Pierce L. Fowler at a glance
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Pierce L. Fowler
Judge · 3rd Judicial District District Court
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 · 3rd Judicial District District Court · District Court Judge
7 For / primary
0 Against / secondary
Published measures
Case Management: Responses Promptly issues a decision on the case after
Overall: 2.4 / 4 (N=13)Attorneys: 1.5 / 4 (N=13)Non-Attorneys: 3.1 / 4 (N=13)
Case Management: trial. Maintains appropriate control over proceedings.
Overall: 3.1 / 4 (N=15)Attorneys: 3.2 / 4 (N=15)Non-Attorneys: 3 / 4 (N=15)
Case Management: Promptly rules on pre-trial motions.
Overall: 2.5 / 4 (N=12)Attorneys: 2.2 / 4 (N=12)Non-Attorneys: 2.8 / 4 (N=12)
Case Management: Sets reasonable schedules for cases.
Overall: 3 / 4 (N=15)Attorneys: 3 / 4 (N=15)Non-Attorneys: 3 / 4 (N=15)
Case Management: Provides an alternative to in-person hearings
Overall: 3.7 / 4 (N=12)Attorneys: 4 / 4 (N=12)Non-Attorneys: 3.3 / 4 (N=12)
Application and Knowledge of Law: Responses Is able to identify and analyze relevant facts.
Overall: 3 / 4 (N=15)Attorneys: 2.5 / 4 (N=15)Non-Attorneys: 3.3 / 4 (N=15)
Application and Knowledge of Law: Bases decisions on evidence and arguments.
Overall: 2.2 / 4 (N=6)Attorneys: 2.2 / 4 (N=6)
Application and Knowledge of Law: Issues consistent decisions when the
Overall: 2.3 / 4 (N=6)Attorneys: 2.3 / 4 (N=6)
Application and Knowledge of Law: circumstances are similar. Rulings cite the applicable substantive law.
Overall: 2.8 / 4 (N=6)Attorneys: 2.8 / 4 (N=6)
Application and Knowledge of Law: Consistently applies laws and rules.
Overall: 2.5 / 4 (N=6)Attorneys: 2.5 / 4 (N=6)
Application and Knowledge of Law: Gives reasons for rulings.
Overall: 2.9 / 4 (N=15)Attorneys: 2.7 / 4 (N=15)Non-Attorneys: 3.1 / 4 (N=15)
Application and Knowledge of Law: Willing to make decisions without regard to
Overall: 3.4 / 4 (N=8)Non-Attorneys: 3.4 / 4 (N=8)
Communications: Responses Makes sure all participants understand the
Overall: 2.9 / 4 (N=14)Attorneys: 2.6 / 4 (N=14)Non-Attorneys: 3.1 / 4 (N=14)
Communications: proceedings. When issuing a ruling, the judge provides an
Overall: 2.4 / 4 (N=5)Attorneys: 2.4 / 4 (N=5)
Communications: explanation for the decision. Provides written communications that are clear,
Overall: 2.2 / 4 (N=5)Attorneys: 2.2 / 4 (N=5)
Communications: thorough, and well- reasoned. Listens carefully during court proceedings.
Overall: 2.6 / 4 (N=5)Attorneys: 2.6 / 4 (N=5)
Communications: Uses language that everyone can understand.
Overall: 3.2 / 4 (N=9)Non-Attorneys: 3.2 / 4 (N=9)
Communications: Speaks clearly so everyone in the courtroom
Overall: 3.4 / 4 (N=9)Non-Attorneys: 3.4 / 4 (N=9)
Communications: can understand what's being said. Gives reasons for a ruling when needed.
Overall: 3.2 / 4 (N=9)Non-Attorneys: 3.2 / 4 (N=9)
Demeanor: Responses Gives proceedings a sense of dignity.
Overall: 3.2 / 4 (N=14)Attorneys: 3 / 4 (N=14)Non-Attorneys: 3.3 / 4 (N=14)
Demeanor: Treats participants with respect.
Overall: 3.5 / 4 (N=14)Attorneys: 3.4 / 4 (N=14)Non-Attorneys: 3.6 / 4 (N=14)
Demeanor: Reacts to an incident(s) in the courtroom
Overall: 3.2 / 4 (N=5)Attorneys: 3.2 / 4 (N=5)
Demeanor: appropriately. Addresses individuals (e.g. attorneys, court staff, litigants, public witnesses) respectfully in
Overall: 3.2 / 4 (N=5)Attorneys: 3.2 / 4 (N=5)
Demeanor: the courtroom. Maintains a professional demeanor in the
Overall: 3.4 / 4 (N=5)Attorneys: 3.4 / 4 (N=5)
Demeanor: courtroom. Has a sense of compassion and human
Overall: 3.3 / 4 (N=9)Non-Attorneys: 3.3 / 4 (N=9)
Diligence: Responses Uses good judgment in application of relevant
Overall: 1.6 / 4 (N=5)Attorneys: 1.6 / 4 (N=5)
Diligence: law and rules. Is willing to handle cases on the docket even when they are complicated and time
Overall: 2.2 / 4 (N=4)Attorneys: 2.2 / 4 (N=4)
Diligence: consuming. Does the necessary “homework” and is
Overall: 2 / 4 (N=5)Attorneys: 2 / 4 (N=5)
Diligence: prepared for cases. Begins court on time.
