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Joseph R. Whitfield Jr.

Trial Court · Arapahoe · Arapahoe

Meets Standards1 cycle on record

Evaluation history

  • 2024 retention cycle
    Trial Court · Arapahoe · Arapahoe
    Meets Standards
    VotersRetained· 57.0% yes
    250,176 yes · 188,387 no50% needed to retain
    Retention Year: 2024Recommendation: Meets Performance Standards Reports: 2024 Retention Survey Report (PDF) 2023 Interim Survey Report (PDF) Need an accessible PDF Document Version? Please click on the link below and email our staff Contact Us The Eighteenth Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance voted 5-2, with three commissioners absent from voting, that Judge Joseph R. Whitfield, Jr. MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS. Judge Whitfield presides over a criminal docket in Arapahoe County, Colorado. His strengths include his willingness to make decisions free from outside pressures, maintaining appropriate control of proceedings, preparation, and providing litigants with ample time to present their case. Judge Whitfield has learned issuing decisions from the bench advantages his docket management. Judge Whitfield takes pride in “being himself” on the bench. The Commission believes Judge Whitfield is passionate about serving his community. He makes commendable efforts to stay apprised of developing law and works hard to manage a busy docket and trial schedule. The Commission observed Judge Whitfield in court and reviewed judicial performance survey responses from attorneys and non-attorneys who appeared in his courtroom. Among the attorneys responding to the survey, 54% answered yes that Judge Whitfield meets performance standards; 38% answered no; and 8% had no opinion. Of the non-attorneys responding to the survey, 78% answered yes; 11% answered no; and 11% had no opinion. A total of 24 attorneys and 13 non-attorneys responded to the judicial performance survey expressing their opinion of Judge Whitfield. In addition to meeting with Judge Whitfield and Chief Judge Amico, the Commission interviewed members of the District Attorney’s Office, Public Defender’s Office, and Probation regarding their interactions with and impressions of Judge Whitfield’s performance. While some raised concerns about Judge Whitfield’s timeliness, case management, and a bias in favor of prosecutors when making decisions, a healthy sampling of appellate judges gave Judge Whitfield extremely high marks based on their review of his rulings The Committee anticipates that Judge Whitfield will remain receptive to constructive criticism as he continues to grow in his role as a judicial officer.

Surveys & reports

  • 2024 cycle
    • 2023 Interim Survey Report(PDF on OJPE)
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      ## Page 1 The Honorable Judge Joseph R. Whitfield, Jr. 2023 Judicial Performance Survey Report District C ourt Conducted by: 511 Congress Street, Suite 801 Portland, ME 04101 www.marketdecisions.com ## Page 2 Contents Summary of Results. . 3 Overall Score. . 3 Performance Scores . . 4 Individual Category Scores . . 5 Summary of Responses . . 6 Detailed Report . . 7 Case Management . . 7 Application and Knowledge of Law . . 8 Communications. . 9 Demeanor . .10 Diligence . .11 Fairness . .12 Survey of Appellate Judges . .13 Appendix 1. Survey Methods – Attorney and Non-attorney . .14 Methodology and How to Read Results . .14 Appendix 2. Survey Methodology - Appellate Judges. .17 Methodology and How to Read Results . .17 Appendix 3: Judge Response Counts by Type of Respondent . .18 i ## Page 3 Summary of Results For Judge Whitfield, Jr., 37 individuals completed surveys with at least a single rating question answered. This report reflects these 37 responses. Respondents rated judges on various questions using an A to F scale, in which the grades were then converted to the following numerical scores: A= 4, B=3, C=2, D=1 and Fail=0. An average score of 4.0 is the highest possible score and a 0.0 is the lowest possible score. Overall Score 4 3.4 3.3 3 2 1 0 Judge Whitfield, Jr. All District Judges Judge Whitfield, All District Judges Jr. Overall Grade 3.3 3.4 2023 Judicial Performance Survey Report for Judge Joseph R. Whitfield, Jr. 3 ## Page 4 Performance Scores 100% 88% 81% 82% 80% 72% 60% 40% 22% 20% 14% 14% 6% 5% 6% 6% 5% 0% Judge Whitfield, Jr. All District Judges Judge Whitfield, Jr. All District Judges Attorneys Non-Attorneys Yes, meets performance standards No, does not meet performance standards No opinion Attorneys Non-Attorneys Judge All Judge All Whitfield, District Whitfield, D istrict Jr. Judges Jr. Judges Yes, meets performance 72% 81% 88% 82% standards No, does not meet 22% 14% 6% 14% performance standards No opinion 6% 5% 6% 5% Note: All percentages in this report are rounded to the nearest percentage point. 