Get to Know Judge David Holton

An Introduction

• On April 24, 2008, David Holton was sworn in as District Judge for the 30th Judicial District in Louisville Kentucky. This achievement is amplified by a simultaneous accomplishment for David: he is the State of Kentucky’s first blind judge.
• Mr. Holton has served Louisville for 19 years in the Jefferson County attorney’s office as a prosecutor. David is known as a skilled prosecutor and known for his desire to resolve cases efficiently.
• In addition to being a Judge, David Holton is also a husband and proud father of two boys, ages 13 and 8.
• David is currently a candidate for District Court Judge in Louisville.

David’s Youth

• At the age of 10, in the summer before he was to begin 5th grade, David began experiencing headaches, a strange sound in his ears, and problems with his vision. David was diagnosed with a brain tumor. It was removed, but damage had already been done to the Optic nerve. He was now blind.
• David finished grade school at Kentucky School for the Blind. He then attended Jesse Stuart public high school in Valley Station. Books on tape and assistance from parents and friends were critical to his success.
• David enrolled at Morehead State University in 1980. He was a fixture on campus and very well liked. He was a member of Sigma Nu fraternity; elected Student Government Association President; and voted “Big Man on Campus.”

David as a Lawyer

• Mr. Holton then enrolled at the University of Kentucky Law School. Law school requires a massive amount of reading. The text books are huge in general; imagine these text books in Braille…they are 50 times thicker!
After graduation in 1988, David began working at the District Attorney’s office here in Louisville. And that is where he has been for the last nineteen years before being appointed District Judge. David is described as a “very skilled prosecutor.”
• David also operated a private practice that focused primarily on family and probate law.

David Today

• Mr. Holton currently serves the City of Louisville as a District Court Judge where he presides over 120 – 130 cases per day.
• Outside of life as a Judge, David enjoys life in a variety of ways. He attends his children’s sporting activities; loves to attend UofK football games with his family; plays guitar; enjoys fishing and boating; and socializing.
• David resides in Valley Station in Southwest Louisville.