Fourth Judicial District - District Court Judge
Honorable William H. Moller
Retention Year: 2024
Recommendation: Meets Performance Standards
Reports:
2024 Retention Survey Report (PDF)
2023 Interim Survey Report (PDF)
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The Fourth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance voted 7-0 with three absent that Judge William H. Moller MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS.
Appointed in January 2022, Judge Moller presides over a docket that is 50% Domestic Relations and 50% Criminal. The Commission evaluated surveys from attorneys and non-attorneys, conducted interviews with the Chief Judge, District Attorney, Director of the Public Defender’s Office and Judge Moller. In addition, the Commissioners observed courtroom proceedings in a variety of circumstances to collect the best available information for their deliberations.
The Commission weighed heavily the various interviews and observations, as the survey results were limited, and ratings appeared to be mostly from participants in a single, emotionally difficult case. Judge Moller was recognized consistently as kind, steady and genuinely interested in conducting his courtroom in a calm and professional manner. His relatively limited experience in criminal law was noted in some of the comments and Judge Moller indicated his understanding that particular attention is appropriate to ensuring that these cases are deliberated thoroughly. He reported that he will often do a self-check regarding his decisions. “I ask myself why I am deciding a matter in a particular way. If I find that I am not basing my decision in the law… I begin my analysis of the evidence anew.” He confers with other Judges, takes stock of the differences in perspective that defendants may have in comparison with his own, and if he feels the process is becoming emotional, will take a “time out” to ensure a proper outcome. To date, none of his criminal decisions have been overturned on appeal. No disciplinary actions have been taken or are pending regarding Judge Moller, and he has completed his required annual financial disclosure reports.
Prior to becoming a Judicial Officer, he practiced at his own firm for over a dozen years. He is a graduate of the University of Denver, Sturm College of Law and completed a master’s degree from Purdue University and a bachelor’s degree from Florida State University. He honorably served in the U.S. Army for over 21 years, retiring in 2005.When not on the bench, he participates in Teen Court with Forge Evolution and in school programs interacting with children and teenagers, as well as speaking to various groups to foster knowledge and understanding of their judges and the role they play in our community. The Commission is confident that Judge William H. Moller will be an asset for many years to come on the Fourth Judicial District bench.