Second Judicial District - Denver County Court Judge
Honorable Aleene J. Ortiz-White
Retention Year: 2008
Recommendation: Retain
Reports:
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The Second Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance unanimously recommends that Judge Aleene J. Ortiz-White BE RETAINED.
Background: Judge Ortiz-White was appointed to the Denver County Court in May 1989. She received her law degree from the University Of Puget Sound School Of Law (now Seattle University School of Law) in 1981. Following her graduation from law school, she engaged in the private practiced of law, was a public defender and a litigator in the civil claims section of the Denver City Attorney’s Office. She now hears cases involving juveniles accused of committing Denver ordinance offenses.
Strengths: Non-attorneys surveyed rated Judge Ortiz-White comparable to other county court judges. Non-attorneys see her ability to treat participants with respect as her strongest attribute. Attorneys rank her communications and prompt rulings during trial as her greatest strengths. Attorneys rated her somewhat below the average of all county court judges. The written and oral decisions reviewed by the Commission were well-organized, succinct, and well-reasoned.
Weaknesses: A concern shown by the surveys and comments was that the judge did not begin court at the scheduled time. Judge Ortiz-White has taken action to remedy this concern.
Recommendation: To reach its decision, the Commission reviewed survey results and comments from persons who have appeared in Judge Ortiz-White’s courtroom including prosecuting and defense attorneys, non-attorneys, including jurors, probation officers, law enforcement officers, witnesses and defendants. The Commission also conducted a personal interview with Judge Ortiz-White and reviewed her self evaluation. Eighty-four percent of the attorneys responding to the survey recommended that Judge Ortiz-White be retained. Of the non-attorneys responding, 90% recommended that she be retained.