Fourth Judicial District - District Court Judge
Honorable Michael P. McHenry
Retention Year: 2014
Recommendation: Meets Performance Standard
Reports:
2014 Retention Survey Report (PDF)
2013 Interim Survey Report (PDF)
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The Fourth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance unanimously recommends, by a vote of 8-0, that Judge Michael P. McHenry BE RETAINED.
Judge McHenry was appointed to the District Court bench in May 2011. Prior to his appointment, Judge McHenry was a Senior Attorney at the Public Defenders Office. Judge McHenry received both his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Colorado. Since taking the bench, Judge McHenry has handled 50% Civil, 25% Domestic and 25% Criminal dockets. Judge McHenry has been very active in many community service activities including, "Interfaith Hospitality Network", "Big Brothers/Big Sisters", has volunteered to be a guest speaker at UCCS multiple times and is a member of the "High-Conflict Parenting Resource Group".
The Commission conducted a personal interview with Judge McHenry, reviewed opinions provided, observed him in court, and reviewed surveys sent to attorneys and non-attorneys. Among the survey questions was how strongly do you recommend that Judge McHenry be retained in office, or not be retained in office?" Of attorneys responding to the survey, 85% recommended to retain (the average was 80%), 7% recommended to not retain and 7% made no recommendation regarding retention. Of the non-attorneys responding to the survey, 78% recommended to retain (the average was 88%), 12% recommended to not retain and 10% made no recommendation regarding retention. (These percentages may not total 100% due to rounding).
Judge McHenry received higher than average marks in the attorney survey in every category. He had exceptional marks in the areas of his overall demeanor, and giving the proceedings and participants the dignity and respect they deserve. However, Judge McHenry received below average marks in every area in the non-attorney survey, most notably in the areas of making sure the participants understand the proceedings, and in neutrality towards parties in civil proceedings. Despite these scores, the Commission believes Judge McHenry will continue to improve as a judge and should be retained.