2023 Judicial Performance Survey Report for Judge Joseph R. Whitfield, Jr. 4 ## Page 5 Individual Category Scores 0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 2.9 Case Management 3.4 3.1 Application and Knowledge of Law 3.3 3.4 Communications 3.5 3.3 Diligence 3.4 3.4 Demeanor 3.4 3.1 Fairness 3.3 Judge Whitfield, Jr. All District Judges Judge All District Whitfield, Judges Jr. Case Management 2.9 3.4 Application and Knowledge 3.1 3.3 of Law Communications 3.4 3.5 Diligence 3.3 3.4 Demeanor 3.4 3.4 Fairness 3.1 3.3 2023 Judicial Performance Survey Report for Judge Joseph R. Whitfield, Jr. 5 ## Page 6 Summary of Responses Percent Number Response with with Group Responses Rate Sufficient Sufficient Knowledge K nowledge Attorneys 25 19% 76% 19 Non-Attorneys 18 - - 18 *Some non-attorney evaluations are self-selected, making calculating a response rate impossible. The non-attorney group includes staff, jurors, litigants, and witnesses including law enforcement officers. It also includes responses provided through the open Citizen feedback survey. Judge Whitfield, Jr. received 1 response(s) via the Citizen Feedback survey. Those responses are included with non-attorney results wherever applicable. However, as self-selected evaluations they cannot be included in response rates. 2023 Judicial Performance Survey Report for Judge Joseph R. Whitfield, Jr. 6 ## Page 7 Detailed R eport Case Management 0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 Judge Whitfield, Jr. Overall 2.9 District Judges Overall 3.4 Judge Whitfield, Jr. Attorneys 2.7 Judge Whitfield, Jr. Non-Attorneys 3.6 Judge Judge District Judge Whitfield, Jr. Number of Whitfield, Jr. Judges Whitfield, Jr. Non- Responses Overall Overall Attorneys Attorneys Promptly issuing a decision on 2.6 3.4 2.2 3.4 19 the case after trial Maintaining appropriate control 3.1 3.4 2.8 3.8 27 over proceedings Promptly ruling on pre-trial 2.4 3.3 2.0 3.4 24 motions Setting reasonable schedules for 3.2 3.3 3.1 3.6 27 cases 2023 Judicial Performance Survey Report for Judge Joseph R. Whitfield, Jr. 7 ## Page 8 Application and Knowledge of Law 0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 Judge Whitfield, Jr. Overall 3.1 District Judges Overall 3.3 Judge Whitfield, Jr. Attorneys 2.8 Judge Whitfield, Jr. Non-Attorneys 3.5 Judge Judge District Judge Whitfield, Jr. Number of Whitfield, Jr. Judges Whitfield, Jr. Non- Responses Overall Overall Attorneys Attorneys Being able to identify and analyze 3.1 3.3 2.6 3.5 34 relevant facts Basing decisions on evidence 2.6 3.2 2.6 N/A 17 and arguments Issuing consistent sentences when the circumstances are 2.9 3.3 2.9 N/A 17 similar Consistently applying laws and 2.8 3.2 2.8 N/A 18 rules Giving reasons for rulings 3.5 3.3 N/A 3.5 17 Willing to make decisions without regard to possible outside 3.4 3.4 N/A 3.4 16 pressure 2023 Judicial Performance Survey Report for Judge Joseph R. Whitfield, Jr. 8 ## Page 9 Communications 0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 Judge Whitfield, Jr. Overall 3.4 District Judges Overall 3.5 Judge Whitfield, Jr. Attorneys 3 Judge Whitfield, Jr. Non-Attorneys 3.9 Judge Judge District Judge Whitfield, Jr. Number of Whitfield, Jr. Judges Whitfield, Jr. Non- Responses Overall Overall Attorneys Attorneys Making sure all participants 3.6 3.5 3.3 3.8 36 understand the proceedings Providing written communications that are clear, 2.6 3.3 2.6 N/A 17 thorough and well-reasoned Using language that everyone 3.9 3.6 N/A 3.9 18 can understand Speaking clearly so everyone in the courtroom can hear what’s 3.9 3.7 N/A 3.9 18 being said 2023 Judicial Performance Survey Report for Judge Joseph R. Whitfield, Jr. 9 ## Page 10 Demeanor 0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 Judge Whitfield, Jr. Score 3.4 District Judges Overall 3.4 Judge Whitfield, Jr. Attorneys 3.1 Judge Whitfield, Jr. Non-Attorneys 3.7 Judge Judge District Judge Whitfield, Jr. Number of Whitfield, Jr. Judges Whitfield, Jr. Non- Responses Score Overall Attorneys Attorneys Giving proceedings a sense of 3.4 3.5 3.1 3.8 36 dignity Treating participants with 3.4 3.4 3.2 3.7 36 respect Having a sense of compassion and human understanding for 3.6 3.4 N/A 3.6 17 those who appear before him/her 2023 Judicial Performance Survey Report for Judge Joseph R. Whitfield, Jr. 10 ## Page 11 Diligence 0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 Judge Whitfield, Jr. Score 3.3 District Judges Overall 3.4 Judge Whitfield, Jr. Attorneys 2.9 Judge Whitfield, Jr. Non-Attorneys 3.7 Judge Judge District Judge Whitfield, Jr. Number of Whitfield, Jr. Judges Whitfield, Jr. Non- Responses Score Overall Attorneys Attorneys Using good judgment in application of relevant law and 2.8 3.2 2.8 N/A 18 rules Being willing to handle cases on the docket even when they are 3.2 3.4 3.2 N/A 18 complicated and time consuming Doing the necessary “homework” 2.8 3.3 2.8 N/A 18 and being prepared for cases Beginning court on time. 3.6 3.6 N/A 3.6 17 Maintaining appropriate control 3.8 3.6 N/A 3.8 17 over proceedings Setting reasonable schedules for 3.7 3.4 N/A 3.7 17 cases Being prepared for cases. 