James Hesson

James Hesson was appointed to the Moffat County Court in January 2024. He handles a combined docket of traffic, civil and small claims, criminal and misdemeanor cases, and the commission reports that he has grown his knowledge and comfort in cases outside criminal law.

Before his appointment he had been a deputy district attorney in the 14th Judicial District Attorney's Office since 2017. He earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Dallas in 2013 and his law degree from Baylor University School of Law in 2015.

The commission voted 7 to 0 with three of its seats vacant. It writes that it "was disappointed by the lack of participation in the survey results" and that those who did respond "were generally complimentary of Judge Hesson." According to the commission, the survey results show "good judicial demeanor" and that litigants "generally feel respected and heard."

The commission writes that "Judge Hesson is a good communicator and makes great effort to ensure that those appearing before him understand as much of the process as possible." It is pleased that he has taken up virtual courtroom options, and it "encourages Judge Hesson to firmly enforce traditional standards of decorum during WebEx proceedings." He prefers to issue written orders, and the commission encourages him "to remain open to making some rulings from the bench where appropriate, for the sake of judicial economy and efficiency."

Some comments concerned his efficiency. The commission writes that "a cautious and thorough, if slower, approach to running a court is preferable to one that rushes through cases and is regularly found to be in error or overturned on appeal." It ranks fairness and demeanor above case management and writes that "Judge Hesson ranks high in these critical categories."