Oklahoma judge reprimanded by the state’s high court after incidents that included raising her fists at a defendant and engaging in improper private communications with a defendant and jurors.
The Oklahoma Supreme Court issued a public reprimand to Tulsa County District Judge Sharon Holmes, finding that she demonstrated a pattern of undignified conduct and engaged in ex parte communications, according to a Sept. 24 order. In a split decision, the court declined a recommendation from the Oklahoma Council on Judicial Complaints to remove her from the bench, stating that removal is reserved for the most egregious misconduct. Holmes declined to comment through the county clerk, according to local officials.
Oklahoma judge reprimanded over ex parte communications
Court records state that, in open court, a criminal defendant asked to speak with Judge Holmes about a personal matter. Holmes agreed to a private conversation in the hallway if counsel did not object. With no objection from either side, she met privately with the defendant. The district attorney’s office later sought her recusal. Holmes initially refused, asserting the conversation was unrelated to the case, according to the order.
In a separate incident, the order says Holmes spoke privately with jurors for five to 10 minutes and did not disclose the substance of the discussion to defense counsel upon returning to the bench. The state again moved for her recusal. Holmes first denied the request, then recused the following day, citing efficiency and the need to move the case forward. She later acknowledged to the chief justice that the private jury conversation was improper, according to the order.
Findings on courtroom demeanor
The court also reviewed multiple reports of undignified behavior. According to the order and witness accounts, Holmes stepped down from the bench toward an agitated defendant with her fists raised. In another episode, she allegedly berated an assistant public defender who was organizing exhibits, ordered the attorney into the hallway, and yelled in a manner described as very hostile and nasty.
The order concluded that Judge Holmes displayed a pattern of undignified behavior reflecting poor impulse control and temperament. During an interview with the chief justice, Holmes acknowledged her conduct was inappropriate and undignified, the order states.
Background and tenure
Holmes is an Air Force veteran who served six years in security police. She entered Oklahoma City University School of Law at age 40, began her legal career in the Tulsa County district attorney’s office, and later practiced privately. She was elected to the Tulsa County District Court in 2014.
Holmes’s reprimand adds to a growing list of cases in which judicial conduct and courtroom management have come under scrutiny, similar to matters raised when a judge allows prior abuse evidence in Raymond McLeod trial, highlighting ongoing debates over judges’ roles and responsibilities.