Archuleta, Judy 2004 Evaluation

Reports:

2004 Retention Survey Report 

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The First Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance recommends by a vote of nine for, and one ineligible vote, that Judge Judy Archuleta BE RETAINED.

Judge Archuleta was appointed to the Jefferson County Court in November 2000. At the time of this survey she had been on the bench approximately two years. Prior to her appointment, she served seventeen years as a Deputy District Attorney in the First Judicial District Attorney's office.

Of the non-attorneys surveyed 62% recommended retention, 33% recommended non-retention, and 7% were undecided. On a scale of one to four, with four being the most favorable, the non-attorneys rated her 3.07. On the scale toward prosecution as opposed to defense, from zero to five she was rated 0.8 compared to 0.2 for all county judges.

Of the attorneys surveyed 35% recommended retention, 56% recommended non-retention, and 9% were undecided. It should be noted only 20% of the attorneys in the District Attorney's office responded to the survey. Yet on a scale of one to four, with four being the most favorable, the attorneys rated her 2.25. The primary criticism from attorneys was her harshness of sentences. On a scale of zero to five towards prosecution as opposed to defense Judge Archuleta was rated 3.4 as compared to all county judges rated at 0.5.

Many of the Commission members have been in Judge Archuleta's court for observation. The consensus is that she made many adjustments in the last year in demeanor and judicial skills. First time offenders are offered every opportunity to change, including intervention and rehabilitation. Repeat offenders are dealt with according to the sentencing guidelines as set forth by law.

The commission believes that with additional experience on the bench and her commitment to continuous improvement of demeanor, Judge Archuleta should be retained.