Nineteenth Judicial District - District Court Judge
Honorable Shannon D. Lyons
Retention Year: 2022
Recommendation: Meets Performance Standard
Reports:
2022 Retention Survey Report (PDF)
2019 Interim Survey Report (PDF)
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The Nineteenth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance agrees by the unanimous vote of those voting, (8 in favor, 1 absent, and 1 recusal), that Judge Shannon D. Lyons MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS.
Judge Lyons currently presides over mostly civil cases (approx. 90%) in his courtroom, with a small percentage of water cases (approx.. 8%), and a few (approx.. 2%) domestic relations cases. Prior to this change he presided over a primarily criminal docket. The challenges of the COVID-19 environment and subsequent changing courtroom procedures resulted in a backlog in civil trial cases such as these. The commission observed Judge Lyons both through virtual and in-person visits to his courtroom. His ability to transition between the restrictions of the pandemic and the more established procedures has been excellent.
The commission looked carefully at areas most important to Judge Lyons’ performance on the bench: integrity, legal knowledge, communication skills, judicial temperament, administrative performance and service to the legal profession and the public. Through observation and review of his opinions, survey results, and related information, the commission found Judge Lyons effective in all areas. He has maintained a good flow of cases and is able to timely close over 90 percent of his assigned cases within the goal benchmark of 18 months. His observed demeanor in the courtroom toward all parties is respectful and thoughtful; yet he takes the time necessary to listen to all parties and communicate to all the information needed to understand the proceedings and the ruling he enters. Judge Lyons has consistently been rated high by both attorneys and non-attorneys that have appeared before him. His application and knowledge of the law is slightly better than all other District Court judges and his diligence in preparing for hearings/trials as well as being aware of precedential case law has been favorably mentioned in the survey. Judge Lyons earned high survey remarks for his calm and reassuring demeanor in the courtroom.
Judge Lyons is a graduate of Capital University Law School in Columbus, Ohio. After law school, Judge Lyons provided pro bono legal services through the Lend-A-Lawyer program in Montrose, CO. He then served as a public defender in Pueblo, Logan, Morgan and Weld counties. In 2001, he was part of a group that formed a law partnership specializing in criminal defense, and later served as the firm’s managing partner. In 2007, he received the Professionalism in the Law Award from the Weld County Bar Association. Judge Lyons was appointed to the district court in 2013. Judge Lyons has served on local boards, nonprofits and commissions which include The American Red Cross, Greeley Citizens Budget Advisory Committee, Greeley Chamber of Commerce, United Way Promises for Children, and the Weld Community Foundation Investment Committee.