Overview

• The commission voted 7-0 to sustain three of six misconduct counts tied to Ballou’s handling of the Christman matter.
• Findings state she failed to remand Christman after a Supreme Court reversal, failed to enter judgment for prosecutors, and failed to rule on motions or disqualify herself.
• The sanction begins at 12:01 a.m. on Sept. 23 and includes six months without pay, two years of probation, and customized remedial training at her expense.
• Twelve months of an 18-month suspension are stayed if she completes the required training and has no further violations during probation.
• Ballou testified she acted from compassion to avoid separating Christman from her newborn, and a senior judge will fill in during her suspension.