First Judicial District - Jefferson County Court Judge
Honorable Verna L. Carpenter
Retention Year: 2024
Recommendation: Meets Performance Standards
Reports:
2024 Retention Survey Report (PDF)
2023 Interim Survey Report (PDF)
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The First Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance unanimously agrees by a vote of 10-0 that Judge Verna L. Carpenter MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS. The Colorado statutory judicial performance standards are integrity, legal knowledge, communication skills, judicial temperament, administrative performance, and service to the legal profession and the public.
Judge Carpenter is a county court judge; most of the matters she presides over are criminal with the balance being civil matters. Judge Carpenter is described as very knowledgeable about the law and a legal expert. She has high expectations and sets high standards for all those in her courtroom. She is described as knowledgeable, fair, efficient, and thorough. Courtroom observers commented that she was patient, especially with pro se defendants, asked insightful questions and dispatched cases efficiently. Survey respondents commented that she is a “good listener” who asks appropriate questions and as someone whose temperament has improved greatly. Comments included, “Judge Carpenter is firm, but accurate and impartial.” Her docket management is seen as a strength. She is described as an “excellent communicator.” The Commission is encouraged that Judge Carpenter continues to work on improving her demeanor. Judge Carpenter has led conversations in the Metro area to gain consistency on bond setting guidelines. She was nominated for a Judicial Excellence Award.
The Commission conducted a personal interview with Judge Carpenter, reviewed opinions Judge Carpenter authored, observed Judge Carpenter in court, reviewed the 2024 Judicial Performance Survey Report from attorneys and non-attorneys appearing before Judge Carpenter, as well as received feedback from the Office of the State Public Defender and the First Judicial District Attorney's Office. Based on the Commission’s evaluation, Judge Carpenter demonstrated that she meets or exceeds performance standards in all categories under review: case management, application and knowledge of the law, communications, diligence, demeanor, and fairness.
Judge Carpenter was appointed to the bench in the First Judicial District in May of 2008. Prior to her appointment, Judge Carpenter worked in the Denver District Attorney’s Office, becoming a chief deputy district attorney, and served as a chief deputy in both District Court and the Intake Unit. Judge Carpenter taught at the National Institute for Trial Advocacy. She has been a member of the Criminal Justice Coordinating Committee and the Interstate Commission for Adult Offender Supervision. Judge Carpenter continues to serve the community by judging high school and law school moot court competitions. She is a volunteer with the Food Bank of the Rockies. Judge Carpenter earned her bachelor’s degree from Metropolitan State University and her Juris Doctor from Creighton University School of Law. She was the first in her family to graduate from college.