public defender
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Colorado lawmakers hear about increased judicial discipline complaints, fallout from Missy Woods misconduct
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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
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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
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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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Colorado’s federal courts announce preparations if shutdown is prolonged
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The federal trial and appeals courts headquartered in Denver have announced anticipated changes to their operations should the lapse in congressional appropriations be prolonged, with Oct. 17 being a critical date for the judiciary. In an Oct. 1 letter to all federal judges, public defenders and related staff, Robert J. Conrad Jr., who heads the…
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‘Weird,’ ‘confusing,’ ‘disheartening’: Colorado Supreme Court under fire over racial bias proposal
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Several members of a Colorado Supreme Court advisory committee aired their frustration last week after the justices announced they had reached consensus on a proposal to combat racial discrimination in jury selection — by substantially watering down the protections built into the original draft. The Supreme Court took the unusual step of asking its Rules of…
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‘100% Ted Lasso’: Timothy O’Hara ceremonially sworn in as federal magistrate judge
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Over two decades ago, Timothy P. O’Hara walked into the Chicago courtroom of Judge Thomas More Donnelly and auditioned in a mock trial for a legal fellowship program Donnelly directed. O’Hara appeared to be a natural trial attorney, Donnelly and the other coaches agreed, but they identified one problem. “Our head coach put it bluntly:…
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‘We all have to take care of each other’: Appeals judges get personal in Jeffco high school appearance
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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 committee advances bill to create 29 judgeships, with lawmaker support delicate
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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…
