Fourteenth Judicial District - Grand County Court Judge
Honorable Mary C. Hoak
Retention Year: 2006
Recommendation: Retain
Reports:
2006 Retention Survey Report (PDF)
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The Fourteenth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance unanimously recommends that Judge Mary C. Hoak BE RETAINED.
Judge Hoak earned her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Chicago School of Law, and practiced law in Grand County for 9 years prior to her appointment as County Judge. She has worked in criminal prosecution, criminal defense, social services work, and family and juvenile law. She served as President of the Grand County Bar Association and is involved with various other bar associations. Judge Hoak also serves as a Magistrate in Grand County.
Judge Hoak hears preliminary matters in felony cases and misdemeanor, traffic, small claims and county court civil cases. She serves as Acting District Court Judge for the Fourteenth Judicial District in domestic relations cases and emergency district court matters.
The Commission reviewed written evaluations and survey material of Judge Hoak from attorneys and non-attorneys, including written verbatim comments attached to the evaluation questionnaires. The Commission also considered a written self-evaluation completed by the judge and conducted a personal interview with Judge Hoak.
Judge Hoak enjoys her job, and values the integrity of herself and her office. Judge Hoak is even-handed and unbiased in her courtroom. She treats litigants, attorneys, witnesses and jurors with respect and courtesy, and decides factual issues impartially and on a timely basis. Outside of the courtroom Judge Hoak enjoys spending time with her family.
Judge Hoak received high ratings from both attorneys and non-attorneys in virtually every category of the survey, particularly in the areas of treating all parties equally; being fair and impartial toward both sides; communicating clearly, thoroughly and in a well-reasoned manner; explaining court procedures clearly and thoroughly; maintaining a proper judicial temperament; and making the correct decision based upon the law and the facts. Of the attorneys responding to the survey, a remarkable 82% highly recommended that Judge Hoak be retained in office. Of the non-attorneys responding to the survey, 83% highly
recommended retention. The Commission voted unanimously to recommend that Judge Hoak be retained.