Martinez, Michael 2004 Evaluation

Reports:

2004 Retention Survey Report

The Second Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance unanimously recommends that Judge Michael A. Martinez BE RETAINED, with one abstention.

Judge Martinez was appointed to the Denver District Court bench on September 15, 2000. Prior to his appointment, Judge Martinez was a Magistrate Judge in District and County Court from 1994 to 2000, hearing criminal, domestic, juvenile and civil cases. In preceding years, he was in private practice as a trial lawyer focusing on medical malpractice and insurance defense issues, as well as covering many other areas of civil, domestic and criminal law. Judge Martinez received his undergraduate degree from the University of Colorado and his law degree from the University of Denver. Judge Martinez presently hears criminal cases and expects to remain assigned to a criminal division for the next two to three years. His previous judicial assignments have included all of the divisions of the court: civil, domestic, and criminal.

Judge Martinez believes the area of domestic relations to be the most challenging due to its large impact on the public, and believes it to be the most rewarding because of the opportunity to help people. He makes an effort to value and respect every person who comes to his courtroom. Judge Martinez has been a long-time instructor with the National Institute of Trial Advocacy. He believes that professional and community services are an important part of his role as a judicial officer and a leader in the community.

The Commission reviewed evaluations of Judge Martinez received from respondents to a professionally conducted survey of both attorneys and non-attorneys who have been in his courtroom. The Commission considered statistical responses as well as written comments dealing with courtesy, impartiality, communications skills, judicial temperament, diligence,
application of the law, and retention. Further, the Commission conducted a personal interview with Judge Martinez. The Commission was impressed with the way Judge Martinez has integrated himself in the system as a new judge and with the strength of the ratings he received as a newly appointed judge.

Judge Martinez received high ratings in all categories from both attorneys and non-attorneys responding to the survey, with particularly high marks in the area of communication. There were consistently positive remarks among all respondents regarding Judge Martinez's professionalism, courtesy, and willingness to provide explanations. Of the attorneys responding to the questionnaire, 94% recommended that Judge Martinez be retained, and 6% recommended that he not be retained. Of the non-attorneys responding to the questionnaire, 87% recommended retention, and 13% recommended that he not be retained.