Second Judicial District - District Court Judge
Honorable Michael A. Martinez
Retention Year: 2010
Recommendation: Retain
Reports:
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The Second Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance unanimously recommends that Judge Michael A. Martinez BE RETAINED.
Judge Martinez was appointed to the Denver District Court bench September 15, 2000. Prior to his appointment Judge Martinez was a Magistrate in District and County Court from 1994 to 2000. In preceding years, he was in private practice as a trial lawyer focusing on medical malpractice and insurance defense issues, as well as general 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.
During his current term Judge Martinez has spent 50% of his time in the criminal division and 50% in the civil division. Judge Martinez places a great deal of importance on efficient case management, and to that end he dedicates a portion of each day to administrative responsibilities. His philosophy includes a desire to promote an atmosphere of effective trial advocacy and fairness to everyone in his courtroom.
The Commission reviewed surveys from attorneys, appellate judges, jurors, and parties who appeared before Judge Martinez. The Commission also interviewed Judge Martinez and reviewed three written opinions. Selected members of the Commission observed Judge Martinez in court. Many of the attorneys surveyed commented on Judge Martinez’s efficient and timely management of his docket; however, there was some concern that his oral rulings were not always as comprehensive as they could be. The non-attorneys rated Judge Martinez above-average in many of the categories including demeanor, fairness, and communication with the parties and jurors.
Of all attorneys surveyed about retention, 77% recommended to retain, 14% not to retain, and 10% expressed no opinion. Excluding those who had no opinion, 85% recommended to retain and 16% not to retain. Of all non-attorneys surveyed, 94% recommended to retain, 3% not to retain, and 3% expressed no opinion. Excluding those who had no opinion, 97% recommended to retain and 3% not to retain. (These percentages may not total 100% due to rounding.)