Justice of the Peace Smith resigns from Hahnville post

Aleshia J. Smith has resigned from her post as Justice of the Peace for District 1 in order to take a position on the Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology.

Smith was appointed to the new position by Gov. Bobby Jindal.

“The ethics codes for the state of Louisiana prohibits one from holding more than one office or appointment by the state of Louisiana,” Smith said in her resignation letter. “I have been appointed by the governor to the Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology and had to relinquish my office of Justice of the Peace.”

The Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology is responsible for the control and regulation of the practice of cosmetology, including maintaining a permanent testing center, issuing and renewing licenses, permits, certificates of registration and any other designations deemed necessary to engage in the practice of cosmetology.

In addition to serving as Justice of the Peace, Smith has served as a cosmetology instructor in Hahnville, Baton Rouge, Kenner and Slidell. She has also served as examiner for the Louisiana State Board of Cosmetology.

“I am and remain a concerned citizen who will contribute however and whenever possible to maintain the quality of life we all strive to retain,” Smith said. “Thank you for the opportunity to serve.”

The Justice of the Peace typically presides over a court that hears misdemeanor cases, traffic violations and other minor infractions. The Justice of the Peace may also have authority over cases involving small debts and landlord and tenant disputes. They can perform weddings and notary work.
Proceedings before Justices of the Peace are often faster and less formal than the proceedings in other courts.

The elections for Justice of the Peace are on Oct. 4 and the Louisiana Supreme Court can either appoint someone to the position to serve out the remainder of Smith’s term or just wait until the fall elections. Clerk of Court Charlie Oubre says that if the state’s Supreme Court does appoint someone, that person cannot run in the fall elections.