Thirteenth Judicial District - Yuma County Court Judge
Honorable Kristei Ray Jones
Retention Year: 2024
Recommendation: Meets Performance Standards
Reports:
2024 Retention Survey Report (PDF)
2023 Interim Survey Report (PDF)
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The Thirteenth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance finds by a vote of 7-0, with two members absent and one commissioner vacancy, that Honorable Kristei Ray Jones MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS.
Judge Jones was appointed to the Yuma County Court in August of 2018. The Commission conducted a virtual interview with Judge Jones, reviewed survey results, Judge Jones self-evaluation, written orders, courtroom observations and judicial performance data. Judge Jones is one of four lay judges in Colorado. Even though previously Judge Jones did not have any legal training, Judge Jones has diligently studied the law to make sure his rulings are correct. While this is not something that comes easily, Judge Jones is not afraid to seek help and guidance when faced with circumstances or legal questions he does not know the answer to. One of the many reasons for Judge Jones’ success is due to his outstanding preparation. Prior to any hearing, Judge Jones researches legal issues so that he understands the applicable law. Throughout all the information received the commission unanimously believes Judge Jones meets performance standards.
In reviewing the survey results the Commission could hold little weight to the survey results due to minimal responses. Response rates on surveys throughout the State of Colorado have been down in the last year. One of these reasons was due to an accessibility issue and the other issue is presumably the rural jurisdiction. In the 2024 survey retention period Judge Jones received six responses. In the 2023 interim survey period Judge Jones received 11 responses but only five responses from respondents who had sufficient experience to evaluate the judge. In the very limited survey results, Judge Jones performed above average compared to other county court judges in the state in both the 2023 and 2024 survey results. The applicable areas the commission is tasked with evaluating are Case Management, Application and Knowledge of Law, Communications, Diligence, Demeanor, and Fairness.
Judge Jones is a part-time judge in Yuma County. Judge Jones is a ranch owner and operator, as well as an owner of Tri State Livestock. He has served as a Volunteer Fireman in Wauneta and Wray since 1995. He also served as the Mayor of Wray from 2008-2012 and was a member of the Wray City Council from 2004-2008. Judge Jones earned his diploma from Yuma High School in 1985.