Supreme Court Pauses Fiore Case—Is the Commission Overstepping Its Bounds?

The Nevada Supreme Court has hit pause on the disciplinary proceedings against Pahrump Justice of the Peace Michele Fiore after her attorneys challenged the jurisdiction of the Nevada Commission on Judicial Discipline. In a two-page emergency order issued Wednesday, the court demanded the commission justify its authority to pursue a formal complaint against an officeholder who was already pardoned—setting a hard deadline of 28 days . Once the commission responds, Fiore will have another two weeks to reply. Her attorney, Paola Armeni, applauded the move, calling it “the right call,” underscoring that “the cart can’t come before the horse” when determining disciplinary jurisdiction .

This isn’t an ordinary stay—it confronts a big question: when a presidential pardon wipes the slate clean, does a state commission still have the power to punish? Fiore was convicted by a federal jury in October on conspiracy and wire fraud charges related to misusing donor funds raised for a police officer’s memorial. That conviction—and the sentencing—were wiped off the record when President Trump issued a full pardon on April 23 . The pardon resulted in charges being vacated ahead of sentencing , raising doubt over whether the commission can now lawfully discipline Fiore or bar her from judgeship.

On May 19, even before the Supreme Court intervened, the commission had suspended Fiore—with pay—pending the resolution of several complaints . The main complaint centers on allegations of “continuing deceit” and “unjust enrichment,” with critics arguing that Fiore has given no indication of repaying those defrauded. The commission further argued that the pardon compromised public confidence in judicial fairness .

Fiore’s team argues the commission lacks the authority to discipline her for conduct that occurred before she took the bench. Armeni emphasized that the pardon extinguished any guilt—and that treating the pardon as a limitation on discipline sets a dangerous double standard .

Now the Nevada Supreme Court has thrown down the gauntlet: show us your legal footing—or let Fiore return to her duties. If the Commission can’t articulate its jurisdiction, should this precedent shield her from overreach? And ultimately, what does it say about political influence when a pardon collides with judicial accountability?

Source: Las Vegas Review-Journal, News3LV, KTNV, Fox5Vegas