Jason D. Carrithers

Commission: meets standards Split vote 9–1

The First Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance agrees by a vote of 9-1 that Judge Jason D. Carrithers 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 Carrithers is a District Court judge who presides over a mixed docket of civil, criminal, and domestic relations, with criminal being most of the cases. He is described as fair, respectful, knowledgeable, thoughtful, and a good listener. His strengths were noted as his legal knowledge, docket management, and being impartial. Judge Carrithers prepares well for cases and is working on making his courtroom a warm and welcoming place for all. He spends time making jurors feel welcomed and survey comments reflect that this effort is appreciated. Survey comments reflected mixed feedback on demeanor with some mentioning his positive judicial demeanor while others think there is room for improvement. Judge Carrithers works to ensure he uses trauma-informed practices in his courtroom and his efforts to address these concerns were seen as very positive. Judge Carrithers is seen as a team player; he also works hard to create and support a positive culture in the workplace.

The Commission conducted a personal interview with Judge Carrithers, reviewed opinions he authored, observed him in court, reviewed his self-evaluation, reviewed the 2024 Judicial Performance Survey Report from attorneys and non-attorneys who appeared in Judge Carrithers’ courtroom, as well as feedback from the Office of the State Public Defender and the First Judicial District Attorney’s Office. Based on the totality of the Commission’s evaluation, Judge Carrithers demonstrated that he meets or exceeds performance standards in all categories under review: case management, application and knowledge of the law, communications, diligence, demeanor, and fairness.

Judge Carrithers was appointed to the District Court in December of 2020. Before taking the bench, he was a district court magistrate for the First Judicial District. Judge Carrithers earned a bachelor’s degree from Regis University in 2000. He graduated from the Sturm College of Law at the University of Denver in 2003. After graduating, he joined the Rocky Mountain Children’s Law Center where, during his tenure he was a staff attorney, senior attorney, and then the Director of the Child Advocacy Practicum. In his current position, Judge Carrithers, in partnership with a retiring judge, has implemented trauma support services for jurors. He has volunteered with the Colorado High School Mock Trial Program for the past 15 years. Judge Carrithers was recently appointed to the Standing Committee on Family Issues through the Supreme Court and joined the Board of Directors of Family Promise of Greater Denver, a non-profit committed to ending family homelessness.

State evaluation page · 2024 survey report (PDF)