City Court Judge Sheva Sims could face a one year suspension from the bench for a variety of violations of judicial ethics and procedure.

The Louisiana Judiciary Commission is recommending the suspension after a length investigation.

Why Is the Suspension Proposed for Judge Sims

The Louisiana Judiciary Commission has recommended to the state Supreme Court that Shreveport City Court Judge Sheva Sims be suspended without pay for one year, citing a pattern of ethical misconduct that includes misusing a publicly-funded court vehicle, exhibiting improper judicial demeanor, and failing to follow state law on criminal bond conditions.

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What Are the Allegations Against Judge Sims

The Commission's findings concluded that Judge Sims "continues to treat the court as her fiefdom" and shows "indifference" to whether she is exceeding her judicial authority. The recommended discipline is a response to multiple proven violations of the Code of Judicial Conduct, with the Commission noting that a previous 30-day suspension had failed to deter her ethical misconduct.

KEEL News reached out to Judge Sims and she has not returned our phone calls or issued a statement on this case. Former State Supreme Court Justice Scott Crichton tells KEEL News this recommendation will now be reviewed by the Judges on the court and they can accept the punishment or make changes. He says she could be completely removed from the bench or the suspension could be shortened. We asked Crichton is Judge Sims can appeal the decision of the State Supreme Court and he said “no, this is the end of the road.”

Judge Crichton expects the High Court to issue its ruling in the next couple of months.

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Core Findings of Misconduct

The Commission found "clear and convincing evidence" to support disciplinary action on four counts stemming from numerous complaints by litigants, court staff, and a retired Justice. The proven charges include:

Misuse of Public Property (Court Vehicle): Judge Sims was found to have used a court-owned vehicle for her personal commute for a period of at least three weeks, taking it home overnight and on weekends while her 2017 Porsche Panamera was undergoing extensive repairs costing over $28,000.

Judicial Impatience and Demeanor: The Judge was found to have been impatient and condescending towards a litigant, exhibiting a rude and disrespectful demeanor toward a property manager in an eviction proceeding.

Improper Advocacy: The Commission found that Judge Sims independently obtained documents related to an eviction proceeding, introduced them into the record, and used them to non-neutrally question and discredit a witness.

Failure to Follow Criminal Procedure: Judge Sims was cited for a pattern of failing to comply with the Code of Criminal Procedure, including:

Ordering the release of ten defendants charged with crimes of violence and domestic abuse battery on their own recognizance.

Granting a defendant credit for time served before the offense was even committed.
Failing to require an ignition interlock device as a mandatory bond condition for a defendant charged with a second violation of operating a vehicle while intoxicated.