Eleventh Judicial District - District Court Judge
Honorable Charles M. Barton
Retention Year: 2012
Recommendation: Retain
Reports:
2012 Retention Survey Report (PDF)
2011 Interim Survey Report (PDF)
2009 Interim Survey Report (PDF)
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The Eleventh Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance recommends by a vote of 8-0 that Chief Judge Charles M. Barton BE RETAINED. Two members were absent.
Judge Barton earned his undergraduate degree from Ohio Wesleyan University and his law degree from Northern Kentucky University. He served as a Deputy District Attorney in both the Tenth Judicial District (Pueblo) and the Eleventh Judicial District (Chaffee, Custer, Fremont, and Park Counties) before being appointed to the District Court in January, 2003, and has served as Chief Judge of the Eleventh Judicial District since 2004. In addition to his work at the courts, Judge Barton has served as a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, We the People high school constitutional law competition, Salida trails, and on construction projects with not-for-profit organizations in Colorado, Texas, Mississippi, and Mexico.
The members of the Commission evaluated extensive survey data that was provided by both lawyers and non-lawyers, and reviewed written correspondence that was received. In comparison to all the district judges standing for retention in the State of Colorado, Judge Barton’s survey results were near average. The members of the Commission interviewed Judge Barton, observed the judge in the courtroom, and reviewed other materials pertaining to his performance. Judge Barton was found to be compassionate and treated participants in the courtroom politely and with respect. As the Chief Judge he has allocated district resources to the creation and continuation of Specialty Courts (DUI, Mental Health, Family Treatment, and Drug Courts). Despite a 25% reduction in staff and budget, he managed to continue providing responsive judicial services. Judge Barton listens well and works hard to decide fairly the cases before him.
Of all the attorneys surveyed about retention, 80% recommended to retain, 12% not to retain, and 9% were undecided or didn't have enough information to make a recommendation. Of those expressing an opinion to retain or not to retain, 88% recommended to retain and 12% not to retain. Of all the non-attorneys surveyed, 80% recommended to retain, 14% not to retain, and 7% were undecided or didn't have enough information to make a recommendation. Of those expressing an opinion to retain or not retain, 86% recommended to retain and 14% not to retain. (These percentages may not total 100% due to rounding.)