Tarryn L. Johnson

Commission: meets standards (6–0)

The Fifteenth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance finds, based upon a unanimous vote of 6-0, with four commission vacancies, that Judge Tarryn L. Johnson MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS. The Colorado judicial performance standards on which judges are evaluated are integrity, legal knowledge, communication skills, judicial temperament, administrative performance, and service to the legal profession and the public.

Judge Tarryn Johnson serves on the District Court Bench and presides over domestic relations, civil, criminal, juvenile, probate, and mental health matters in the Fifteenth Judicial District. Judge Johnson’s demeanor is described as patient and respectful. She uses language all parties can understand, explaining the process and her decisions. Judge Johnson moves her cases along timely and issues orders promptly, with her written decisions being both clear and concise. She treats parties fairly and does her homework to be fully prepared in the courtroom, although at times she could take care to ensure it is clear that any findings are based upon the record presented to her. Judge Johnson’s interview confirmed her knowledge of the law, her common-sense communication style, and her desire to make the best decision for the people who appear before her.

The Commission conducted a personal interview with Judge Johnson; reviewed opinions she authored and her responses to Judicial Performance questions; observed her in court; met with representatives from the District Attorney’s and Public Defender’s Offices; and reviewed judicial performance survey responses from attorneys and non-attorneys who have had interactions with Judge Johnson in the courtroom. Survey responses were low in number compared to those invitations sent out, but the Commission took the responses and comments seriously. Of the attorneys who responded to the survey questions, 100% of attorneys stated that Judge Johnson meets performance standards. Of those who were non-attorneys, 73% stated she meets performance standards while 18% stated she did not. Judge Johnson received an overall score of 3.2 out of a 4-point scale. In the interview process, the Commissioners asked questions relating to the responses on the surveys, responses from the Public Defender’s Office and District Attorney’s Office, and Judge Johnson’s personal judicial philosophy and desires as she serves as a District Court Judge.

Judge Tarryn Johnson was appointed as a District Court Judge in the 15th Judicial District in December of 2022. In August of 2024, she was named Chief Judge of the Fifteenth Judicial District. Prior to her appointment, Judge Johson was a Senior Deputy State Public Defender in the La Junta Regional Office, covering the 15th and 16th Judicial Districts. Judge Johnson received her undergraduate degree in Government from Adams State University and her Juris Doctorate from Texas Tech University School of Law. She has spoken in area high schools about the judicial branch of the government and has participated in mock trials in local schools. Judge Johnson also enjoys being a soccer coach and sponsoring soccer camps.

State evaluation page · 2026 survey report (PDF)