Nashville, Tenn. – John P. Colton Jr., criminal court judge for the 30th Judicial District, announced his retirement effective April 30, 2010. Colton initially planned to retire June 30, but altered his plans to better accommodate deadlines for the August 5 election.
Because early voting and overseas ballots must be prepared weeks prior to the election, Colton’s June 30 retirement date would have prohibited interested candidates from qualifying for the August 5 election. Colton’s decision to retire April 30 allows the election process to begin immediately.
The Judicial Nominating Commission has decided not to meet to fill the position in the interim as the application, interviewing and appointment process would not be completed prior to the August election.
Colton has agreed to continue hearing the cases on his dockets until a new judge is elected. The Supreme Court will issue a designation order allowing him to sit as judge. Once elected, the new judge will assume the position on September 1.
“We have been working closely with the governor’s office and the Judicial Nominating Commission to ensure this process is in the best interest of the state and the citizens of Shelby County,” said Elizabeth Sykes, director of the Administrative Office of the Courts. “We commend Judge Colton for his 20 years of service on the bench. We also thank him for his flexibility and willingness to continue serving as judge until his predecessor is elected.”
Before his appointment as criminal court judge in 1990, Colton was an attorney for 23 years. He was in private practice for 12 years and served as assistant public defender in Shelby County for 11 years. He received both his undergraduate degree and law degree from the University of Memphis.