3.7 3.5 N/A 3.7 17 Managing court proceedings so 3.8 3.4 N/A 3.8 17 that there is little wasted time 2023 Judicial Performance Survey Report for Judge Joseph R. Whitfield, Jr. 11 ## Page 12 Fairness 0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 Judge Whitfield, Jr. Score 3.1 District Judges Overall 3.3 Judge Whitfield, Jr. Attorneys 2.7 Judge Whitfield, Jr. Non-Attorneys 3.6 Judge Judge Judge District Number of Whitfield, Jr. Whitfield, Jr. Whitfield, Jr. Judges Overall Responses Score Attorneys Non-Attorneys Giving participants an 3.6 3.4 N/A 3.6 17 opportunity to be heard Treating those involved 3.4 3.3 N/A 3.4 17 in the case without bias Treating fairly people who represent 3.8 3.4 N/A 3.8 12 themselves Giving each side enough time to present his or her 3.6 3.4 N/A 3.6 16 case Conducting their courtroom in a neutral 3.1 3.4 2.7 3.5 35 manner. Being fair and impartial 2.7 3.3 2.7 N/A 18 to both sides. 2023 Judicial Performance Survey Report for Judge Joseph R. Whitfield, Jr. 12 ## Page 13 Survey of Appellate Judges For Judge Whitfield, Jr. 6 appellate judges agreed they had worked with Judge Whitfield, Jr. enough to evaluate their performance. 0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 Judge Whitfield, Jr. Score 3.5 District Judges Overall 3.4 Judge Whitfield, Jr. District Judges Number of Score Overall Responses Overall performance as a judge 3.5 3.4 6 2023 Judicial Performance Survey Report for Judge Joseph R. Whitfield, Jr. 13 ## Page 14 Appendix 1. Survey M ethods – A ttorney an d Non- attorney Methodology and How to Read Results For Judge Whitfield, Jr., 37 individuals completed surveys with at least a single rating question answered. This report reflects these 37 responses. The survey results are divided into eight sections: Case Management, Application and Knowledge of Law, Communications, Demeanor, Diligence, Fairness, Strengths, and Weaknesses. a. Response rates Attorneys During the administration, 76,755 survey invitations were sent to 10,611 attorneys inviting them to evaluate judges and justices receiving reports in 2023. On average, each attorney was asked to evaluate 7 judges. In total, 7,151 surveys were completed with 10,495 more responses where the attorney indicated they did not have enough experience with the judge to be comfortable evaluating them. The response rate for the survey was 9% and the survey completion rate (the number of those familiar indicating they did not have sufficient familiarity to evaluate the judge) was 23%. In addition to emailed invitations, attorneys could self-select the judges to evaluate via a public link. Non-attorneys The 2023 administration expanded on contacting non-attorneys electronically. More non-attorney email addresses became available due to administrative changes in the courts. In total 93,819 non-attorneys were invited via email. Some non-attorney groups could self-select which judges they would like to evaluate. Court staff members were emailed a link that allowed them to self-select the judges wished to evaluate in their county or district. Jurors, in addition to email, could similarly self-select via publicly posted links. The public was also allowed to self-select via a separate public link. These methods allowed us to gather more data than previous cycles, however the inclusion of self-selected evaluations makes it impossible to calculate a response rate. In total, 5,463 surveys were completed with 2,466 more responses where the respondent indicated they did not have enough experience with the judge to be comfortable providing an evaluation. b. Methodology The 2023 attorney survey was conducted in 4 cycles online beginning on July 21st, 2022. Attorneys with appearances in front of judges in each quarter were sent a sent a series of email invitations. Invitations were emailed to attorneys with appearances during the first and second quarters of 2022 on July 21st, 2022. Reminders were sent on August 3rd and August 10th, 2 022. This process was repeated among attorneys with appearances in the third quarter of 2022 with email invitations sent on October 20th, 2022 and reminders was sent on November 3rd, 2 022 and November 9th, 2 022. The final data collection took place in January 2023. Invitations were emailed to attorneys with appearances during the 4th quarter of 2022 on January 14th, 2 023. Reminders were sent on January 23rd and January 28th, 2023. Invitations were sent out on request throughout the data collection process. In addition to emailed invitation attorneys could self-select via a public link throughout the entire data collection period. Data was downloaded for analysis on February 3rd, 2023. 