Fifth Judicial District - District Court Judge
Honorable Karen Ann Romeo
Retention Year: 2010
Recommendation: Retain
Reports:
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The Fifth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance unanimously recommends that Judge Karen Ann Romeo BE RETAINED.
Judge Romeo is a Colorado native. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Colorado, and her law degree from Thomas M. Cooley School of Law in Michigan. Following law school she clerked for Judge Perricone in Jefferson County, before being hired by the District Attorney's Office in the Fifth Judicial District in 1997. There she served as Chief Deputy and eventually Assistant District Attorney. She was appointed to the District Court of the Fifth Judicial District in 2008. Judge Romeo hears cases primarily in Summit and Lake Counties. Judge Romeo is actively involved in establishment of a Drug Court in Summit County.
The Commission reviewed written evaluations of Judge Romeo from attorneys and non-attorneys, as well as a written self evaluation completed by Judge Romeo. A personal interview of Judge Romeo was conducted by the Commission, and members of the Commission reviewed a sampling of Judge Romeo’s written rulings and observed her in the courtroom during several proceedings.
This is Judge Romeo’s first review as a district judge. Judge Romeo is held in high regard by the Commission, attorneys and non-attorneys that appear before her. She is recognized as a hard working judge that is mindful of her docket. She treats all those appearing before her with fairness and consistency, and shows empathy when appropriate. Judge Romeo is particularly well regarded for her courtroom demeanor and communication skills. Judge Romeo has a strong background in criminal law and both attorneys and non-attorneys that appear before her agree that she conducts criminal proceedings in a fair, consistent and efficient manner. In order to improve her performance, Judge Romeo continues to work on increasing her knowledge of civil law and procedure and upon preparing concise, well reasoned written rulings. The Commission commends Judge Romeo for her high survey marks given her relatively short time on the bench.
Questionnaires received by the Commission from both attorneys and non-attorneys that have appeared in his courtroom uniformly rate Judge Romeo very high overall, and above average in the areas of case management, application and knowledge of law, demeanor and communications. Of all attorneys surveyed about retention, 96% recommended to retain, 0% not to retain, and 4% expressed no opinion. Excluding those who had no opinion, 100% recommended to retain and 0% not to retain. Of all non-attorneys surveyed, 92% recommended to retain, 4% not to retain, and 3% expressed no opinion. Excluding those who had no opinion, 96% recommended to retain and 5% not to retain. (These percentages may not total 100% due to rounding.)