Eleventh Judicial District - Chaffee County Court Judge
Honorable William P. Alderton
Retention Year: 2016
Recommendation: Meets Performance Standard
Reports:
2016 Retention Survey Report (PDF)
2015 Interim Survey Report (PDF)
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The Eleventh Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance unanimously (9-0) recommends that Judge William P. Alderton BE RETAINED.
Judge Alderton was appointed to the Chaffee County Court on July 1, 1990. Prior to his appointment, Judge Alderton served as a deputy district attorney and has maintained a private practice. Judge Alderton graduated from Whitman College in 1971. Judge Alderton received his juris doctorate degree from Creighton University School of Law in 1974. He was admitted to the Colorado bar in 1975. Judge Alderton still practices law, primarily representing the Buena Vista Sanitation District. Judge Alderton enjoys being a judge and wants to continue serving for a few more years.
The Eleventh Judicial District’s Judicial Performance Commission reviewed opinions Judge Alderton authored, observed him in court, solicited public comments, reviewed survey responses from attorneys and non-attorneys, and conducted a personal interview. The survey questions included, among others, “how strongly do you recommend Judge Alderton be retained in office?”, and “how strongly do you recommend Judge Alderton not be retained in office?” Of attorneys completing the survey, one hundred percent (100%) recommended to retain Judge Alderton. Of non-attorneys completing the survey, seventy seven percent (77%) recommended to retain Judge Alderton, thirteen percent (13%) recommended not to retain, and ten percent (10%) made no recommendation. A total of eleven (11) attorneys and forty (40) non-attorneys completed the judicial performance surveys.
Judge Alderton received an overall combined rating higher than average in comparison to other judges standing for retention. Attorneys and jurors rated him higher than non-attorneys. His case management, application and knowledge of law, communications, diligence and demeanor were all rated above average. His expertise in criminal law is a strength, and his part time caseload has allowed him to expand his knowledge of civil procedure and law. Judge Alderton’s fairness, respect for all parties and courtroom efficiency were observed by all of the Commission members. Judge Alderton’s preparedness and accommodating attitude were noted strengths.