Pursuing true restorative justice for a safer community and fairer system for all.
Be a champion for justice in Archuleta, San Juan, and La Plata Counties by supporting Jason’s Campaign!
6th Judicial District Attorney’s Office
“I’ve handled thousands of cases as a prosecutor, from misdemeanors to complex felonies like homicide, kidnapping, and drug distribution. With two decades of experience as an attorney, both as a prosecutor and as a criminal defense attorney, I understand the importance of achieving real restorative justice through a collaborative process to repair the harm caused by a crime.”
The Issues
Restorative Justice & Criminal Justice Reform
Jason understands the need for progressive reforms to improve our criminal justice system and reduce recidivism. He’s witnessed firsthand the disproportionate effect of our system on underrepresented populations, low-income individuals, and those experiencing homelessness. Jason saw this while in private practice as a criminal defense attorney and continues to see it in his current position as assistant district attorney.
The true spirit of restorative justice focuses on repairing harm caused by a crime. Instead of solely punishing offenders, it seeks to involve all stakeholders—victims, offenders, and the community—in a collaborative process.
The goal is to address the underlying issues, promote accountability, and repair and restore health in each of these individuals and groups in addition to, and if appropriate, instead of incarceration.
As a private practitioner, Jason advocated minimizing incarceration time for people awaiting trial who posed little risk to community safety but remained incarcerated due to issues of poverty, mental illness, and addiction.
With a proven track record of delivering results and an ability to empathize, Jason is dedicated to achieving true restorative justice and criminal justice reform while ensuring accountability and restoring the fabric of communities impacted by crime.
“As district attorney for the 6th Judicial District, I will pursue true restorative justice principles for a system that prioritizes healing, accountability, and community well-being. I aim to lead the 6th Judicial District towards a safer community and fairer criminal justice system for everyone.”
Prioritizing Prosecution of Violent Crimes & Drug Distribution
Jason prioritizes the prosecution of violent crimes and drug distribution, recognizing the critical role it plays in safeguarding the community. His commitment to public safety drives him to tirelessly pursue justice against those who pose a threat, ensuring that our neighborhoods remain secure and free from the devastating impact of violence and drug-related offenses.
Dedicated Advocate for Crime Victims
Jason understands that navigating the aftermath of a crime can be an incredibly challenging journey for victims and their families. That’s why victim support services are a vital component of the District Attorney’s Office. Jason not only pledges to amplify victims’ voices within the criminal justice system but also ensures they are heard, informed, and supported throughout the process. Jason is committed to ensuring justice for all, especially those who have suffered the most.
Meet Jason
Husband, Father, & Outdoor Enthusiast
Jason earned his Bachelor of Science in Natural Resource Management from the University of Vermont in 1999, and his Juris Doctorate from Vermont Law School in 2004. He met his wife, Anne, in law school and after they were finished with school they moved to Colorado, where Anne's family has resided since the 1870s.
Before launching his campaign, Jason was the city prosecutor for Durango, CO, and then joined the 22nd Judicial District Attorney's Office as the assistant district attorney. Jason has also been an instructor at the police academy and trained new police officers in constitutional law and trial advocacy.
As an assistant district attorney, Jason leads the day-to-day operations of the District Attorney's Office, managing support staff and mentoring less seasoned attorneys. He’s been instrumental in improving office efficiency and morale and has developed alternatives to prosecution that provide a successful and supportive path to rehabilitation for at-risk youth and their families.
Jason is a firm believer in learning from diverse experiences. He was employed for the first decade of his legal career as a prosecutor. In 2013, he was recruited by the former district public defender, Christian Hatfield, to join his private practice criminal defense law firm. For eight years, Jason engaged in the practice of criminal defense.
In that role, Jason advocated minimizing incarceration time for people awaiting trial who posed little risk to community safety but remained incarcerated due to issues of poverty, mental illness, and addiction.
In his spare time, Jason enjoys riding his bike in the summer and skiing in the winter, listening to history podcasts, and attending bluegrass music festivals with his wife and kids. He also enjoys volunteering with the Purgatory Ski Patrol.
Jason promises to bring energy and civility to the job of district attorney.