Fourth Judicial District - El Paso County Court Judge
Honorable Lawrence D. Martin
Retention Year: 2002
Recommendation: Retain
Reports:
The Fourth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance recommends that Judge Lawrence D. Martin BE RETAINED.
Prior to his appointment to the County Court bench in August 1996, Judge Martin was in private practice specializing in DUI, traffic and domestic cases. He was appointed Family Law Magistrate for the Fourth Judicial District in 1990. Since his appointment to County Court, Judge Martin has presided over civil, traffic and misdemeanor cases. In March 1998, Judge Martin was appointed presiding County Court Judge for a year.
Judge Martin is involved in many legal and non-legal boards and committees.
The Commission reviewed written evaluation from attorneys and non-attorneys, including written verbatim comments attached to the evaluation questionnaires. The Commission also considered a written self-evaluation completed by Judge Martin and conducted a personal interview with him.
Judge Martin views his role as a teaching judge, giving full attention to his duties and trying to make a difference. Judge Martin takes time to discuss and settle cases, and he always strives to provide constructive criticism to new lawyers.
Judge Martin received above-average ratings from attorneys and non-attorneys in virtually all categories, including being courteous; treating all persons equally; maintaining a professional demeanor; communicating verbally in a clear, thorough and well-reasoned manner; explaining court procedures clearly and thoroughly; being punctual in commencing proceedings; and being prepared for all court matters. Of the attorneys responding to the survey, 85% recommended Judge Martin be retained, 6% recommended he not be retained and 9% had no opinion. Of the non-attorney responses, 87% recommended he be retained, 5% recommended he not be retained and 8% had no opinion.