The Twelfth Judicial District Commission on Judicial
Performance unanimously recommends the retention
of Judge Martin A. Gonzales as Alamosa County Judge.
Judge Gonzales has served as the Alamosa County Judge since September
1, 2001. Judge Gonzales is a 1975 graduate of the University of
Colorado. He received his law degree from the University of Colorado
in 1978 and was admitted to the Colorado bar that same year. Judge
Gonzales was in private practice in the San Luis Valley from 1978
until his appointment to the Alamosa County Bench.
As a County Judge, Judge Gonzales presides over traffic cases,
misdemeanors, petty offenses, felony preliminary hearings, small
claims, and civil cases not exceeding $15,000. Judge Gonzales also
serves as the Twelfth Judicial District's Juvenile Magistrate, a
position he designed and implemented prior to taking the County
Court Bench.
Judge Gonzales has brought over 25 years of legal experience, a
commitment to hard work, and a demonstrated capacity for innovation
and change to the Alamosa County Court. The impact this has had
on the Alamosa County Court is clearly reflected in the Commission's
survey results. Judge Gonzales' ratings from attorneys for identifying
and analyzing relevant facts and knowing Court procedural and evidentiary
rules exceeded the average ratings for both county and district
judges state-wide. Similarly, Judge Gonzales received above average
ratings for being prepared for court and providing prompt access
to the Court for emergency matters. In addition implementing the
Juvenile Magistrate position, he has assisted in the implementation
of a private probation service in the San Luis Valley.
Judge Gonzales views community service as extremely important and
has been very active in a broad spectrum of community programs for
many years. He has been recognized at both the local and state level
for his contributions, and currently serves on a number of local
boards of directors. |