First Judicial District - District Court Judge
Honorable James D. Zimmerman
Retention Year: 1996
Recommendation: Retain
Based on the information available information, the Commission on Judicial Performance recommends Judge James D. Zimmerman BE RETAINED.
Judge Zimmerman was a county court judge in Jefferson County from 1975 to 1982 when he was appointed to the district court. From 1970 to 1975 Judge Zimmerman was a deputy district attorney for the First Judicial District. He is currently chairman of the County Community Corrections Board. Since 1982 he has served on this board, which oversees the placement annually of about 800 offenders in halfway houses and non-residential correction programs.
Judge Zimmerman presides over felony criminal cases and civil cases including al full domestic relations docket.
Judge Zimmerman is supported by attorney and court personnel for retention. His strongest support comes from law enforcement personnel, due in part to his reputation as a tough sentencing judge. While Judge Zimmerman is recognized as hard working and praised for his knowledge of the law, several survey respondents indicated he is short tempered, especially in divorce cases. Judge Zimmerman recognizes this problem and admits to being critical of poor representation by attorneys. He assures the commission he will work to maintain acceptable judicial temperament.