Craig K. Schuenemann

Commission: meets standards (8–0)

The Twelfth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance finds by a vote of 8-0, with two absent that the Honorable Craig K. Schuenemann MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS. All participating members of the Commission voted that Judge Schuenemann met judicial performance standards and recommend he be retained as the Saguache County Judge.

The Commission met with Judge Schuenemann, observed him in many different court hearings, reviewed his work since being appointed to the bench in 2021, and assessed feedback from attorneys and non-attorneys before concluding that Judge Schuenemann meets performance standards. The feedback from attorneys and non-attorneys was overwhelmingly positive as it relates to his performance, particularly as it relates to case management and fairness. Judge Schuenemann brings with him a strong work ethic, compassion for all people, time management skills, and passion for justice to the bench. Commission members observed these qualities during their evaluations and the interview with him. Based upon these findings, the Commission unanimously agreed that Judge Schuenemann meets performance standards.

Significantly, Judge Schuenemann’s feedback from attorneys and non-attorneys was consistently high in every category – case management, application and knowledge of law, communications, diligence, demeanor, and fairness. When asked about Judge Schuenemann strengths, the responses on the anonymous survey were overwhelmingly positive, and highlighted Judge Schuenemann’s professionalism, patience, organization, and judicial efficiency, particularly in drafting orders quickly and his fairness as a judge. As it relates to his weaknesses, there were far less comments, but generally only related to his lack of experience in criminal law. Judge Schuenemann specifically addressed this in his interview with the Commission, noting that one of his goals was to continue to become more familiar with criminal law, because his entire legal practice prior to being appointed to the bench was in civil law. The Commission is confident that Judge Schuenemann will only continue to improve his already stellar performance as he continues in his role as a County Court Judge.

Judge Schuenemann graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1999 with a degree in Economics and earned his law degree from George Washington University Law School in 2008. Upon earning his Juris Doctorate, Judge Schueneman went on to clerk for Judge Charles Weller in Nevada’s Second Judicial District. Upon completion of his clerkship, Judge Schuenemann went on to work for several law firms along the Front Range prior to being appointed Saguache County Judge.

State evaluation page · 2024 survey report (PDF)