Appointed to the bench in 2002, Judge Stevan Ridge scores consistent with the average of his justice court peers in all survey categories. Survey respondents characterize Judge Ridge as confident and consistent, but also impatient and dismissive. Courtroom observers view him as a clear communicator, attentive and interested in each defendant. Some also remark, however, that his demeanor feels impersonal. Most courtroom observers believe that if they were to appear before Judge Ridge, he would treat them fairly. As required by statute, the Judicial Performance Evaluation Commission notes that in 2010 the Utah Supreme Court publicly reprimanded Judge Ridge for a sentencing practice he misunderstood and has since discontinued, that treated defendants differently if they announced an intent to appeal. Of survey respondents answering the retention question, 78% recommend that Judge Ridge be retained.
The commission reviewed surveys and courtroom observation reports in addition to verifying that Judge Ridge has met all time standards, judicial education requirements, and discipline standards established by the judicial branch.
Judge Stevan W. Ridge was appointed to the Heber City Justice Court in 2002. In 2008, he was appointed Judge of the Utah County Justice Court. Judge Ridge was educated at Utah State University and Weber State University. He is a graduate of P.O.S.T. and the Utah Corrections Academy. Prior to his appointment to the bench, he served in law enforcement for 23 years. Judge Ridge served one term as a Midway City Councilman and one term as the Mayor of Midway City. Judge Ridge is a graduate of the Legal Institute for Justice Court Judges and served two terms as education director for the 4th District Justice Court Judges.