Victoria E. Klingensmith

The Twenty-Third Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance unanimously agrees by a vote of 6-1, with one commissioner absent and two commission vacancies, that Judge Victoria E. Klingensmith MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS . The Colorado statutory judicial performance standards are integrity, legal knowledge, communication skills, judicial temperament, administrative performance, and service to the legal profession and the public.

Judge Klingensmith presides over civil and criminal matters in the District Court in Douglas County, Colorado. Judge Klingensmith’s demeanor is described as prepared, professional, respectful, fair, and knowledgeable about criminal and civil law. She brings clarity and answers to confusing, and often emotional and difficult issues by following the law. Her written decisions are clear, concise and well written. Judge Klingensmith works hard to stay up to date on new case law and procedures. Judge Klingensmith uses her natural intellect and efficiency to track new developments in the law, expand her practical and legal knowledge, and enhance the administration of justice in her court. Commission members observed these qualities during their evaluation and interview. Judge Klingensmith’s’ opinions reflect her research and knowledge of the law along with a common-sense communication style. Based on these findings the Commission agreed by a 6-1 vote that Judge Klingensmith meets performance standards.

The Commission conducted a personal interview with Judge Klingensmith, reviewed opinions Judge Klingensmith authored, observed her in court, and reviewed judicial performance survey responses from attorneys and non-attorneys who had interaction in Judge Klingensmith’s court. Among the survey questions was “based on your responses to the previous questions related to the performance evaluation criteria, do you think Judge Klingensmith meets judicial performance standards?” Of the four attorneys responding to the survey, 25% answered yes; 75% answered no. Of the eleven non-attorneys responding to the survey, 82% answered yes and 18% answered no. A total of fifteen individuals responded to the judicial performance surveys expressing their opinion of Judge Klingensmith.

Victoria E. Klingensmith was appointed to the District Court in September 2023. Judge Klingensmith received an undergraduate degree from the University of Denver and attended the University of Colorado School of Law. Judge Klingensmith spent approximately 19 years as a deputy district attorney for the 18th JD District Attorney’s Office. Judge Klingensmith is also an adjunct professor at the University of Denver School of Law.

1300 Broadway, Suite 220 Denver, Colorado 80203

(303) 928-7777