2023 Judicial Performance Survey Report for Judge Joseph R. Whitfield, Jr. 14 ## Page 15 Data collection for non-attorneys began on January 1st, 2022 and ran through the response deadline of February 3rd, 2023. Survey invitations were sent via email to most non-attorneys in quarterly batches mirroring the process used for attorneys. Court staff members were also invited via email but using a different process. To help reduce the administrative burden, the way that court staff were invited was changed for this cycle. Rather than be invited to evaluate specific judges, staff are now brought to a screen showing a list of all judges in their district or county and allowed to choose which to evaluate. Jurors, in addition to email, were allowed to similarly self-select via publicly posted links. The general public was also allowed to self-select via a separate public link. This survey was open for the entire data collection period and data was downloaded for analysis on February 3rd, 2023. During this period 1,296 valid responses were received. The survey remained open and any responses received after February 3rd or f or judges not receiving an evaluation in 2023 were held over for the 2024 evaluation cycle. Details on the responses from each group are detailed in the table below. Table 1: Non-Attorney completes by invitation method Invitation Method Invites Sent Completes Response Rate Non-attorney email 93,819 5,985 6% Court Staff Email Invite (Self- 3,427 1,864 N/A select) Citizen Feedback Unknown 113 N/A Juror Survey Unknown 1,296 N/A c. Questions In the core of the survey, attorneys evaluated district and county judges on 17 aspects of judicial performance and appellate judges on 12 aspects of judicial performance using a grade scale of A, B, C, D, or F. These aspects were grouped by topic into different categories, five for district and county judges and two for appellate judges. The district and county categories were: Case Management, Application and Knowledge of Law, Communications, Demeanor, Diligence and fairness. Questions regarding appellate judges were divided into two categories, one for general questions and one specific to their writing (only asked of those who indicated they had experience with the judge or justice’s written opinions). In a final question, respondents were asked if they thought whether the judge met judicial performance standards The question wording for the core of the survey was carried over from the 2022 administration. The questions were originally developed in 1998 to meet the criteria outlined in statute 13-5.5-101 et seq. Non-attorney respondents evaluated judges on 23 aspects of judicial performance using the same grade scale of A, B, C, D, or Fail. In a final question, respondents were asked if they thought whether the judge met judicial performance standards. The overall structure of the survey was similar to the attorney survey, but the individual rating questions were tailored to aspects that could be rated by those without specific legal experience. d. Analysis and Reporting Letter grades were converted to a numerical score where A = 4, B = 3, C = 2, D = 1 and Fail = 0 for analysis. The results include an overall grade, a grade for each category, as well as a grade for each question. The overall score is calculated by averaging the responses to all questions answered by the attorneys. This score will have the same numerical range as the individual questions from zero to four. 2023 Judicial Performance Survey Report for Judge Joseph R. Whitfield, Jr. 15 ## Page 16 Each category score is calculated by averaging the responses to all questions answered by the attorney within each category. This score will have the same zero to four numerical range as the individual questions. Similarly, an average score is calculated for each individual question with the exception of the final question on meeting performance standards. The overall average and category scores will be reported for each judge along with the average scores for the judge’s peers. The average score (with the exception noted above) will also be reported for each question along with the peer group score. In addition, the report will include the distribution of responses for each question, i.e., the percentage of attorneys that assigned a rating of A, B, C, D, and F. The distribution of responses is also reported for the question on retention. e. Comments At the end of each group of questions respondents had the option of leaving comments about the judge’s performance in that area. By statute, these comments are confidential and only provided to the judge and the District Commission on Judicial Performance. They are not released to the public when the rest of the report is released. 