The First Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance recommends by a vote of 9 in favor and 1 ineligible, that Judge Roy Olson BE RETAINED.

Judge Olson was appointed to the Jefferson County Court bench on May 1, 1990. Prior to his service on the bench, he was in private practice from 1972 until 1990. In addition, Judge Olson took two years off from private practice to work with the Forest Heights Lodge, dealing with emotionally disturbed boys. Judge Olson received his undergraduate degree from the University of Colorado, and his Juris Doctor from the University of California at Berkeley School of Law.

Of the attorneys' polled, 95% recommend retention, 5% undecided, and 0% not to retain. Of the non-attorneys polled, 74% voted for retention, 12% undecided, and 14% voted not to retain. Judge Olson's scores in all of the area measured were at or near the top of the range for all of the judges who were the subject of the judicial poll.

As with other judges in the First District, Judge Olson's docket is mixed; he presides over civil, traffic, juvenile, and criminal cases. The 2004 Judicial Performance Survey shows that he is bright, articulate, and a conscientious professional who exhibits an excellent judicial demeanor. Of notable mention, Judge Olson describes his strength as being "brought up in a family in which prejudice toward others based on race, gender, religion, or economic status did not exist." He is very knowledgeable of the rules of evidence and the law. Judge Olson appears to be patient and courteous, and has the ability to manage his docket very efficiently. The Commission finds that he has done an outstanding job in all areas.

Judge Olson has an excellent record of community service that benefits children, youth, and victims of domestic violence. He has served eight years as a member of the Board of Directors of the Community Responsibility Center and has been associated for 30 years with an organization that treats emotionally disturbed children and adolescents. Judge Olson also participates with educators in moot court and is a guest speaker in schools.

View the complete Judicial Performance Report for the Honorable Roy Olson in pdf format.

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