First Judicial District - District Court Judge
Honorable Frank Plaut
Retention Year: 2000
Recommendation: Retain
The First Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance recommends that Judge Frank Plaut BE RETAINED.
Judge Plaut was appointed to the bench in 1996. Prior to that appointment, he was a civil trial lawyer in Jefferson County for 36 years. Judge Plaut is a past president of the Colorado Bar Association. He is actively involved in the community serving as President of Lend-A-Lawyer and the Evergreen Area Council for the Arts.
Of the attorneys surveyed, 68% favored retention, 28% favored non-retention and 3% had no opinion. Of the non-attorneys surveyed, 70% favored retention, 17% favored non-retention and 13% had no opinion.
The surveys indicate that the judge's demeanor is sometimes impatient, testy, rude and arrogant. However, most attorneys describe Judge Plaut as fair, extremely diligent and efficient. Judge Plaut gave reasonable explanations to the survey complaints.
The Commission's meeting with Judge Plaut produced a mixed reaction. His strengths include a solid knowledge of civil law, lengthy experience as a civil lawyer, hard work, and an ability to manage the courtroom schedule. Judge Plaut is a very intelligent, articulate man who brings unique qualities to the bench. The Commission expressed concerns that some of his comments in the courtroom were inappropriate and sarcastic. Judge Plaut stated that he will work on keeping his rather dry sense of humor out of the courtroom. The majority of the Commission believes that the judge will strive to improve his courtroom demeanor.