2023 Judicial Performance Survey Report for Judge Joseph R. Whitfield, Jr. 16 ## Page 17 Appendix 2. Survey M ethodology - A ppellate Ju dges Methodology and How to Read Results a. Response rates Invitations were sent via email to all 37 Supreme Court justices and Court of Appeals judges. Of these, 6 completed the survey and felt they had sufficient knowledge of Judge Whitfield, Jr. to evaluate their performance. b. Methodology Appellate judges were surveyed to evaluate the performance of district judges standing for retention. This evaluation of district judges was conducted via an online survey hosted in the Voxco survey software. An email invitation was sent on January 11th, 2023. Reminders were sent on January 19th a nd January 25th 2 023. c. Questions Due to the large number of judges being evaluated, the district judge evaluation survey consisted of a single question pertaining to each judge. Appellate judges and justices were asked to evaluate the district judge’s overall performance as a judge on a grade scale of A-F with A being “Excellent” and F being “Fail”. In the survey, the district judges being evaluated were grouped by district with the districts presented in random order to reduce bias. d. Analysis and Reporting Letter grades were then converted to a numerical score where A = 4, B = 3, C = 2, D = 1 and Fail = 0 for analysis. The overall score is calculated by averaging the responses to all questions answered. This score will have the same numerical range as the individual questions from zero to four. The overall average will be reported for each judge along with the average scores for the judge’s peers. In addition, the report will include the distribution of responses for each question. That is, the percentage of respondents that assigned a rating of A, B, C, D, and F. e. Comments Respondents were given the option to leave supporting comments in a box next to where they graded each judge. By statute, these comments are confidential and only provided to the judge and the District Commission on Judicial Performance. They are not released to the public when the rest of the report is released. 2023 Judicial Performance Survey Report for Judge Joseph R. Whitfield, Jr. 17 ## Page 18 Appendix 3: Judge Response Counts by Type of Respondent Number of Cooperation Respondent Type Total Sent Completes* Responses Rate Attorney 132 25 19 76% Staff - 1 1 - Others 207 7 7 100% Juror - 9 9 - Citizen Feedback - 1 1 Total Non-Attorneys - 18 18 - Total Respondents - 43 37 - *Completed surveys include respondents who said that they have sufficient experience to evaluate the judge. 2023 Judicial Performance Survey Report for Judge Joseph R. Whitfield, Jr. 18
    • 2024 Retention Survey Report(PDF on OJPE)
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      ## Page 1 The Honorable Judge Jo seph R. Whitfield, Jr. 2024 Judicial Performance Survey Report District Court Conducted by: 511 Congress Street, Suite 801 Portland, ME 04101 www.marketdecisions.com ## Page 2 Contents Summary of Results. . 3 Overall Score. . 4 Performance Scores. . 5 Individual Category Scores . . 6 Detailed Report . . 7 Case Management . . 7 Application and Knowledge of Law . . 8 Communications. . 9 Demeanor. . 10 Diligence. . 11 Fairness. . 12 Survey of Appellate Judges. . 13 Appendix 1. Survey Methods – Attorney and Non-attorney . . 14 Methodology and How to Read Results . . 14 Appendix 2. Survey Methodology - District Judge Survey by Appellate Judges. . 20 Methodology and How to Read Results . . 20 i ## Page 3 Summary of Results For Judge Whitfield, Jr., 37 individuals completed surveys with at least a single rating question answered. This report reflects these 37 responses. Invitation Number of Respondent Type Sent Responses Attorney email invite 343 24 Attorney Survey Website N/A 0 Court Attorney (self-select) 58 0 Total Attorneys - 24 Non-attorney email Invite 265 12 Court Staff Email Invite (Self-select) 2497 1 Citizen Feedback - 0 Juror Survey - 0 Total Non-Attorneys - 13 Total N/A 37 Respondents were asked to rate the judges on these aspects of judicial performance using the categories of Never or Almost Never, Once in a While, Some of the Time, Frequently, and Every or Almost Every Time. These categories were converted into a numeric scale from 0 to 4: Never or Almost Never – 0; Once in a While – 1; Some of the Time – 2; Frequently – 3; Every or Almost Every Time – 4. For the following questions, the scales were reversed because these are behaviors judges should not demonstrate: Never or Almost Never – 4; Once