Eighth Judicial District - Larimer County Court Judge
Honorable Ronald L. Schultz
Retention Year: 1996
Recommendation: Do Not Retain
Judge Schultz received his law degree from the University of Denver in 1967. After practicing in the Denver City Attorney’s Office until 1971, he served in the Larimer County District Attorney’s Office until 1974. He was appointed Larimer County Court Judge in 1974.
His case load is 60% criminal and 40% civil. He is responsible for presiding over traffic cases, felony bondings, misdemeanors, civil cases not exceeding $10,000 as well as domestic violence cases.
The majority of respondents agree that Judge Schultz displays compassion, is courteous, maintains control of the courtroom and tries to exercise fairness. However, 50% of the lawyers polled felt his written decisions were unclear, 35% of lawyers cite his lack of knowledge of the law, and 32% felt his knowledge of evidence and procedure was deficient. Prior to his last election in 1992, there was also substantial concern that his knowledge of civil law was deficient. Survey results continue to indicate a lack of clear understanding and communication of the law.