Second Judicial District - District - Juvenile Court Judge
Honorable D. Brett Woods
Retention Year: 2010
Recommendation: Retain
Reports:
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The Second Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance unanimously recommends that Judge D. Brett Woods BE RETAINED.
Judge Woods became a District Court Judge for the Denver Juvenile Court in September 2007. Prior to his appointment, Judge Woods served as a Municipal Judge and County Magistrate for Denver County. Woods has served as a relief judge in the Aurora Municipal Court since 2006 and as a Magistrate in Denver County Court since 2001. Woods received his bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Kansas in 1982 and his law degree from the University of Denver College of Law in 1990.
The Commission reviewed the results of surveys of lawyers and non-lawyers who were familiar with Judge Wood’s work, interviewed the Judge, and reviewed three of his written opinions. In addition, selected members of the Commission observed Judge Woods in court.
Respondents to the surveys consistently noted Judge Woods to be patient and kind, reflective of his high marks related to ensuring that all participants in the courtroom understand the proceedings. Almost all lawyers and non-lawyers responding to the survey gave Judge Woods above average ratings for his demeanor including giving proceedings a sense of dignity and having a sense of compassion and human understanding for those who appear before the judge. Judge Woods also received above average ratings for overall fairness and treating all parties, including those representing themselves with respect. Being relatively new to the bench, he was rated slightly below average for the overall application and knowledge of the law, consistent with other new judges reviewed during this period.
Judge Woods received strong support from both lawyers and non-lawyers. Of all attorneys surveyed about retention, 91% recommended to retain, 5% not to retain, and 5% expressed no opinion. Excluding those who had no opinion, 95% recommended to retain and 5% not to retain. Of all non-attorneys surveyed, 87% recommended to retain, 0% not to retain, and 13% expressed no opinion. Excluding those who had no opinion, 100%
recommended to retain and 0% not to retain. (These percentages may not total 100% due to rounding.)