Fifteenth Judicial District - Baca County Court Judge
Honorable W. Michael Porter
Retention Year: 2010
Recommendation: Retain
Reports:
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The Fifteenth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance unanimously recommends that Judge W. Michael Porter BE RETAINED, by a vote of 10 to 0.
Judge Porter was appointed to the bench in September 1994 and began his duties as Baca County Judge in January of 1995. Prior to his appointment to the bench, Judge Porter was an attorney in private practice in his native Baca County. He received his undergraduate degree from Colorado State University and earned his law degree at the University of Puget Sound Law School in Tacoma, Washington. He primarily hears criminal and traffic infraction cases along with civil cases.
The Commission reviewed written evaluations of Judge Porter from attorneys and non-attorneys, including written verbatim comments attached to the evaluation questionnaires. These questionnaires were sent to attorneys who have appeared before Judge Porter, as well as defendants, plaintiffs, law enforcement officials, court employees and other interested individuals. The Commission also considered a written self-evaluation completed by Judge Porter, observed the judge while on the bench, and conducted a personal interview with the Judge Porter.
Judge Porter shows a strong commitment to serving the community through his public service on the bench. He increases his level of professional knowledge by attending regular judicial training sessions. In his comments to the Commission, Judge Porter emphasized his commitment to keeping abreast of the law and encouraging others to do the same.
On the whole, questionnaire respondents approved of Judge Porter’s courtroom performance, giving him scores on courtroom time management, knowledge of statues and legal issues, and dealing professionally and courteously with those appearing in his court. Of all attorneys surveyed about retention, 84% recommended to retain, 17% not to retain, and 0% expressed no opinion. Of all non-attorneys surveyed, 59% recommended to retain, 24% not to retain, and 17% expressed no opinion. Excluding those who had no opinion, 72% recommended to retain and 24% not to retain. (These percentages may not total 100% due to rounding.)