Eighteenth Judicial District - District Court Judge
Honorable Don Jesse Toussaint
Retention Year: 2024
Recommendation: Meets Performance Standards
Reports:
2024 Retention Survey Report (PDF)
2023 Interim Survey Report (PDF)
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The Eighteenth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance unanimously agrees by a vote of 7-0, with three Commissioners absent from voting, that Judge Don Jesse Toussaint MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS.
Judge Toussaint presides over a civil docket in Division 14. Judge Toussaint’s strengths include his management of varying cases, dynamic writing, and professional demeanor. His commitment to thorough written rulings, sense of duty, and his compassion to all parties and participants are well respected. Those who interact with Judge Toussaint describe him as professional, dedicated, passionate, and having integrity. Commission members observed Judge Toussaint’s passion for and commitment to the bench and his oath to serve. Judge Toussaint is praised for treating everyone with dignity and respect, managing a busy docket, and issuing sentences appropriately.
In addition to his extensive service to the legal profession, Judge Toussaint avoids impropriety, applies the law and rules fairly, communicates clearly, and manages his docket efficiently. Based on these findings the Commission unanimously agreed that Judge Toussaint meets performance standards. In addition to meeting with Chief Judge Amico, the Commission interviewed members of the District Attorney’s Office, Public Defender’s Office, and Probation regarding their interactions with and impressions of Judge Toussaint’s performance. Survey responses reviewed from both attorneys and non-attorneys affirmed Judge Toussaint’s communication skills, temperament, and ability to manage significant caseloads. During his time with the Commission, Judge Toussaint acknowledged the few criticisms in his surveys constructively, and shared how he has applied the feedback he received. Judge Toussaint’s surveys reflected strength in fairness, promoting access through virtual options, and providing explanations for rulings. He is regarded as a very supportive colleague and an experienced and thoughtful servant leader.
Judge Toussaint was appointed to the district court in 2021. Prior to his appointment to the district court, Judge Toussaint served as an Arapahoe County Court Judge, a district court magistrate for the Eighteenth Judicial District, and as an assistant city attorney for the city of Aurora for five years. Judge Toussaint was also an associate for White and Steele, P.C. Judge Toussaint earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in English Technical Writing from the University of Colorado Denver, a Master of Science Degree in Management from Regis University, and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law.