Fifth Judicial District - Lake County Court Judge
Honorable Wayne Patton
Retention Year: 2012
Recommendation: Retain
The Fifth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance unanimously recommends that Judge Wayne Patton BE RETAINED, with one member absent.
Judge Patton served in the U.S. Army, then received his undergraduate degree from Denison University, and his law degree from the University of Denver. Judge Patton was in private practice until his appointment of Lake County Court in 2000. He also serves as part-time Magistrate in Eagle County. Judge Patton volunteers time with the Leadville Rod & Gun Club by helping with its annual Fishing Derby and a highway clean up each year.
The attorneys and non-attorneys surveyed gave Judge Patton high marks for his demeanor and fairness. The Commission believes that he has the ability to relate to the criminal and civil litigants in his courtroom, and is careful to make sure they understand the proceeding as well as his rulings. He treats crime victims with dignity and respect and is conscious of the requirements of the Victims Rights Amendment. Judge Patton created and presides over the DUI Court in Lake County. In spite of the challenges of living in a small remote area with no public transportation and a depressed economy, Judge Patton is committed to this program as a way to protect the public in his community. Judge Patton attends trainings to enhance his education and to stay current on recent changes in the law. Judge Patton recognizes that legal writing is not one of his strengths and continues to seek out opportunities to address that weakness.
Of all attorneys surveyed about retention, 94% recommended to retain, 4% not to retain, and 3% were undecided or didn't have enough information to make a recommendation. Of those expressing an opinion to retain or not to retain, 96% recommended to retain and 4% not to retain. Of all non-attorneys surveyed, 79% recommended to retain, 12% not to
retain, and 8% were undecided or didn't have enough information to make a recommendation. Of those expressing an opinion to retain or not to retain, 86% recommended to retain and 14% not to retain. (These percentages may not total 100% due to rounding.)