Fifth Judicial District - Clear Creek County Court Judge
Honorable Cynthia J. Jones
Retention Year: 2024
Recommendation: Meets Performance Standards
Reports:
2024 Retention Survey Report (PDF)
2023 Interim Survey Report (PDF)
Need an accessible PDF Document Version?
Please click on the link below and email our staff
The Fifth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance has completed its review of the Honorable Judge Cynthia J. Jones and finds, in a 9-0 vote and one recusal, that she MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS based on the following judicial performance criteria: integrity, legal knowledge, communication skills, judicial temperament, administrative performance, and service to the legal profession and the public.
Based on the Commission's overall evaluation, Judge Jones consistently meets performance standards in all categories. She demonstrates an elevated level of professionalism, running her courtroom efficiently and clearly respecting the legal process and knowledge of the law. Her calm demeanor creates an environment conducive to fair and orderly proceedings. She shows compassion while balancing it with firmness and clarity. Judge Jones serves the district beyond her appointed position, managing significant roles in other parts of the district and commitments within the community. Judge Jones’s court docket comprises 5% civil, 3% juvenile (which includes Truancy Court in Eagle and Clear Creek Counties), 30% criminal, 25% misdemeanor, 5% traffic, and 5% small claims.
The Commission reviewed written orders, observed Judge Jones in court, conducted an in- person interview, and considered survey results provided by attorneys and non-attorneys, which was a relatively small sample. She received consistently positive reviews in her surveys from attorneys and non-attorneys. Performance survey results indicated an overall score of 3.0 out of 4.0 based on 42 responses with 15 attorneys and 27 non-attorneys responding. The rapidly changing legal landscape, increased technology integration, and limited resources have created increased demands and time commitments to navigate an already full docket. The Commission commends Judge Jones’ commitment to learning and to her community. She presides with professionalism and respect, holding herself and litigants to a high standard. During proceedings with heightened emotions, the Commission recommends that she continue to manage her courtroom with compassion and professionalism. Judge Jones is introspective, proud to serve, enjoys her work, and strives to improve her performance by continuing to ask more questions. Judge Jones stays current on new laws and participates in improvement of the legal system through legislative review. The Commission encourages her to keep up the enthusiasm she exhibits for lifelong learning by taking advantage of educational opportunities and engagement in professional membership organizations. The Commission applauds her deep commitment to and civic engagement within the community, including the community center, historical society, and the arts.
Judge Jones graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder and the University of Montana School of Law in 1992. After law school, she clerked for the Honorable Gaspar Perricone in Jefferson County. Judge Jones worked as a Deputy State Public Defender for almost two decades before going into private practice from 2013 to 2018. She was appointed to the Clear Creek County Bench in March of 2018. Judge Jones is currently pursuing a Master degree of Law (L.L.M).