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Jean Paul Jones

Trial Court · Alamosa · Alamosa

Meets Standards(Retain)2 cycles on record

Evaluation history

  • 1996 retention cycle
    Trial Court · Alamosa · Alamosa
    Meets Standards(Retain)
    Retention Year: 1996 Recommendation: Retain The Commission on Judicial Performance unanimously recommends that Judge Jean Paul Jones BE RETAINED. Judge Jean Paul Jones graduated from Colorado State University with a business major and earned a law degree from the University of Colorado in 1965. He was admitted to the Colorado Bar Association in 1966. Prior to being appointed as Alamosa County Judge on December 13,1972, Judge Jones was in private practice. His docket consists primarily of traffic, misdemeanor, and civil cases. Over the past 23 years he has regularly attended annual Judicial Conferences. Judge Jones feels that he is fair and that he brings compassion and common sense to the bench. Judge Jones received ratings from all groups that were generally favorable. Surveys from attorney rated him highly in areas of knowledge, courtroom procedure and demeanor. Responses from law enforcement showed more variation with some respondents rating him unfavorably. Judge Jones spoke openly about his evaluations during an interview with the Judicial Performance Commission and appears attentive to the comments of respondents. The Commission notes that Judge Jones appear to have remedied prior concerns identified in his 1992 review. This indicates that he is able to receive input and respond accordingly.
  • 1992 retention cycle
    Trial Court · Alamosa · Alamosa
    Meets Standards(Retain)
    Retention Year: 1992 Recommendation: Retain Judge Jean Paul Jones graduated from Colorado State University with a business major and earned his law degree from the University of Colorado in 1966. He was admitted to the Colorado Bar Association in 1966. Prior to being appointed as County Judge of Alamosa County, he was in private practice and also served as Deputy District Attorney for the Twelfth Judicial District and prosecuting Attorney for the City of Alamosa for two years. He was appointed to the bench in December 1972. As Alamosa County Court Judge, Judge Jones is responsible for presiding over traffic cases, misdemeanors, petty offenses, felony preliminary hearings, small claims and civil matters not exceeding $10,000. Judge Jones generally received favorable ratings from all groups surveyed. The attorney evaluations rated Judge Jones high in his knowledge of the law, evidence and procedure, and noted that he is perceived to be fair, courteous, patient and compassionate as well as maintaining adequate courtroom control and being able to find facts without being unduly influenced by the public. Additionally, all attorney respondents agreed that Judge Jones’ written decisions were clear. Some respondents believed that this was not true of his oral decisions. Judge Jones acknowledged he could undoubtedly improve the clarity of his oral decisions and would take more time when ruling from the bench to do so. Several respondents expressed concern over courtroom delays they had experienced and Judge Jones agreed that problems periodically occurred that resulted in delays. Judge Jones noted his attempts to prevent delay were sometimes stymied when attorneys were unprepared or unavailable due to having to cover matters set during the same time period in district court. Further, Judge Jones pointed out that allowing additional time to negotiate, which sometimes causes delay, can facilitate settlements that actually save time and money in the long run. After learning that a few respondents were critical of his personal life, Judge Jones acknowledged the importance of public perception and vowed to be more aware and responsive to these perceptions. The Commission found Judge Jones to be thoughtful, straightforward, and genuine. He is well informed and participates whenever possible in seminars and conferences, which keep him abreast of the law. The 12th Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance recommends that Judge Jean Paul Jones be Retained.

Surveys & reports

No survey reports on record for this judge.

Sources