in a While – 3; Some of the Time – 2; Frequently – 1; Every or Almost Every Time – 0. Fails to provide a proper legal basis for a decision When issuing a ruling, the judge fails to provide an explanation for the decision Overreacts to an incident(s) in the courtroom Addresses individuals (e.g. attorneys, court staff, litigants, public witnesses) disrespectfully in the courtroom. Appears to decide the outcome of the case before all evidence Unnecessarily restricts a party’s presentation 2024 Judicial Performance Survey Report for Judge Joseph R. Whitfield, Jr. 3 ## Page 4 Overall Score 4.0 3.0 2.8 2.0 1.0 0.0 Judge Whitfield, Jr. Overall Judge Whitfield, Number of Responses Jr. Overall Overall Grade 2.8 37 2024 Judicial Performance Survey Report for Judge Joseph R. Whitfield, Jr. 4 ## Page 5 Performance Scores Percentage Number of Responses Non- Non- Attorneys Attorneys Attorneys Attorneys Yes, meets performance 54% 78% 13 7 standards No, does not meet performance 38% 11% 9 1 standards No opinion 8% 11% 2 1 Note: All percentages in this report are rounded to the nearest percentage point. 2024 Judicial Performance Survey Report for Judge Joseph R. Whitfield, Jr. 5 ## Page 6 Individual Category Scores Judge Whitfield, Jr. Score 0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 Case Management 2.8 Application and Knowledge of Law 2.7 Communications 2.9 Diligence 2.7 Demeanor 3.0 Fairness 2.7 Judge Whitfield, Jr. Score Judge Number of Whitfield, Jr. Responses Score Case Management 2.8 37 Application and Knowledge of Law 2.7 35 Communications 2.9 35 Diligence 2.7 34 Demeanor 3.0 34 Fairness 2.7 33 2024 Judicial Performance Survey Report for Judge Joseph R. Whitfield, Jr. 6 ## Page 7 Detailed Report Case Management 0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 Overall 2.8 Attorneys 2.5 Non-Attorneys 3.3 Non- Number of Overall Attorneys Attorneys Responses Promptly issues a decision on the case after 2.3 2.4 2.2 23 trial. Maintains appropriate control over proceedings. 3.0 2.7 3.6 37 Promptly rules on pre-trial motions. 2.1 1.6 3.2 33 Sets reasonable schedules for cases. 3.0 2.8 3.5 36 Provides an alternative to in-person hearings 2.9 2.7 3.4 30 when appropriate. 2024 Judicial Performance Survey Report for Judge Joseph R. Whitfield, Jr. 7 ## Page 8 Application and Knowledge of Law 0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 Overall 2.7 Attorneys 2.4 Non-Attorneys 3.2 Non- Number of Overall Attorneys Attorneys Responses Is able to identify and analyze relevant facts. 2.6 2.3 3.4 34 Bases decisions on evidence and arguments. 2.3 2.3 N/A 24 Issues consistent decisions when the 2.6 2.6 N/A 18 circumstances are similar. Rulings cite the applicable substantive law. 2.4 2.4 N/A 22 Consistently applies laws and rules. 2.4 2.4 N/A 20 Fails to provide a proper legal basis for a 2.4 2.4 N/A 22 decision. * Gives reasons for rulings. 3.0 N/A 3.0 11 Willing to make decisions without regard to 3.3 N/A 3.3 10 possible outside pressure. * Since this represents negative behavior, the score was reversed. 2024 Judicial Performance Survey Report for Judge Joseph R. Whitfield, Jr. 8 ## Page 9 Communications 0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 Overall 2.9 Attorneys 2.6 Non-Attorneys 3.6 Non- Number of Overall Attorneys Attorneys Responses Makes sure all participants understand the 2.9 2.7 3.4 35 proceedings. When issuing a ruling, the judge fails to provide 2.7 2.7 N/A 23 an explanation for the decision. * Provides written communications that are clear, 2.3 2.3 N/A 23 thorough, and well- reasoned. Listens carefully during court proceedings. 2.8 2.8 N/A 24 Uses language that everyone can understand. 4.0 N/A 4.0 11 Speaks clearly so everyone in the courtroom 3.7 N/A 3.7 11 can understand what's being said. Gives reasons for a ruling when needed. 3.3 N/A 3.3 10 * Since this represents negative behavior, the score was reversed. 2024 Judicial Performance Survey Report for Judge Joseph R. Whitfield, Jr. 9 ## Page 10 Demeanor 0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 Overall 3.0 Attorneys 2.8 Non-Attorneys 3.4 Non- Number of Overall Attorneys Attorneys Responses Gives proceedings a sense of dignity. 2.9 2.7 3.5 34 Treats participants with respect. 2.9 2.6 3.6 34 Overreacts to an incident(s) in the courtroom. * 2.8 2.8 N/A 23 Addresses individuals (e.g. attorneys, court staff, litigants, public witnesses) disrespectfully 2.8 2.8 N/A 24 in the courtroom. * Maintains a professional demeanor in the 2.9 2.9 N/A 24 courtroom. Has a sense of compassion and human 3.1 N/A 3.1 10 understanding for those who appear in court. * Since this represents negative behavior, the score was reversed. 