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Michael J. Watanabe

Trial Court · Arapahoe · Arapahoe

Meets Standards(Retain)2 cycles on record

Evaluation history

  • 1996 retention cycle
    Trial Court · Arapahoe · Arapahoe
    Meets Standards(Retain)
    VotersRetained· 64.4% yes
    101,505 yes · 56,191 no50% needed to retain
    Retention Year: 1996 Recommendation: Retain The Commission unanimously recommends that Judge Michael J. Watanabe BE RETAINED. Judge Watanabe was appointed to the bench in 1987. In 1994 and 1995 he presided exclusively in domestic relations court, but this year splits time between criminal and juvenile court. In no category of attorney evaluations did Judge Watanabe receive less than strong approval, and his marks were particularly high in knowledge of the law, evidence, and procedure. Only in the area of fair sentencing were a substantial percentage of responses negative, but the number of respondents was small and the commission feels probably insignificant. The opinions of court personnel were universally favorable in almost all considered categories, and, as those of responding attorneys, praised Judge Watanabe’s work ethic and sense of fairness. The evaluations of litigants concerning Judge Watanabe were generally favorable.
  • 1990 retention cycle
    Trial Court · Arapahoe · Arapahoe
    Meets Standards(Retain)
    VotersRetained· 64.3% yes
    65,103 yes · 36,212 no50% needed to retain
    Retention Year: 1990 Recommendation: Retain Judicial Performance Commission’s recommendation: Should Be Retained. Judge Watanabe was admitted to practice law in 1979. He served as deputy legislative counsel in Nevada for one year, as a deputy district attorney in Colorado for five years, and was in private practice for two years. He was appointed to the district court in 1987. He is assigned to approximately 1,200 cases in the civil, probate and mental health area, and the grand jury. Prior to this appointment, he served in the criminal division. Several respondents commented he lacked sensitivity in some matters; more indicated he is a well prepared, professional judge who works very hard. He manages his docket efficiently and is courteous.

Surveys & reports

No survey reports on record for this judge.

Sources