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Heaton, Joe L.
Federal Judicial Service:
Judge, U.S. District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma
Nominated by George W. Bush on September 4, 2001, to a seat vacated by Ralph G. Thompson. Confirmed by the Senate on December 6, 2001, and received commission on December 10, 2001. Served as chief judge, 2015-2019. Assumed senior status on July 1, 2019.
Education:
Northwestern Oklahoma State University, B.A., 1973
University of Oklahoma College of Law, J.D., 1976
Professional Career:
Legislative assistant, U.S. Sen. Dewey F. Bartlett of Oklahoma, 1976-1977
Private practice, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 1977-1992, 1993-1996
Adjunct instructor, University of Central Oklahoma, 1980-1981, 1992-1993
State representative, Oklahoma, 1984-1992
U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of Oklahoma, 1992-1993, 1996-2001; special assistant U.S. attorney and U.S. attorney, 1992-1993; first assistant U.S. attorney, 1996-2001
Nominated to U.S. District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma, August 2, 2001; no Senate vote