Twelfth Judicial District - Costilla County Court Judge
Honorable Pattie P. Swift
Retention Year: 1996
Recommendation: Retain
The Commission on Judicial Performance unanimously recommends that Judge Pattie P. Swift BE RETAINED.
Judge Swift was appointed County Judge of Costilla County in 1989. Judge Swift serves 35% time, and presides over a caseload which includes traffic related offenses, misdemeanors, felony pretrial, and civil matters. A graduate of the University of New Mexico School of Law in 1989, she has been a member of the Colorado Bar since June 1990.
Judge Swift received excellent ratings from both attorneys and law enforcement. Her administrative staff found her to perform well in court administration and case management. Judge Swift continues to improve her courtroom efficiency.
In her interview, Judge Swift identified being a good listener, fair to all parties, and maintaining compassion as key attributes she strives for in the courtroom. Favorable community sentiment supports her positive achievements in these areas. In response to concerns that she might be swayed by public influence, Judge Swift stated she makes an extra effort to remain objective in court matters which may appear to align her inappropriately with one political or social viewpoint.
Judge Swift has demonstrated strengths in the areas of legal reasoning and writing. She has improved in delivering clear oral instructions and rulings. The Commission commends her for her sentencing alternatives, especially in alcohol-related classes. She also has provided leadership through education and the development of uniform processes to address the growing domestic violence caseload in the judicial district.