Jonathan B Pototsky at a glance
- Current role
- Judge
- Jurisdiction
- Colorado · State
- Judicial service
- Active
Jonathan B Pototsky
Judge · Colorado County Court, Garfield County
Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge.
Available research
Applicable Court Rules & Procedures2 sourced items · labeled by scope
SourcesOfficial and public records supporting this profile
Judicial Performance Evaluation
Meets Performance Standards
Colorado Office of Judicial Performance Evaluation / applicable Commission on Judicial Performance · 2026 · Colorado County Court, Garfield County · County Court Judge
6 For / primary
0 Against / secondary
Published measures
Case Management: Responses Promptly issues a decision on the case after
Overall: 3.1 / 4 (N=20)Attorneys: 4 / 4 (N=20)Non-Attorneys: 2.7 / 4 (N=20)
Case Management: trial. Maintains appropriate control over proceedings.
Overall: 3.2 / 4 (N=21)Attorneys: 4 / 4 (N=21)Non-Attorneys: 2.9 / 4 (N=21)
Case Management: Promptly rules on pre-trial motions.
Overall: 3.1 / 4 (N=19)Attorneys: 4 / 4 (N=19)Non-Attorneys: 2.7 / 4 (N=19)
Case Management: Sets reasonable schedules for cases.
Overall: 3.3 / 4 (N=21)Attorneys: 3.8 / 4 (N=21)Non-Attorneys: 3.1 / 4 (N=21)
Case Management: Provides an alternative to in-person hearings
Overall: 3.4 / 4 (N=20)Attorneys: 3.8 / 4 (N=20)Non-Attorneys: 3.1 / 4 (N=20)
Application and Knowledge of Law: Responses Is able to identify and analyze relevant facts.
Overall: 3.2 / 4 (N=21)Attorneys: 4 / 4 (N=21)Non-Attorneys: 2.9 / 4 (N=21)
Application and Knowledge of Law: Bases decisions on evidence and arguments.
Overall: 3.5 / 4 (N=6)Attorneys: 3.5 / 4 (N=6)
Application and Knowledge of Law: Issues consistent decisions when the
Overall: 4 / 4 (N=5)Attorneys: 4 / 4 (N=5)
Application and Knowledge of Law: circumstances are similar. Rulings cite the applicable substantive law.
Overall: 3.5 / 4 (N=6)Attorneys: 3.5 / 4 (N=6)
Application and Knowledge of Law: Consistently applies laws and rules.
Overall: 3.8 / 4 (N=5)Attorneys: 3.8 / 4 (N=5)
Application and Knowledge of Law: Gives reasons for rulings.
Overall: 3.2 / 4 (N=13)Attorneys: 3.6 / 4 (N=13)Non-Attorneys: 2.9 / 4 (N=13)
Application and Knowledge of Law: Willing to make decisions without regard to
Overall: 2.8 / 4 (N=15)Non-Attorneys: 2.8 / 4 (N=15)
Communications: Responses Makes sure all participants understand the
Overall: 3.2 / 4 (N=21)Attorneys: 4 / 4 (N=21)Non-Attorneys: 2.9 / 4 (N=21)
Communications: proceedings. When issuing a ruling, the judge provides an
Overall: 4 / 4 (N=6)Attorneys: 4 / 4 (N=6)
Communications: explanation for the decision. Provides written communications that are clear,
Overall: 3.8 / 4 (N=6)Attorneys: 3.8 / 4 (N=6)
Communications: thorough, and well- reasoned. Listens carefully during court proceedings.
Overall: 4 / 4 (N=6)Attorneys: 4 / 4 (N=6)
Communications: Uses language that everyone can understand.
Overall: 3.3 / 4 (N=15)Non-Attorneys: 3.3 / 4 (N=15)
Communications: Speaks clearly so everyone in the courtroom
Overall: 3.4 / 4 (N=15)Non-Attorneys: 3.4 / 4 (N=15)
Communications: can understand what's being said. Gives reasons for a ruling when needed.
Overall: 2.9 / 4 (N=15)Non-Attorneys: 2.9 / 4 (N=15)
Demeanor: Responses Gives proceedings a sense of dignity.
Overall: 3.2 / 4 (N=21)Attorneys: 3.8 / 4 (N=21)Non-Attorneys: 3 / 4 (N=21)
Demeanor: Treats participants with respect.
Overall: 3.2 / 4 (N=21)Attorneys: 4 / 4 (N=21)Non-Attorneys: 2.9 / 4 (N=21)
Demeanor: Reacts to an incident(s) in the courtroom
Overall: 3.8 / 4 (N=5)Attorneys: 3.8 / 4 (N=5)
Demeanor: appropriately. Addresses individuals (e.g. attorneys, court staff, litigants, public witnesses) respectfully in
Overall: 3.8 / 4 (N=6)Attorneys: 3.8 / 4 (N=6)
Demeanor: the courtroom. Maintains a professional demeanor in the
Overall: 3.7 / 4 (N=6)Attorneys: 3.7 / 4 (N=6)
Demeanor: courtroom. Has a sense of compassion and human
Overall: 3.1 / 4 (N=15)Non-Attorneys: 3.1 / 4 (N=15)
Diligence: Responses Uses good judgment in application of relevant
Overall: 4 / 4 (N=6)Attorneys: 4 / 4 (N=6)
Diligence: law and rules. Is willing to handle cases on the docket even when they are complicated and time
Overall: 3.8 / 4 (N=6)Attorneys: 3.8 / 4 (N=6)
Diligence: consuming. Does the necessary “homework” and is
Overall: 4 / 4 (N=6)Attorneys: 4 / 4 (N=6)
Diligence: prepared for cases. Begins court on time.
