The First Judicial District Commission agrees (9-0, one abstention) Judge Jennifer Lynn Melton MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS . Of the ten commissioners, one did not vote due to absence.
Judge Melton is a county court judge, appointed in July 2019, and presides over a mixed docket of criminal, misdemeanor, and civil cases. Judge Melton was observed to have an even-tempered and practical courtroom demeanor. Comments noted her fairness in sentencing, in which she takes into account criminal history, rehabilitation potential, financial situation, and future threat to the community. She is known and appreciated for her commitment to mentoring attorneys who are new to practicing law. The District Attorney’s Office and the Office of Public Defender commented that Judge Melton’s courtroom is a good place for new attorneys to learn as she takes time following trials to provide feedback if asked. Evaluations and feedback indicate Judge Melton can often move too quickly, specifically in the afternoon docket, and she needs to be more conscious of addressing Victim Rights Act (VRA) issues. Going forward, she has committed to slowing down the pace to ensure that all parties in her courtroom have adequate time for case presentation and understand the legal basis for her decisions.
Judge Melton’s evaluation was based on integrity, legal knowledge, communication skills, judicial temperament, administrative performance, and service to the community In evaluating Judge Melton’s performance, The Commission conducted a personal interview with her, observed her in the court, and reviewed the 2025-2026 survey responses from attorneys and non-attorneys appearing before her. The Commission additionally received feedback from the chief judge, the District Attorney, and the head of the Public Defender Office. The Commission reviewed Judge Melton’s self-evaluation, and written rulings and orders she has issued.
Judge Melton attended Texas A&M University on an athletic scholarship for swimming. After graduation, she attended Texas Tech University School of Law on an academic scholarship. Following law school, Judge Melton clerked for the Honorable Max Osborne of the Texas Court of Appeals. In 1995, she moved to Colorado and practiced civil and domestic law with a small private law firm. In 2008 she was awarded contracts from the offices of Alternate Defense Counsel (ADC) and Respondent Parent Counsel (ORPC). Subsequently, she started her own solo practice specializing in criminal defense and dependency and neglect (child welfare) cases.
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