How do I..?
You can submit a Request for Evaluation by filling out the Commission’s RFE form and either mailing or emailing it to us. Please make sure that you include all relevant information, including the judge’s name and the case number. If you have difficulty filling out the form or need an accessibility accommodation, please call us at 303-457-5131 or email us at judicialconduct@jd.state.co.us .
To submit a complaint regarding a magistrate or municipal judge, please contact the Office of Attorney Regulation. Their online complaint form and further information can be found on their website.
To submit a complaint regarding an attorney, please contact the Office of Attorney Regulation. Their online complaint form and further information can be found on their website.
The Commission on Judicial Discipline has jurisdiction over Denver District Court Judges and can accept RFEs using the procedure above. The Commission does not have jurisdiction over Denver County or Municipal Court Judges. Complaints regarding Denver County and municipal judges can be filed on their website here.
The Commission on Judicial Discipline does not have jurisdiction over state administrative law judges. For complaints regarding state administrative law judges, please call and confirm with the related state agency where to file your complaint.
The Colorado Office of Judicial Performance Evaluation collects feedback from the public regarding judges of the Colorado County Courts, District Courts, Court of Appeals and Justices of the Supreme Court. Any member of the public can submit feedback about these judges by completing the evaluation process here.
The Colorado Judicial Branch provides self-help resources on their website here. The Colorado Court of Appeals provides copies of forms and answers to common questions about appeals on their website here.
The Commission does not have jurisdiction to review a judge’s decisions. Disputes about a judge’s rulings on motions, evidence, procedure, findings of fact, conclusions of law, or sentencing are not grounds for disciplinary measures pursuant to Colo. RJD 13(c).
The Commission cannot provide legal advice or assistance. The Colorado Judicial Branch provides self-help resources on their website here. A list of resources for free legal help is available here.
Questions About the Process
The Office of Judicial Discipline responds to most Requests for Evaluation within 6-8 weeks from the time of receipt. In the event that review of your request is delayed beyond that, we will reach out with an updated timeline.
No. Submitting a Request for Evaluation is not an appeal and does not extend the deadline to file an appeal. The Commission does not have the power to reverse a judge’s order or to change the outcome of a case. The Commission also cannot remove a judge from your case.
Yes. You can send additional documents to us for consideration while your RFE is being investigated. You can submit these documents by either mailing or emailing them to us.
Requests for Evaluation filed with the Commission are confidential under the Colorado Constitution and Colo. RJD 6.5. The existence of a complaint only becomes public if and when the Commission initiates formal disciplinary proceedings.
The Commission will inform the judge of the RFE if it determines that a “reasonable basis” exists. The Commission may also communicate with witnesses as necessary to conduct its investigation of an RFE.
No. Due to the nature of anonymous RFEs and the constitutional confidentiality requirements governing the Commission, the Commission is not able to provide any updates on the status of an anonymous RFE.
Upon request, the Commission will reconsider dismissal of an RFE one time. You can submit a request for reconsideration through a letter or by submitting a second RFE form. Please include any additional documents or information that you think should be considered. Please note that the Commission will not evaluate any future requests for reconsideration after this.
The Commission’s Annual Report includes the most up to date information about the Commission and is published every year.
Yes. Please be sure to include the judge’s name, approximate dates/times, and either the case number or case name (in a criminal case, this will be the name of the defendant). You do not need to provide copies of court filings or hearing transcripts.