Tenth Judicial District - District Court Judge
Honorable Thomas B. Flesher
Retention Year: 2022
Recommendation: Meets Performance Standard
The Tenth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance unanimously agreed with a total of 8 commissioners present and 1 commissioner abstaining that Judge Thomas B. Flesher MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS. The Colorado statutory judicial performance standards are integrity, legal knowledge, communication skills, judicial temperament, administrative performance, and service to the legal profession and the public.
The Commission conducted a personal interview with Judge Flesher on June 2, 2022, and also interviewed the Chief District Judge Deborah Eyler, District Attorney Jeff Chostner and Chief Public Defender Albert Singleton on May 3, 2022. The Commission reviewed opinions Judge Flesher authored and observed him in court on numerous occasions. Judge Flesher’s demeanor is described as being flexible, ability to keep calm in stressful situations, compassionate and respectful. However, there were concerns raised that Judge Flesher can lose his temper too quickly or react emotionally in a negative fashion and can take too long to issue written orders. Judge Flesher understands these concerns and is taking steps to resolve those behaviors. Judge Flesher stated that he realizes some of the orders take a long time to issue; however, he is very cognizant of the majority of these orders directly impact parties’ lives and he is very conscientious about that responsibility. Judge Flesher stated he enjoys his job, co-workers and staff however, admits his area of law, while he enjoys what he does, can be challenging and emotional at times, but also very rewarding when helping the citizens of Pueblo.
The Commission reviewed judicial performance survey responses from attorneys and non-attorneys who had interaction in Judge Flesher’s court. Among the survey questions was "based on your responses to the previous questions related to the performance evaluation criteria, do you think Judge Flesher meets judicial performance standards?" Of the attorneys responding to the survey, 43% answered yes; 29% answered no; and 29% had no opinion. Of the non-attorneys responding to the survey, 95% answered yes; 0% said no and 4% had no opinion. A total of 15 attorneys and 19 non-attorneys responded to the judicial performance surveys expressing their opinion of Judge Flesher. Judge Flesher received ratings above the statewide average among all District with a 3.5 as compared to 3.4 for all district court judges standing for retention with regard to all the areas surveyed: (1) case management, (2) application and knowledge of law, (3) communications, (4) demeanor, (5) diligence; and (6) fairness.
Judge Flesher was appointed to the District Court in Pueblo, Colorado in March, 2008. At this point in time, Judge Flesher presides over 100% criminal matters in Pueblo, Colorado. He received his bachelor's degree from Oregon State University in 1982, and his Juris Doctorate from University of Colorado School of Law in May of 1985. He previously served as a staff attorney for Pueblo County Legal Services, Deputy State Public Defender and in private practice prior to his appointment to the bench.