Ninth Judicial District - Garfield County Court Judge
Honorable Angela M. Roff
Retention Year: 2024
Recommendation: Does Not Meet Performance Standards
Reports:
2024 Retention Survey Report (PDF)
2023 Interim Survey Report (PDF)
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The Ninth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance finds that Judge Angela M. Roff DOES NOT MEET PERFORMANCE STANDARDS, by a vote of 4-3 (with three members absent and not voting). The judicial performance standards are: integrity, legal knowledge, communication skills, judicial temperament, administrative performance, and service to the legal profession and the public.
Judge Roff exhibits some strengths as a judge, particularly with regards to her integrity. She is compassionate, thoughtful, and runs an impartial courtroom. However, the majority of the commission found her legal knowledge and administrative performance in need of further development. Her interpretation and application of the law at times is inconsistent. Her demonstrated discomfort from the bench with certain defendant situations has called into question her judicial temperament. Since her initial evaluation a year ago, Judge Roff has taken steps to improve her docket management but still struggles with administrative efficiency. Judge Roff has taken proactive measures to improve in those areas, and several Commissioners believe that with an adequate performance-improvement plan she might advance her legal knowledge and administrative performance enough to meet performance standards. But as of the date of her evaluation, the majority of Commissioners believe that her need for improvement remains.
In evaluating Judge Roff, the Commission afforded her two interviews, read a selection of her legal opinions, observed her in court, reviewed survey results from both attorneys and non-attorneys who have appeared before her, interviewed representatives from the district attorney’s and public defender’s office, reviewed her self-evaluation, and met with Chief Judge Neiley. Additional written input was received from the court clerk’s office, the Chief Judge, and the district attorney.
Judge Roff was appointed by Governor Polis and took the bench October 1, 2023. She was a judge advocate with the Department of the Judge Advocate General (JAG), Air Combat Command in the U.S. Air Force from 2002-07. Judge Roff earned her B.A. from the University of New Mexico in 1998 and her J.D. from the University of Denver, Sturm College of Law, in 2001.
Judge Angela M. Roff Response:
This job is a privilege to hold, and I acknowledge the Commission’s comments, favorable and unfavorable. Case closure rates have improved by 59% with only 13% of 630 open cases being greater than six months old—the benchmark is 20%. My appeal rate is less than ½% with no cases overturned due to knowledge or application of the law. I have supportive judicial mentors who assist with the steep learning curve of the job. I encourage everyone to observe my courtroom and see for themselves. I am dedicated to serving my community of 17 years with integrity, humility, and compassion.