2024 retention · County Court · Clear Creek County
11 percentile · rank 42 of 47
composite 0100
15 percentile · rank 91 of 107
composite 0100
42 81st percentile among peers · 67th percentile statewide
671
Composite index 18.09 among peers (20.40 statewide): the mean of the three percentiles below. Rank orders by it.
3.00 of 4 · 13.83 percentile
2.103.80
3.03 of 4 · 17.02 percentile
2.173.75
75.00% 23.40 percentile
27.00%100.00%
Attorneys
- Say “meets standards”
- 75.00%
Non-attorneys
- Say “meets standards”
- 68.00%
| Category | Score | Peer median | Peer range (dot is this judge, line is the median) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Case Management | 3.20median 3.30 | 3.30 | |
| Application and Knowledge of Law | 2.90median 3.10 | 3.10 | |
| Communications | 3.30median 3.30 | 3.30 | |
| Diligence | 3.10median 3.30 | 3.30 | |
| Demeanor | 2.90median 3.30 | 3.30 | |
| Fairness | 2.80median 3.20 | 3.20 |
Commission: meets standards (9–0)
The Fifth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance has completed its review of the Honorable Judge Cynthia J. Jones and finds, in a 9-0 vote and one recusal, that she MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS based on the following judicial performance criteria: integrity, legal knowledge, communication skills, judicial temperament, administrative performance, and service to the legal profession and the public.
Based on the Commission's overall evaluation, Judge Jones consistently meets performance standards in all categories. She demonstrates an elevated level of professionalism, running her courtroom efficiently and clearly respecting the legal process and knowledge of the law. Her calm demeanor creates an environment conducive to fair and orderly proceedings. She shows compassion while balancing it with firmness and clarity. Judge Jones serves the district beyond her appointed position, managing significant roles in other parts of the district and commitments within the community. Judge Jones’s court docket comprises 5% civil, 3% juvenile (which includes Truancy Court in Eagle and Clear Creek Counties), 30% criminal, 25% misdemeanor, 5% traffic, and 5% small claims.
The Commission reviewed written orders, observed Judge Jones in court, conducted an in- person interview, and considered survey results provided by attorneys and non-attorneys, which was a relatively small sample. She received consistently positive reviews in her surveys from attorneys and non-attorneys. Performance survey results indicated an overall score of 3.0 out of 4.0 based on 42 responses with 15 attorneys and 27 non-attorneys responding. The rapidly changing legal landscape, increased technology integration, and limited resources have created increased demands and time commitments to navigate an already full docket. The Commission commends Judge Jones’ commitment to learning and to her community. She presides with professionalism and respect, holding herself and litigants to a high standard. During proceedings with heightened emotions, the Commission recommends that she continue to manage her courtroom with compassion and professionalism. Judge Jones is introspective, proud to serve, enjoys her work, and strives to improve her performance by continuing to ask more questions. Judge Jones stays current on new laws and participates in improvement of the legal system through legislative review. The Commission encourages her to keep up the enthusiasm she exhibits for lifelong learning by taking advantage of educational opportunities and engagement in professional membership organizations. The Commission applauds her deep commitment to and civic engagement within the community, including the community center, historical society, and the arts.
Judge Jones graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder and the University of Montana School of Law in 1992. After law school, she clerked for the Honorable Gaspar Perricone in Jefferson County. Judge Jones worked as a Deputy State Public Defender for almost two decades before going into private practice from 2013 to 2018. She was appointed to the Clear Creek County Bench in March of 2018. Judge Jones is currently pursuing a Master degree of Law (L.L.M).
2020 retention · County Court · Clear Creek County
79 percentile · rank 8 of 37
composite 0100
83 percentile · rank 17 of 100
composite 0100
10 14th percentile among peers · 5th percentile statewide
380
Composite index 79.73 among peers (84.33 statewide): the mean of the three percentiles below. Rank orders by it.
3.70 of 4 · 77.03 percentile
1.504.00
3.68 of 4 · 71.62 percentile
1.503.95
100.00% 90.54 percentile
0.00%100.00%
Attorneys
- Say “meets standards”
- 100.00%
Non-attorneys
- Say “meets standards”
- 94.00%
| Category | Score | Peer median | Peer range (dot is this judge, line is the median) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Case Management | 3.80median 3.50 | 3.50 | |
| Application and Knowledge of Law | 3.60median 3.30 | 3.30 | |
| Communications | 3.80median 3.60 | 3.60 | |
| Diligence | 3.70median 3.40 | 3.40 | |
| Demeanor | 3.50median 3.50 | 3.50 |
Commission: meets standards (10–0)
The Fifth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance unanimously (10-0) agrees that Clear Creek County Court Judge Cynthia J. Jones MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS based on the following judicial performance criteria: Integrity, legal knowledge, communication skills, judicial temperament, administrative performance, and service to the legal profession and the public.
Judge Jones presides primarily over traffic and misdemeanor cases generated from the busy I-70 corridor through Clear Creek County, as well as smaller amounts of felonies, County Court civil cases and Small Claims cases. Based on the Commission’s overall evaluation, Judge Jones has demonstrated she meets or exceeds performance standards in all categories. Judge Jones received consistently positive reviews in surveys from attorneys and non-attorneys. Judge Jones listens to and treats with respect all who appear before her, attorneys and non-attorneys alike. Judge Jones, whose background is in criminal law and is relatively new to the bench, continues to work to improve her knowledge as to the civil portion of her case load.
In evaluating Judge Jones, the Commission utilized survey results and comments from attorneys and non-attorneys, performance data, the Judge’s self-evaluation, sample court orders, courtroom observations of the Judge, input from the District Attorney and Public Defender, and an interview with the Judge. Of the 10 attorneys who completed the 2020 survey and with sufficient knowledge of Judge Jones, 100% indicated that she met all performance standards. No non-attorneys completed the 2020 survey. Judge Jones is held in high regard by those who appear before her. She is proud to serve, truly enjoys her work and strives to improve her performance. Her writing and decisions are easy to read, concise, and generally well-written. She explains her rulings in language that is easily understood and makes every effort to make both plaintiffs and defendants feel they are treated fairly.
Judge Jones is a Colorado native and a graduate of the University of Colorado at Boulder. She graduated from the University of Montana School of Law in 1992. Following law school, she clerked for the Honorable Gaspar Perricone in Jefferson County. Judge Jones then worked as a Deputy State Public Defender in various jurisdictions for approximately 18 years. She worked in private practice from 2013 to March of 2018. Judge Jones was appointed to the Clear Creek County Court Bench in March of 2018 and is a member of the Clear Creek County Community Review Board.