Tag: public defender
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Colorado lawmakers hear about increased judicial discipline complaints, fallout from Missy Woods misconduct
Members of the Colorado legislature’s judiciary committees heard about a large increase in complaints against judges and additional forensic misconduct that has come to light, during three days of oversight hearings last week. Leaders of several judicial-related agencies appeared between Jan. 20-23 to address their priorities and field questions from legislators. On behalf of the…
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Colorado Supreme Court may address ‘new form of representation’ in criminal case
The Colorado Supreme Court signaled last week that it may get involved in an ongoing Denver criminal proceeding in which the prosecution alleges a trial judge sidestepped the clear rules for appointing defense counsel. At least four of the court’s seven members must agree to intervene in a case outside the typical appellate process. Clemente…
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‘Deep source of pride’: Federal judge speaks about first year on bench, how he spends his time
One of Colorado’s newest federal judges spoke on Thursday about his first year on the bench, his philosophy behind facilitating case settlements and how his background as a public defender informs his current role. “Most of my career, I represented poor people or people who didn’t have enough money for an attorney,” said U.S. Magistrate…
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‘We all have to take care of each other’: Appeals judges get personal in Jeffco high school appearance
Three members of the Court of Appeals fielded questions from Jefferson County students on Thursday about the personal aspects of judging, including how they combat their biases and how the cases they hear affect their mental health. Judge Lino S. Lipinsky de Orlov responded that the judges signed up to deal with difficult subject matter,…
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Colorado Senate passes bill to create 15 new judgeships
The Colorado Senate approved legislation on Wednesday that would add 15 new judgeships over the next two years, a scaled-back version of the original proposal for 29 additional judge seats across the state. Senate Bill 24 passed by a vote of 26-7, with all Democrats who were present voting in favor and all no votes coming from…
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Colorado Senate committee advances bill to create 29 judgeships, with lawmaker support delicate
The Senate Judiciary Committee advanced a bill to establish 29 new Colorado judgeships by a vote of 6-1 on Wednesday, with supporters and opponents both cautioning that their positions could change based on the availability of money. The committee heard testimony from numerous witnesses in support of the bill, including from sitting judges. Chief Justice…
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Judicial branch tells oversight committees that cost of new judgeships has decreased
Judicial branch leaders told lawmakers on Monday that their priority for the legislative session — the establishment of 29 new judgeships across Colorado — has come down in cost amid broad concerns about the state’s budget deficit. Chief Justice Monica M. Márquez and State Court Administrator Steven Vasconcellos previously informed the Joint Budget Committee that the cost of…
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Former El Paso County public defender accused of sexually assaulting 14-year-old, possibly more: Police
A former El Paso County public defender was arrested last month and accused of having sex with a child, according to court documents obtained by The Gazette. Thomas Cushing, 26, was arrested on Nov. 22 and faces one charge of sexual assault against a child, according to court records. Colorado Springs police said there may…
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Colorado Supreme Court rejects effort to let judges restrict defense lawyers’ work on postconviction claims
The Colorado Supreme Court clarified on Monday that trial judges cannot restrict defense attorneys from investigating postconviction claims their clients raise when at least one of the claims has merit. Convicted defendants may seek postconviction relief for specific reasons, including that their sentence is illegal, new evidence has come to light or their conviction violated the U.S.…
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Colorado Supreme Court wary of letting judges restrict defense lawyers’ work on postconviction claims
Members of the Colorado Supreme Court seemed sympathetic last week to the idea that trial judges, under the current rules for criminal cases, cannot restrict defense attorneys from investigating postconviction claims their clients raise when at least one of the claims has merit. Convicted defendants may seek postconviction relief for specific reasons, including that their sentence is…