On Tuesday, October 21, 2025, the Disciplinary Counsel filed a complaint with the Board of Professional Conduct of the Supreme Court of Ohio against attorney Kristina Jo Sims, alleging professional misconduct. Sims, who was employed as an Assistant Public Defender with the Clark County Public Defender’s Office, is accused of violating the Ohio Rules of Professional Conduct.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Kristina Jo Sims,” with case number 2025-025.
The complaint stems from Sims’ representation of D.J., a defendant in a misdemeanor criminal case, State of Ohio v. [D.J], Clark M.C. No. 25CRB00222, initiated on January 19, 2025. D.J. faced charges, including Endangering Children, for allegedly throwing her two-month-old child at C.V., the child’s father. D.J. was released on a recognizance bond with a no-contact provision preventing her from contacting the child or C.V.
According to the complaint, Sims filed a Motion to Modify Bond on February 3, 2025, seeking to remove the no-contact order. Three days later, the assistant prosecutor assigned to the case recommended dismissal after C.V. submitted a letter stating that D.J. did not throw the child and that the charges stemmed from a translation error.
During a meeting on February 6, 2025, with the assistant prosecutor and Judge Valerie Juergens Wilt, who presided over the case, Judge Wilt deferred any action until a guardian ad litem (GAL) was appointed to represent the child’s interests. Following the meeting, Sims allegedly inquired about the potential consequences if C.V. gave the baby to D.J.
Later that evening, D.J., after receiving calls from C.V., went to his home to pick up the child, who was exclusively breastfed. After C.V. took the child back, D.J. contacted Sims, reporting that C.V. was repeatedly asking her to pick up the child. Sims then called the non-emergency police number for the Clark County Police Department, identifying herself as an Assistant Public Defender.
The Disciplinary Counsel alleges that during the call to the non-emergency line, Sims failed to mention the existing no-contact order. As a result, officers from the Springfield Police Department were dispatched to C.V.’s residence. Officers forced entry into C.V.’s apartment after he repeatedly ignored their knocks. D.J. arrived at the scene and left with the child. C.V. then provided the officers with court documents referencing the no-contact provision.
The complaint states that Sims’ actions violated Prof.Cond.R. 8.4(c), prohibiting conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation, and Prof.Cond.R. 8.4(d), which prohibits conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice. The Disciplinary Counsel seeks a finding that Sims violated the Ohio Rules of Professional Conduct and requests appropriate sanctions.
According to Avvo, Ms. Sims is a social security & disability lawyer in Springfield, OH. She acquired her law license in Ohio in 2019.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
