Seventeenth Judicial District - District Court Judge
Honorable C. Vincent Phelps Jr.
Retention Year: 2004
Recommendation: Retain
Reports:
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The Seventeenth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance recommends that Judge C. Vincent Phelps, Jr. BE RETAINED.
Judge Phelps was appointed to the bench in the Seventeenth Judicial District in February 1996. Prior to his appointment to the bench, Judge Phelps had a general law practice that had an emphasis on civil litigation and criminal defense. Other areas of practice included real estate, estate planning and probate. Judge Phelps has spent most of the past two years hearing civil cases. Previously Judge Phelps has spent two years in criminal court, two years in general court and four years in domestic court.
The Commission reviewed written evaluations of Judge Phelps from attorneys and non-attorneys, including written comments that were part of the surveys. The Commission reviewed Judge Phelps' written self-evaluation and conducted a personal interview with Judge Phelps. In addition the Commission heard from a citizen during a public hearing regarding Judge Phelps.
Judge Phelps is a member of numerous civic organizations. He does and has served on many of their boards. He is active in helping students from his law school, having just completed serving on its Alumni council. He is currently active as a flight leader in the Young Eagles Program and is a volunteer pilot for the Angels Flight West organization, which provides non-emergency medical transport. His compassion for people is evident in his volunteerism and in his conduct in the court. Judge Phelps feels that his work in and with organizations that promote positive ideals, helps maintain a balance for himself.
Judge Phelps emphasized the importance that he places on ethics and compassion for the citizens that come before him. He is aware at all times that judges are servants of the public. Perhaps the best example of Judge Phelps' opinion of his work on the bench is his own admission that "being a trial judge in Colorado is, without a doubt, a most fulfilling profession." Judge Phelps received a retention recommendation of 93% in favor of retention and 7% not in favor of retention from attorneys. He received a retention recommendation of 92% in favor of retention, 8% not in favor of retention among non-attorneys.