Eighth Judicial District - District Court Judge
Honorable William F. Dressel
Retention Year: 1992
Recommendation: Retain
Judge Dressel received his law degree from the University of Denver in 1966 and was admitted to practice before the Colorado Supreme Court and U.S. District Court in the same year. He was admitted to practice before the U.S. Court of Appeals 10th Circuit in 1967 and before the U.S. Supreme Court in 1976.
He was associated with a private law firm in Denver. In 1969 he entered private practice in Fort Collins, Colorado. Appointed to the bench in July, 1978, Judge Dressel is currently Chair of the National Conference of State Trial Judges, American Bar Association.
Judge Dressel participates extensively in continuing education activities and has assumed a statewide leadership role in improving the effectiveness of Colorado’s judicial system. He maintains memberships and positions on several professional associations and criminal justice panels and educational forums.
Most comments received by the Commission focused upon Judge Dressel’s style of courtroom management. Respondents cited the judge’s skills in adjudicating a heavy docket in a speedy and efficient manner. However, written comments from attorneys reveal some frustrations with his passion for judicial economy, at the expense of politeness and fairness.
The questionnaire responses indicated: 71 Attorneys, Retain, 59% (39), Not retain, 38% (37), No opinion 7% (5); 11 Jurors, Retain, 100% (11), Not Retain, 0% (0), No opinion 0% (0); 74 Law Enforcement Officers, Retain, 81% (60), Not retain, 3% (2), No opinion, 16% (12); 34 Court Personnel, Retain, 97% (33), Not retain, 3% (1), No opinion, 0% (0).
Judge Dressel is characterized by most respondents as fair, knowledgeable of the law, and competent.
The 8th Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance recommends that Judge William F. Dressel be retained.