Ann M. Rotolo

The Commission on Judicial Performance unanimously agrees by a vote of 10-0 that Judge Ann M. Rotolo MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS . The judicial performance standards are integrity, legal knowledge, communication skills, judicial temperament, administrative performance, and service to the legal profession and the public.

Judge Rotolo’s docket is primarily misdemeanor cases and some (approximately 20%) civil cases. Survey respondents rate her performance overall at 3.5 out of 4.0, and 21 of 23 respondents believe she meets performance standards. Judge Rotolo’s strengths include her deep legal knowledge from many years of experience, communication skills, and demeanor. When participants in the legal proceedings seem overwhelmed, she attempts to slow the proceedings and offer additional explanations. This ensures that each person appearing before her is equipped and empowered. The Commission received concerns that Judge Rotolo may overstep her judicial role and become overly involved in case resolution prior to trial. Judge Rotolo explained that she does encourage parties to negotiate a satisfactory resolution in appropriate cases because, as the saying goes, “When two elephants fight, it’s the grass that suffers.”

The Commission’s decision is based on a thorough process that included interviews with Judge Rotolo, Chief Judge Sokol, and representatives from the offices of the Public Defender and the District Attorney, as well as a review of the judge’s self-evaluation, written rulings, and survey report.

Judge Rotolo has served on the County Court since her 2008 appointment by Governor Bill Ritter. She graduated with honors from Miami University in Ohio and earned her J.D. from the University of Denver Sturm College of Law in 1991. Before taking the bench, she worked as a deputy county attorney, in private practice, and as a magistrate. Judge Rotolo sat on the Colorado Judicial Disciplinary Review Board for almost 17 years. She recently resigned from the State Personnel Rules Committee after over 13 years and the ComCor Board after over 5 years. She participates in Teen Court.

1300 Broadway, Suite 220 Denver, Colorado 80203

(303) 928-7777