Overall: 2.9 / 4 (N=15)Non-Attorneys: 2.9 / 4 (N=15)
Diligence: Maintains appropriate control over proceedings.
Overall: 3 / 4 (N=15)Non-Attorneys: 3 / 4 (N=15)
Diligence: Sets reasonable schedules for cases.
Overall: 2.7 / 4 (N=15)Non-Attorneys: 2.7 / 4 (N=15)
Diligence: Is prepared for cases
Overall: 2.9 / 4 (N=15)Non-Attorneys: 2.9 / 4 (N=15)
Diligence: Manages court proceedings so there is little
Overall: 2.8 / 4 (N=14)Non-Attorneys: 2.8 / 4 (N=14)
Fairness: Responses Gives participants an opportunity to be heard.
Overall: 2.7 / 4 (N=14)Non-Attorneys: 2.7 / 4 (N=14)
Fairness: Treats those involved in the case without bias.
Overall: 2.9 / 4 (N=14)Non-Attorneys: 2.9 / 4 (N=14)
Fairness: Treats people fairly who represent themselves.
Overall: 2.5 / 4 (N=13)Non-Attorneys: 2.5 / 4 (N=13)
Fairness: Gives each side enough time to present their
Overall: 2.9 / 4 (N=14)Non-Attorneys: 2.9 / 4 (N=14)Overall: 3.8 / 4 (N=6)Attorneys: 3.8 / 4 (N=6)
Fairness: case. Conducts their courtroom in a neutral manner.
Overall: 3.5 / 4 (N=6)Attorneys: 3.5 / 4 (N=6)
Fairness: Is fair and impartial to both sides.
Overall: 3.5 / 4 (N=6)Attorneys: 3.5 / 4 (N=6)
Published standards
Colorado statutory judicial performance standards
The Ninth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance agrees by a vote of 6-0, with 1 commissioner recusing, one commissioner absent and two commission vacancies, that Judge Jonathan Bruce Pototsky MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS .
Participation
Attorney email invite
6 returned / 140 distributed
Attorney Survey Website
0 returned
Total Attorneys
6 returned
Non-attorney email Invite
9 returned / 482 distributed
Court Staff Email Invite (Self-select)
5 returned / 2,782 distributed
Citizen Feedback
0 returned
Juror Survey
1 returned
Total Non-Attorneys
15 returned
Commission narrative
The Ninth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance agrees by a vote of 6-0, with 1 commissioner recusing, one commissioner absent and two commission vacancies, that Judge Jonathan Bruce Pototsky MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS .
The Commission reviewed several of Judge Pototsky’s opinions and found them to be thoughtful, fair, and well-reasoned. Comments from Judge Pototsky’s self-evaluation and interview suggest that he issues decisions in a timely manner, manages cases well, and maintains an active and engaging demeanor in the courtroom. The Commission agrees.
During live court observations, the Commission found Judge Pototsky to be open, concise, and effective in his communication. The Commission appreciates the length of time that Judge Pototsky has served on the bench and the clear expertise that he brings to his docket. As is common with many experienced jurists who manage busy dockets and difficult matters, the Commission discussed with Judge Pototsky the importance of continuing to ensure that all parties and attorneys feel heard and that proceedings reflect the court’s impartiality. The Commission found Judge Pototsky to be open to the discussion, receptive to feedback, and committed to maintaining the fairness and impartiality expected of the judiciary. The Commission has full confidence in Judge Pototsky’s continued ability to do so. The Commission believes that Judge Pototsky meets performance standards and is an asset to the Courts and the State of Colorado.
The Commission considered Judge Pototsky’s performance over the past term by interviewing Judge Pototsky, reading a selection of his legal opinions, observing him in court, reviewing his judicial performance survey report, interviewing the district attorney and the head of the district’s public defender’s office, and reviewing Judge Pototsky’s self-evaluation. The Commission applied the following criteria when considering Judge Pototsky’s performance: integrity, legal knowledge, communication skills, judicial temperament, administrative performance, and service to the legal profession and the public.
Jonathan Bruce Pototsky was appointed to the Garfield County Associate Court bench in September, 2010 by Governor Ritter. Prior to taking the bench, he worked as a Deputy Public Defender in Michigan, a Deputy District Attorney in Colorado, and also was in private practice in the fields of family law, neglect/abuse, criminal defense, civil litigation and, real estate. He graduated from the University of Miami in 1987 with a BBA and from Thomas Cooley law school in 1991. He has been married for almost 34 years and together they have a son who is a professional screenwriter. In his free time, he likes to ski, hike, run, paddle board and visit beaches.
Evaluation history
2019 · 2020 · 2021 · 2022 · 2023 · 2024 · 2025 · Historical cycles are shown separately until instrument compatibility is established.
Applicable Court Rules & Procedures
Expanded Media Coverage
Statewide
Colorado expanded media coverage requests must comply with Chapter 38, Rule 3 and are submitted to the court before the proceeding; authorization remains subject to court rules, orders, restrictions, and limitations.
you agree with the criteria set forth in Chapter 38, Rule 3, as well as all orders, rules, restrictions, or limitations issued or imposed by the courtRequest for Expanded Media Coverage ↗
Expanded Media Notice
Statewide
Colorado expanded media coverage applications generally must be submitted at least twenty-four hours before the court proceeding, though judges may consider shorter-notice requests in some circumstances.
Expanded Media Coverage applications to be submitted at least 24 hours in advance of the court proceeding in question.Request for Expanded Media Coverage ↗
Sources
Colorado Judicial Branch official judicial roster
Identity source · HTML · checked July 26, 2026
View Colorado Judicial Branch official judicial roster ↗Request for Expanded Media Coverage
Statewide source · HTML · checked July 26, 2026
View Request for Expanded Media Coverage ↗