Twelfth Judicial District - Alamosa County Court Judge
Honorable Jean Paul Jones
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.