Reyes, Victor 2002 Evaluation

Reports:

2002 Retention Survey Report

The Tenth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance recommends that Judge Victor I. Reyes BE RETAINED.

Judge Reyes was appointed to the Tenth Judicial District Court bench in August 1998. Prior to his appointment to the bench, Judge Reyes served as Deputy State Public Defender. Judge Reyes received his undergraduate degree from Emory University and his law degree from Georgetown Law Center. Judge Reyes currently hears mainly criminal, domestic relations and civil cases.

Judge Reyes is very involved in the community, where he serves on the Pueblo Community College Advisory Board for the BTE program, the board of directors of St. Theresa Catholic School and at one time served on the board of directors of the Cesar Chavez Academy charter school. In addition, he has spoken at local high schools concerning the court system.

The Commission reviewed written evaluations of Judge Reyes from attorneys and non-attorneys, including written verbatim comments attached to the evaluation questionnaires. The Commission also considered a written self-evaluation that Judge Reyes completed and conducted a personal interview with the judge.

Judge Reyes relies on researching a case before it is heard, which has caused some concern among attorneys. Some attorneys voiced concern about Judge Reyes’ diligence and organization of time. On the other hand, attorneys see strengths in Judge Reyes that outweigh their concerns, including his grasp of criminal law, his intelligence, his work ethic and his dedication to the bench. In general, non-attorneys feel that Judge Reyes is very respectful and courteous to everyone, both inside and outside of the courtroom. He is considered fair and impartial and approaches his responsibilities in a very professional manner.

Judge Reyes received fairly high ratings from attorneys and non-attorneys in almost all categories, particularly in the areas of being courteous toward parties and witnesses; treating parties equally regardless of race, gender, age or socioeconomic status; and having knowledge of the rules of evidence and procedure. Of the attorneys responding in the questionnaire, 63% recommended that Judge Reyes be retained in office; 29% recommended that he not be retained and 9% had no opinion. Of the non-attorneys responding to the questionnaire, 83% recommended retention, 9% recommended non-retention and 8% had no opinion.