New Pueblo Municipal Court Judge ready to uphold justice

(PUEBLO, Colo.) — The City of Pueblo announced on Tuesday, May 28 that Mayor Heather Graham appointed a new Municipal Court Judge.

On Monday, May 13, Municipal Judge Nelson Dunford was sworn in by City Clerk Marissa Stoller upon confirmation by Pueblo’s city council. Dunford’s first day on the job was Tuesday, May 14.

“I am excited to welcome Judge Dunford to Pueblo Municipal Court while upholding the principles of justice and fairness for Puebloans,” said Mayor Graham. “I believe his previous experience as a prosecuting attorney and associate general counsel gave him background to serve our citizens and lead our dynamic team of employees at Pueblo Municipal Court. I am looking forward to working with him and seeing how he will serve our citizens well in his role.”

The newest municipal judge has extensive experience in criminal law, trial practice, and supervisory leadership. Most of his career has been spent in a courtroom, his experience includes working as a prosecuting attorney with the Third Judicial District Attorney’s Office in Trinidad, in the Sixteenth Judicial District Attorney’s Office in La Junta, Colo., and in the Eleventh Judicial District Attorney’s Office in Cañon City.

Dunford earned his Juris Doctorate from Case Western Reserve University School of Law in Cleveland, Ohio. He has spent his whole legal career in Colorado, with his most recent professional experience as an associate general counsel to metropolitan district clients with the law firm of White Bear Ankele Tanaka & Waldron, PC located in Centennial.

“I am honored to have been appointed as the presiding municipal judge for the City of Pueblo,” said Dunford. ”It is a privilege to serve in a role that holds such significant responsibility for ensuring justice and fairness in our city. Our community has faced many challenges, particularly in regard to crime and public safety. As we move forward, my primary focus will be to uphold the law with integrity, impartiality, and a commitment to safeguarding the peace and prosperity of our community.“

Before his associate general counsel experience, Dunford also handled general practice cases in Pueblo for two years. Dunford has a proven track record as a prosecuting attorney and has successfully managed diverse criminal cases and demonstrated “exceptional courtroom advocacy.”

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