2024 Judicial Performance Survey Report for Judge Joseph R. Whitfield, Jr. 10 ## Page 11 Diligence 0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 Overall 2.7 Attorneys 2.4 Non-Attorneys 3.2 Non- Number of Overall Attorneys Attorneys Responses Uses good judgment in application of relevant 2.2 2.2 N/A 22 law and rules. Is willing to handle cases on the docket even when they are complicated and time 2.8 2.8 N/A 20 consuming. Does the necessary “homework” and is 2.3 2.3 N/A 24 prepared for cases. Begins court on time. 3.3 N/A 3.3 10 Maintains appropriate control over proceedings. 3.5 N/A 3.5 10 Sets reasonable schedules for cases. 3.4 N/A 3.4 8 Is prepared for cases 3.4 N/A 3.4 7 Manages court proceedings so there is little 3.0 N/A 3.0 9 wasted time. 2024 Judicial Performance Survey Report for Judge Joseph R. Whitfield, Jr. 11 ## Page 12 Fairness 0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 Overall 2.7 Attorneys 2.5 Non-Attorneys 3.2 Non- Number of Overall Attorneys Attorneys Responses Gives participants an opportunity to be heard. 3.2 N/A 3.2 9 Treats those involved in the case without bias. 3.3 N/A 3.3 9 Treats people fairly who represent themselves. 3.3 N/A 3.3 6 Gives each side enough time to present their 3.6 N/A 3.6 7 case. Conducts their courtroom in a neutral manner. 2.2 2.2 N/A 24 Is fair and impartial to both sides. 2.2 2.2 N/A 24 Appears to decide the outcome of the case 2.6 2.6 N/A 23 before all evidence. * Unnecessarily restricts a party's presentation. * 3.2 3.2 N/A 23 * Since this represents negative behavior, the score was reversed. 2024 Judicial Performance Survey Report for Judge Joseph R. Whitfield, Jr. 12 ## Page 13 Survey of Appellate Judges For Judge Whitfield, Jr. 7 appellate judges agreed they had worked with Judge Whitfield, Jr. enough to evaluate their performance. 4.0 3.9 3.0 2.0 1.0 0.0 Judge Whitfield, Jr. Overall Judge Whitfield, Jr. Number of Responses Overall Overall performance as a judge 3.9 7 2024 Judicial Performance Survey Report for Judge Joseph R. Whitfield, Jr. 13 ## Page 14 Appendix 1. Survey Methods – At torney and No n- attorney Methodology and How to Read Results For Judge Whitfield, Jr., 37 individuals completed surveys with at least a single rating question answered. This report reflects these 37 responses. The survey results are divided into eight sections: Case Management, Application and Knowledge of Law, Communications, Demeanor, Diligence, Fairness, Strengths, and Weaknesses. A. Response Rates Attorneys The response rate is the number of attorneys that answered at least one survey question divided by the total number of attorneys that were asked to evaluate judges. During the 2024 cycle, 11,083 attorneys were sampled and asked to evaluate 1 or more judges. Among these attorneys, 4,251 responded. The attorney response rate is 38%. The judge completion rate is the total number of attorney/judge pairs (each instance an attorney was asked to evaluate an individual judge with an answer to one or more questions regarding this specific judge) divided by the total number of attorney/judge pairs included in the cycle. During the cycle there was a total of 119,479 pairs with 16,041 responses, for a judge completion rate of 13%. This includes 10,359 responses where the attorneys lacked sufficient knowledge to evaluate the judge. The evaluation completion rate is the number of evaluations with response to the aspects of judicial performance questions (5,682) divided by the total number of responses, including those where the attorney indicated she lacked sufficient knowledge to evaluate the judge (16,041). The evaluation completion rate is 35%. During the course of this cycle, most attorneys were asked to participate in more than one quarterly data collection administration to evaluate different judges, with a maximum of three administrations during the cycle. In addition, attorneys were allowed to evaluate judges who were not included in their invitations. A total of 637 surveys were completed among those attorneys selecting other judges to evaluate. These surveys were not factored in the survey response or completion rates but were factored into the percentage and counts of evaluations with answers to the aspects of judicial performance questions. Non-attorneys Court staff select judges to evaluate. Because they selected judges themselves, the response rate cannot be calculated. Similarly, we don’t know the sample size of the juror survey because the survey was administrated by the court. We also don’t know the sample size of the citizens feedback survey because citizens self select to participate. Thus, the response rate of these groups cannot be calculated. During the 2024 cycle, 117,355 non-attorneys (not including court staff, jurors, and citizens) were sampled and asked to evaluate one or more judges. Among these non-attorneys, 6,614 responded. The non-attorney response rate is 6%. Note that the judge completion rate is equal to response rate among non-attorneys. 