First Judicial District - Jefferson County Court Judge
Honorable Kristan Wheeler
Retention Year: 2024
Recommendation: Meets Performance Standards
Reports:
2024 Retention Survey Report (PDF)
*Insufficient responses to publish 2023 Survey Report
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The First Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance unanimously agrees by a vote of 10-0 that Judge Kristan Wheeler MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS. The Colorado statutory judicial performance standards are integrity, legal knowledge, communication skills, judicial temperament, administrative performance, and service to the legal profession and the public.
Judge Wheeler was appointed to the bench in July 2021. Judge Wheeler is a county court judge, and her docket primarily consists of criminal cases, with a small percentage of civil and small claims cases. Judge Wheeler is described as and was observed to be empathetic, calm, measured, diligent, polite, and respectful to those who appear in front of her. Judge Wheeler was observed to be very empathetic and mindful of victims. Judge Wheeler shared she is evolving as a judge. She aims for excellence and is committed to improving in all areas including case management, clear communication, confidence in the courtroom, and her knowledge and application of the law. Judge Wheeler had demonstrated a willingness to learn and seek guidance from her colleagues on legal and other matters.
The Commission conducted a personal interview with Judge Wheeler, reviewed opinions Judge Wheeler authored, observed Judge Wheeler in court, reviewed the 2024 Judicial Performance Survey Report from attorneys and non-attorneys appearing before Judge Wheeler, as well as received feedback from the Office of the State Public Defender and the First Judicial District Attorney's Office. Based on the Commission’s evaluation, Judge Wheeler demonstrated that she meets or exceeds performance standards in all categories under review: case management, application and knowledge of the law, communications, diligence, demeanor, and fairness.
Judge Wheeler earned a B.A. in Political Science from Trinity University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Texas School of Law. Prior to her appointment, Judge Wheeler served as a county court magistrate for the 17th Judicial District. Before that, she was a presiding judge for the City of Louisville and a relief judge for several other municipalities. Prior to her work as a judge, Judge Wheeler worked with the Office of the State Public Defender, and she was a defense attorney handling matters through the Office of Alternate Defense Counsel in addition to maintaining a private practice. Outside of the courtroom, Judge Wheeler has been recognized for her efforts to create a positive workplace culture. Her community service includes coordinating the Jefferson County High School Regional Mock Trial Program and volunteering with the Java with Judges law school program. She is the Chair of the Jefferson County Court Services Committee and the Treasurer for the Colorado County Court Judges Association. Judge Wheeler also engages in community outreach by organizing Jefferson County high school student visits to County Court.