Eighteenth Judicial District - District Court Judge
Honorable Jeffrey K. Holmes
Retention Year: 2022
Recommendation: Meets Performance Standard
Reports:
2022 Retention Survey Report (PDF)
2019 Interim Survey Report (PDF)
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The Eighteenth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance finds, by a vote of 7-0, that Judge Jeffrey K. Holmes Meets Performance Standards. The Colorado statutory judicial performance standards are integrity, legal knowledge, communication skills, judicial temperament, administrative performance, and service to the legal profession and the public.
Judge Holmes presides over a civil docket. Previously his docket was a mixed docket, including civil and criminal. Judge Holmes often volunteers for high profile cases and is described as having a fair and consistent judicial demeanor. Judge Holmes conducts himself in a professional manner and he has a strong knowledge of the law. He is a team player and often volunteers to help other judges.
The Commission met with Chief Judge Michelle A. Amico to discuss her interactions with Judge Holmes, as well as the District Attorney’s Office, Public Defender’s Office, Probation Department for feedback on Judge Holmes’s performance. The feedback was extremely favorable. The Commission personally interviewed Judge Holmes and reviewed his written self-evaluation. Members also observed Judge Holmes in court and reviewed Judicial Performance Survey responses from attorneys and non-attorneys. Judge Holmes received above average scores for demeanor, communication, and fairness with an overall performance rating of 3.4 of a possible 4.0, compared to the average of all judges of 3.4. Two surveys were conducted during Judge Holmes’ term. Judge Holmes received above average scores for demeanor, communication and fairness. Among the survey questions was one that asked, “based on your responses to the previous questions related to the performance evaluation criteria, do you think Judge Holmes meets judicial performance standards?” Of the attorneys responding to the 2022 survey 88% said “Yes”, compared to 83% for all district judges, and 88% of non-attorneys said “Yes” compared to 79% for all district judges. Of the attorneys responding to the 2019 survey 91% said “Yes” compared to 82% for all district judges and 97% of non-attorneys responding to the 2019 survey said “Yes” compared to 85% for all district judges.
Judge Holmes earned a bachelor’s degree from Southern Methodist University and graduated from the University of Texas Law School. Prior to his appointment to the bench, Judge Holmes was in private practice for approximately 17 years. After leaving private practice, Judge Holmes worked as a District Court Magistrate for the 18th Judicial District for 10 years, primarily handling juvenile matters. He has participated as a judge for the mock trial competitions. He serves on various law-related committees and is an active member of the Elbert/Douglas and Arapahoe Bar Associations. Judge Holmes formally served as the Chairman of the Executive Board of his church and was on various committees at his church. He continues to volunteer at his Church and in other community activities including the Denver Public Library.