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District attorney reports higher-than-usual jury trial volume, two new prosecutors hired
Summary
Montezuma County's district attorney reported the office completed four felony and nine misdemeanor jury trials by early August and has hired two new attorneys—JD Levine and John Goodlander—bringing the office temporarily to full staffing for attorneys, county leaders said.
The Montezuma County district attorney told the Board of County Commissioners on Aug. 11 that the office has completed four felony jury trials and nine misdemeanor jury trials so far this year, a volume comparable to or higher than all of last year.
The district attorney said the office has hired two new attorneys—JD Levine, assigned to county court, and John Goodlander, who will work on a felony docket—and that, for the first time in recent memory, the office is at full attorney staffing.
The district attorney and county officials also discussed coordination with the county attorney's office on land-use enforcement. County Attorney Steven (first name only in the record) said most land-use code violations are prosecuted through the county attorney—s civil processes and that the district attorney would typically become involved where conduct raised potential public-nuisance or criminal issues such as unlawful dam construction or explosives.
The DA noted contract and budget negotiations for assistant district attorneys remain under discussion and that legislative changes and the state budget shortfall could affect final arrangements. The district attorney said conversations with state-level stakeholders appeared to still be ongoing and that a final budget answer was expected soon.
Commissioners thanked the DA for the update and asked to be kept informed on staffing and budget developments.
