Thirteenth Judicial District - District Court Judge
Honorable Michael Keith Singer
Retention Year: 2012
Recommendation: Retain
Reports:
2012 Retention Survey Report (PDF)
2011 Interim Survey Report (PDF)
2009 Interim Survey Report (PDF)
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The Thirteenth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance unanimously recommends that Chief Judge Michael Keith Singer BE RETAINED.
Judge Michael Keith Singer was appointed as District Judge for the Thirteenth Judicial District on July 29, 2003. Prior to his appointment he was in private practice and served as the Municipal Judge for the City of Sterling, Colorado. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame, and his law degree from the University of Denver School of Law. His current judicial assignments include civil, domestic relations, juvenile, and criminal cases. Judge Singer was appointed Chief Judge of the Thirteenth Judicial District in 2009.
Written evaluations from a survey of those appearing before Judge Singer, as well as his self-evaluation, writing samples, and interview with the Commission were considered in preparing this profile. Attorneys surveyed rated Judge Singer average overall compared to other district judges standing for retention in the state. Non-attorneys rated him slightly below average overall. Judge Singer believes it is important to be firm with respect to criminal cases, while upholding Constitutional rights. Judge Singer attempts to give all parties a fair opportunity to communicate with the court, whether it is in the courtroom, or by means of appropriate written communication. Judge Singer believes that judges are not appointed to make law, but to uphold it. Since becoming Chief Judge he has initiated several reforms aimed at making the judicial system more efficient and more responsive, including addressing the issue of citizens failing to appear for jury duty, and keeping the courts functioning during a time of substantial budget cuts.
Of all attorneys surveyed about retention, 82% recommended to retain, 13% not to retain, and 4% were undecided or did not have enough information to make a recommendation. Of those expressing an opinion to retain or not retain, 86% recommended to retain and 14% not to retain. Of all non-attorneys surveyed, 88% recommended to retain, 5% not to retain, and 7% were undecided or did not have enough information to make a recommendation. Of those expressing an opinion to retain or not to retain, 95% recommended to retain and 6% not to retain. (These percentages may not total 100% due to rounding).