Ninth Judicial District - District Court Judge
Honorable Daniel B. Petre
Retention Year: 2006
Recommendation: Retain
Reports:
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The Ninth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance unanimously recommends that Judge Daniel B. Petre BE RETAINED.
Judge Petre was sworn in to the District Court for the Ninth Judicial District on November 2, 2004. He served as Water Referee and District Court Magistrate in the Ninth Judicial District from January 2, 2000 until March 1, 2005, when his replacement assumed those duties. Previously he was in private practice for 24 years.
Judge Petre’s community service includes participation in Coalition for Families, an interdisciplinary group of professionals dealing with youth involved in the justice system.
The Commission reviewed responses to the Judicial Performance Surveys sent at random to attorneys, plaintiffs, defendants, jurors, parole officers, law enforcement and court staff. The Commission also reviewed the Open Case Load Data Report and Judge Petre’s Self-Evaluation. Members observed the judge in the courtroom and interviewed him in person.
Attorneys gave him good marks for dignified, unbiased and fair proceedings, treating participants with respect, and giving everyone time to present their case. Non-attorneys rated him higher than did attorneys for those factors and gave him excellent marks for communication skills. The attorneys gave Judge Petre slightly above average marks for knowledge of substantive and procedural law, and average or lower than average marks with respect to ruling promptly on motions before and during trial, issuing a decision after trial and making tough decisions when necessary. Non-attorneys also noted that he was slow to arrive at decisions.
Of the attorneys responding, 94% recommended that Judge Petre be retained, while 95% of non-attorneys recommended retention.
The Commission noted that for the first four months on the District Court bench, Judge Petre continued duties as water referee. After interviewing Judge Petre, the Commission believes that he is committed to improving his ability to confront issues and resolve them
promptly, and that his overall performance will improve with experience. The Commission was impressed with Judge Petre’s work ethic, enthusiasm for his work, and his commitment to treating all parties with respect and fairness.