Suspended Pahrump Justice Seeks Fast Track Appeal, Temporary Reinstatement
On December 8, Michele Fiore filed a request with the Nevada Supreme Court seeking expedited consideration of her appeal and an order to temporarily halt her suspension. The move could affect local court operations and the integrity of the 2026 justice of the peace race for Pahrump voters.
Michele Fiore, the suspended justice of the peace in Pahrump, asked the Nevada Supreme Court on December 8 to accelerate review of her appeal and to temporarily stay a suspension imposed by the Nevada Commission on Judicial Discipline. Fiore was suspended earlier after a federal jury convicted her on conspiracy and wire fraud charges, and her legal team contends the suspension is unwarranted while the appeal proceeds.
In the filing, Fiore's attorneys argued that the suspension damages her ability to run a fair reelection campaign in 2026 and raised administrative concerns for the Pahrump Justice Court. Counsel warned that if Fiore were to win reelection while remaining suspended, the court could face a backlog that would disrupt case schedules and court services for local residents. The petition asks the high court to halt the suspension pending appeal and to expedite consideration of those requests.
Nye County has been operating with pro tempore justices filling in for the suspended office, an arrangement intended to preserve access to hearings and maintain judicial functions. County officials have said those interim measures can handle routine caseloads, but the filing highlights the strain temporary coverage can place on continuity of proceedings, case management and court resources if the suspension remains in effect through the election cycle.
For Pahrump residents the dispute touches on practical and civic concerns. Court delays can affect scheduling for traffic and small claims matters, slow resolution of probation and restitution issues, and increase travel burdens for people who must appear in person. The case also presents questions about judicial accountability and the balance between disciplinary action and due process, matters that resonate beyond county lines and that could influence voter perceptions in upcoming local races.
The Nevada Supreme Court now must decide whether to grant the requested stay and to prioritize the appeal. Any decision will shape how the justice court manages its docket into 2026 and will determine whether Fiore can effectively campaign while the appeal is pending. The timeline for the court's action was not specified in the filing.
