Ray R. Richards

Appointed in 2012, Judge Ray R. Richards received mostly positive reviews from the observer and the respondents. He presented as an approachable, friendly judge who demonstrated sensitivity to court participants. The judge ensured the understanding of participants by providing complete explanations, and he gave them ample time to express themselves. This judge meets discipline standards set by statute and has been certified by the Judicial Council as meeting all time standards, education requirements, and mental and physical competence standards. *This report was completed in 2022, when COVID-19 limited JPEC’s ability to gather data for justice court judges with mid-sized caseloads. JPEC evaluates each judge once every six years, and the same report may be used when a judge serves in multiple courts.

Judge Ray Robert Richards was appointed to the Vernal City Justice Court bench in 2012. Judge Richards is a 1996 social work graduate from Utah State University. Prior to his appointment, Judge Richards worked for 16 years for the Eighth District Juvenile Court; first as a probation officer and later as chief probation officer. He is a certified firefighter with the State of Utah and currently volunteers for both Vernal City and Uintah County.