Eighth Judicial District - District Court Judge
Honorable John David (Dave) Williams
Retention Year: 2006
Recommendation: Retain
Reports:
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The Eighth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance recommends that Judge John David (Dave) Williams BE RETAINED. The Commission voted nine in favor with one absent.
Judge Williams was appointed to the bench in August, 2003. Prior to his appointment he was in private legal practice for 31 years in Fort Collins specializing in commercial law, real estate and business planning. Judge Williams received his law degree from Harvard Law School in 1971. Judge Williams’ caseload, before January 2006, was mostly civil cases with a few domestic relations, juvenile, mental health and criminal cases. His caseload currently consists of criminal, domestic relations and probate cases.
Judge Williams is an active member of his community. He is a member of the Sertoma Club of Fort Collins and the Family Center/LaFamilia Board. He also mentors high school and college students interested in the law. He relaxes by reading, playing golf and traveling.
The Commission interviewed representatives from the District Attorney’s office, the Public Defender’s office and law enforcement. The Commission reviewed evaluations of Judge Williams received from respondents to a professionally conducted survey of both attorneys and non-attorneys who have been in his courtroom. The Commission considered statistical responses as well as written comments dealing with courtesy, impartiality, communications skill, judicial temperament, diligence, application of the law, and retention. Further, the Commission also considered a written self-evaluation completed by the judge and conducted a personal interview with Judge Williams.
Judge Williams has demonstrated excellent judicial skills in his handling of civil cases in his nearly three years on the bench. He is committed to applying those skills in criminal cases where he has had less experience. The commission expects continued improvement in the areas of criminal law and sentencing.
Judge Williams received high survey ratings from survey respondents. Attorneys responding to the survey recommended he be retained by 96%. Ninety-six percent of the non-attorneys responding to the survey also recommended that Judge Williams be retained. He received high marks from both attorneys and non-attorneys in case management, application and knowledge of the law, communications, demeanor and diligence.