Eighteenth Judicial District - Douglas County Court Judge
Honorable Monica J. Gomez
Retention Year: 2014
Recommendation: Retain
Reports:
2014 Retention Survey Report (PDF)
2013 Interim Survey Report (PDF)
2011 Interim Survey Report (PDF)
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The Eighteenth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance unanimously recommends that Judge Monica J. Gomez BE RETAINED.
Judge Gomez earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Northern Colorado and her Juris Doctorate degree from the University of New Mexico School of Law. Prior to becoming a judge, Judge Gomez began her legal career as a Colorado Deputy Public Defender and served in that capacity between 1992 and 2004. Afterwards, she served honorably as an Assistant Attorney General in the Employment Division and taught legal writing and basic criminal procedure at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law. Prior to her appointment to the Douglas County Court bench in the 18th Judicial District in March, 2007, Judge Gomez served as a Drug Court Magistrate in the 4th Judicial District and as a workers’ compensation attorney. Judge Gomez continues to serve her community by mentoring high school students in moot court competitions and having served as President of the Hispanic Bar Association in El Paso County in the past.
The commission conducted a personal interview with Judge Gomez, reviewed opinions she authored, observed her in court, and reviewed surveys sent to attorneys and non-attorneys. Among the survey questions was “how strongly do you recommend that Judge Gomez be retained in office?” Of attorneys responding to the survey, 71% recommended retaining, 15% not to retain, and 14% made no recommendation regarding retention. Of non-attorneys responding to the survey, 83% recommended retaining, 8% not to retain, and 9% made no recommendation regarding retention.
Judge Gomez presently presides over a criminal and traffic court docket. Based on the survey results of attorneys, Judge Gomez received an overall combined average rating slightly below the average combined rating of all county court judges standing for retention. Of the non-attorneys surveyed, Judge Gomez received an overall combined rating slightly higher than the average combined rating of all county court judges standing for retention. Judge Gomez received below average marks in case management, application of knowledge of law, communications, and demeanor from attorneys surveyed. However, among non-attorneys, Judge Gomez received above average marks on each of the above referenced categories. It is important to note that Judge Gomez’s overall judicial performance improved significantly from her previous evaluation, and she dedicates herself to continuing her positive growth as a jurist by researching and writing her own opinions, staying abreast of new laws, and attending judicial classes and continuing legal education courses. Judge Gomez has proven herself to be a diligent jurist who balances justice and fairness amicably.