LAW WEEK COLORADO

New legislation in Colorado calls for Jefferson County to relinquish a district judgeship to the 6th Judicial District, which spans Archuleta, La Plata and San Juan counties.

The judgeship is the final one authorized by legislation initially approved in 2007. HB07-1054 added scores of judges in fast-growing areas, but its implementation was delayed because of budget woes. The new bill is HB12-1073.

Tight space at the Jefferson County Courthouse is one reason for the relinquishment, said Judicial Department spokesman Jon Sarche. “Also, during the past 10 years, the caseload in the 6th has grown 63 percent, and according to our caseload and staffing models, that district is 66 percent understaffed for district judges.”

“There’s just a greater need for a new district judge there than in the 1st Judicial District.”