Overall: 3.3 / 4 (N=9)Non-Attorneys: 3.3 / 4 (N=9)
Diligence: Maintains appropriate control over proceedings.
Overall: 3.2 / 4 (N=9)Non-Attorneys: 3.2 / 4 (N=9)
Diligence: Sets reasonable schedules for cases.
Overall: 3.1 / 4 (N=8)Non-Attorneys: 3.1 / 4 (N=8)
Diligence: Is prepared for cases
Overall: 3.2 / 4 (N=9)Non-Attorneys: 3.2 / 4 (N=9)
Diligence: Manages court proceedings so there is little
Overall: 3.1 / 4 (N=9)Non-Attorneys: 3.1 / 4 (N=9)
Fairness: Responses Gives participants an opportunity to be heard.
Overall: 3.4 / 4 (N=9)Non-Attorneys: 3.4 / 4 (N=9)
Fairness: Treats those involved in the case without bias.
Overall: 3.3 / 4 (N=9)Non-Attorneys: 3.3 / 4 (N=9)
Fairness: Treats people fairly who represent themselves.
Overall: 3.2 / 4 (N=5)Non-Attorneys: 3.2 / 4 (N=5)
Fairness: Gives each side enough time to present their
Overall: 3.3 / 4 (N=9)Non-Attorneys: 3.3 / 4 (N=9)Overall: 2.4 / 4 (N=5)Attorneys: 2.4 / 4 (N=5)
Fairness: case. Conducts their courtroom in a neutral manner.
Overall: 2.4 / 4 (N=5)Attorneys: 2.4 / 4 (N=5)
Fairness: Is fair and impartial to both sides.
Overall: 2.2 / 4 (N=5)Attorneys: 2.2 / 4 (N=5)
Published standards
Colorado statutory judicial performance standards
The Third Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance unanimously agrees by a vote of 7-0, with one commissioner vacancy and two commissioners absent, that Judge Pierce L. Fowler Meets Performance Standards .
Participation
Attorney email invite
6 returned / 133 distributed
Attorney Survey Website
0 returned
Total Attorneys
6 returned
Non-attorney email Invite
0 returned / 123 distributed
Court Staff Email Invite (Self-select)
6 returned / 2,782 distributed
Citizen Feedback
0 returned
Juror Survey
3 returned
Total Non-Attorneys
9 returned
Commission narrative
The Third Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance unanimously agrees by a vote of 7-0, with one commissioner vacancy and two commissioners absent, that Judge Pierce L. Fowler Meets Performance Standards .
As a District Judge Fowler presides over civil, criminal, domestic relations, and juvenile cases in the Third Judicial District, with most of his cases originating in Las Animas County and the remainder in Huerfano County. He receives very good marks for his demeanor in the courtroom and meets performance standards for his communications, fairness, case management, application and knowledge of the law. Some concerns were raised in the performance data and survey responses regarding promptness in ruling on pre-trial motions and issuing decisions in cases. Both attorneys and non-attorneys acknowledge he treats participants in the legal process with respect. Judge Fowler had little familiarity with criminal law prior to taking the bench but indicates he is more knowledgeable and comfortable in handling his criminal caseload, having now presided over many such cases including a significant number of jury trials. He has also committed to reaching out to other more experienced judges for guidance as needed in areas of the law where he has the least experience. Based on these observations, the Commission unanimously agrees that Judge Pierce Fowler meets performance standards.
The Commission conducted an in-person interview with Judge Fowler, reviewed written orders, observed him in court, reviewed a self-evaluation survey, and reviewed judicial performance survey responses from attorneys and non-attorneys. Judge Fowler meets performance standards and takes his responsibilities seriously and is dedicated to improving his performance.
Judge Fowler was appointed to the District Court on January 9, 2023. Prior to his appointment he was in private practice where he focused on civil litigation with a small firm in Denver and later opened his own family law practice in La Junta before relocating to Trinidad where he continued his private practice. Judge Fowler received his Juris Doctor (JD) from the University of Denver. He is an avid cyclist and engages in community food drives by handing out groceries and participates in other charitable events in Las Animas County.
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 ↗