James R. McDonald

Meets Performance Standards

Colorado Office of Judicial Performance Evaluation / applicable Commission on Judicial Performance · 2026 · Colorado County Court, Hinsdale County · County Court Judge

Published standards

Commission narrative

The Seventh Judicial District Judicial Performance Commission unanimously agrees, by a vote of 9-0, with one Commission vacancy, that Judge James R. McDonald MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS .

The Commission interviewed Judge McDonald via zoom video conference on April 24, 2026, with various committee members observing him in Court, either in person or via electronic means. The Commission also spoke with representatives of the District Attorney’s Office and the Public Defender’s Office, and the Chief District Court Judge for the Seventh Judicial District.

Judge McDonald’s docket consists of civil and criminal cases. Judge McDonald was prepared for his hearings and generally did a good job of ensuring that all within his court room understood the proceedings and the matter at hand. Judge McDonald was observed as having a bit of an informal or colloquial approach, which while appreciated by some, was noted as being a bit too informal by others. It is clear to the Commission that Judge McDonald meets performance standards.

Judge McDonald was appointed to the Hinsdale County bench in May of 2020. He has been an attorney in private practice for nearly thirty years. McDonald was appointed as the Gunnison Municipal Judge in May 2005 and continues to serve as municipal court judge in five Colorado municipalities. He also serves as a weekend bond hearing magistrate for the State of Colorado. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of California at Berkeley, and his Juris Doctor from Vermont Law School.

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