Twenty-Second Judicial District - District Court Judge
Honorable Grace S. Merlo
Retention Year: 1990
Recommendation: Retain
Judicial Performance Commission’s recommendation: Should Be Retained.
Judge Merlo is the only District Court judge and, therefore, chief judge in the 22nd Judicial District and hears a variety of criminal and civil cases, including felonies, domestic relations and juvenile cases as well as handling all administrative matters involving the judicial system in both counties.
Prior to her judicial appointment, Merlo served as a public defender in Colorado and California and had a private law practice. She was admitted to practice law in California in 1960 and in Colorado in 1970.
From responses received, the majority of the individuals rated Merlo favorable as to her overall performance, although a few unfavorable comments from a few pro se litigants and law enforcement personnel were received. The areas of concern most often mentioned pertained to delays and continuances within the judicial system.
Merlo received numerous favorable comments pertaining to her integrity, fairness and willingness to listen openly to both sides of the issue. The responses were just as favorable towards her legal ability, demeanor and decision making process.