Michelle Martinez-Thomas

The Denver County Court Commission on Judicial Performance unanimously agrees by a vote of 5-0 that Judge Michelle Martinez-Thomas MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS . The Colorado statutory judicial performance criteria are integrity, legal knowledge, communication skills, judicial temperament, administrative performance, and service to the legal profession and the public.

Judge Martinez-Thomas is personable, professional and has a true passion for her work. She runs a supportive, rehabilitative courtroom, while also being capable of maintaining courtroom decorum and handling inappropriate behavior. She cares deeply about outcomes and justice. Judge Martinez-Thomas is a problem-solver who is creative, thoughtful and intentional in assigning meaningful and effective sentencing. She makes docket decisions based on the best use of everyone’s time. She is self-aware, a good communicator and values transparency. She works to improve whatever courtroom she is in and makes changes when needed. She is a willing teacher and worked to develop a brochure explaining the Denver County Court procedures and purpose in clear, understandable terms. She was ahead of her time in educating juries on implicit bias before it was mandated. She takes community service seriously and feels it is her duty as a judge to be visible in the community and serve as a role model.

In evaluating Judge Martinez-Thomas, the commission did extensive live, livestream and recorded courtroom observations, conducted a personal interview with the judicial officer, and reviewed case management data and the judicial officer self-evaluation, with supporting documents when submitted, to inform its decision for meets/does not meet performance standards.

Judge Martinez-Thomas was appointed to the Denver County Court in March 2020. She serves on the Court’s community engagement/community service committee. Prior to her appointment, she served as a magistrate in the 17th Judicial District, where she oversaw criminal, protection orders and domestic relations cases. Prior to becoming a magistrate, Judge Martinez-Thomas worked for the Colorado State Public Defender Office for 10 years. During that time, she was twice appointed to the Denver Mayor’s Latino Advisory Council and also received the Outstanding New Hispanic Lawyer award from the Colorado Hispanic Bar Association. She currently serves as a board member for the Colorado State University Foundation. Judge Martinez-Thomas is a Denver native and was a first-generation college student, starting at Front Range Community college and ultimately earning her undergraduate degree from Colorado State University. She later earned her law degree from the University of Denver.

1300 Broadway, Suite 220 Denver, Colorado 80203

(303) 928-7777