Judge Howell served as a deputy city and county attorney in Broomfield prior to his appointment, a position he has held since 2001. He has previously served

as Washington County attorney, an assistant Morgan County attorney and the supervisor of the Pre-Trial Services Unit in San Diego Superior Court.  He received

his bachelor's degree from the University of Northern Colorado in 1978, his J.D. from the University of Wyoming in 1994 and his M.P.A. from San Diego State

University in 2003.