Thirteenth Judicial District - District Court Judge
Honorable Charles M. Hobbs
Retention Year: 2012
Recommendation: Retain
Reports:
2012 Retention Survey Report (PDF)
2011 Interim Survey Report (PDF)
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The Thirteenth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance unanimously recommends that Judge Charles M. Hobbs BE RETAINED.
Judge Hobbs was appointed to the District Court in 2009. Before his appointment, Judge Hobbs was an associate of a law firm in the Denver metro area, a private practitioner in Fort Morgan, and a court municipal judge. He received his law degree from the University of Denver in 1988. Judge Hobbs is an author and prior to his appointment to the bench was a guest lecturer and instructor at Morgan Community College. He is currently a participant in the “Our Courts” lecture program.
The Commission considered survey data and comments, an interview with Judge Hobbs, courtroom observations, case management data, the judge’s self-evaluation, and writing samples. Areas of strength identified by survey respondents were treating all parties with respect, giving all parties an opportunity to be heard, maintaining dignity in the courtroom, and making sure all participants understood the court proceedings. Areas identified by survey respondents as needing strengthening included, beginning court on time, managing court proceedings so that there is little wasted time, issuing timely written orders, and continuing to develop a broader range of legal knowledge to cover all aspects of the job. Overall survey ratings were slightly below average compared with other district judges standing for retention throughout the state. The Commission believes that, as a relatively new judge, he appreciated the opportunity to receive valuable feedback and that he takes the survey results very seriously. He stated that he will work to enhance his skills by pursuing continuing legal education opportunities and using other resources available to him. He also specifically identified communication as an area that he will work to improve.
Of all attorneys surveyed about retention, 87% recommended to retain, 5% not to retain, and 8% were undecided or didn’t have enough information to make a recommendation. Of those expressing an opinion to retain or not to retain, 95% recommended to retain and 5% not to retain. Of all non-attorneys surveyed, 81% recommended to retain, 9% not to retain, and 10% were undecided or didn’t have enough information to make a recommendation. Of those expressing an opinion to retain or not to retain, 90% recommended to retain and 10% not to retain.