2024 Judicial Performance Survey Report for Judge Joseph R. Whitfield, Jr. 14 ## Page 15 The evaluation completion rate is the number of evaluations with responses to the aspects of judicial performance questions, 3,794, divided by the total number of responses, including those where the attorney indicated they lacked sufficient knowledge to evaluate the judge (6,641). The evaluation completion rate is 57%. Summary of Response Rates for Reporting Details of the responses from each group used in reporting aspects of judicial performance are included in the table below. Table 1: Answered Questions About Aspects of Invitation Method Invitations Sent Judicial Performance Attorney Attorney email 119,479 5,682 Attorney Survey Website N/A 21 Court Attorney (self-select) 58 37 Non-attorney Non-attorney email 117,355 3,794 Court Staff Email Invite (Self-select) 2497 793 Appellate Judge 260 992 Citizen Feedback N/A 43 Juror Survey Unknown 42 B. Methodology The 2024 attorney survey was conducted in four cycles online, beginning on September 10, 2023. Invitations were emailed to attorneys with appearances during the first and second quarters of 2023, 2023. Reminders were sent on September 18 and October 10, 2023. This process was repeated among attorneys with appearances in the third quarter of 2023 with email invitations sent on November 2, 2023, with reminders sent on November 9, 2023, and November 16, 2023. The final data collection occurred in January 2024. On January 14, 2024, invitations were emailed to attorneys with appearances during the fourth quarter of 2023. Reminders were sent on January 23 and January 28, 2023. Invitations were sent out by request throughout the data collection process. In addition to emailed invitations, throughout the entire data collection period attorneys could self-select via a public link. Data was downloaded for analysis on February 5, 2024. Data collection for non-attorneys began on September 9, 2023, and ran through the response deadline of February 4, 2024. Survey invitations were sent via email in quarterly batches to most non-attorneys, mirroring the process used for attorneys. Court staff members were also invited via email but using a different process. Rather than be invited to evaluate specific judges, staff are provided with a list of all judges in their district or county and allowed to choose which to evaluate. Jurors received email invitations and were also allowed to self-select via publicly posted links. The general public was also allowed to self-select via a separate public link. This survey was open for the entire data collection period and data was downloaded for analysis on February 4, 2024. The survey remained open and any responses for judges received after February 4 were held over for the 2025 evaluation cycle. Citizens could evaluate judges by accessing the survey through a link available on the Colorado OJPE website. 2024 Judicial Performance Survey Report for Judge Joseph R. Whitfield, Jr. 15 ## Page 16 C. Questions In the core of the survey, attorneys and non-attorneys (27 attorney and 24 non-attorney) evaluated district and county judges on 50 aspects of judicial performance. These aspects represent the behaviors that judges should or should not demonstrate. The questions asked of attorneys and non-attorneys are listed in the following table: Questions for Attorney to evaluate district and county judges Case Management Promptly issuing a decision on the case after trial Maintaining appropriate control over proceedings Promptly ruling on pre-trial motions Setting reasonable schedules for cases Provides an alternative to in-person hearings when appropriate Application and Knowledge of Law Is able to identify and analyze relevant facts Bases decisions on evidence and arguments Issues consistent decisions when the circumstances are similar Rulings cite the applicable substantive law Consistently applies laws and rules Fails to provide a proper legal basis for a decision Communications Makes sure all participants understand the proceedings When issuing a ruling, the judge fails to provide an explanation for the decision Provides written communications that are clear, thorough, and well- reasoned Listens carefully during court proceedings Demeanor Gives proceedings a sense of dignity Treats participants with respect Overreacts to an incident(s) in the courtroom Addresses individuals (e.g., attorneys, court staff, litigants, public witnesses) disrespectfully in the courtroom Maintains a professional demeanor in the courtroom Diligence Uses good judgment in application of relevant law and rules Is willing to handle cases on the docket even when they are complicated and time consuming Does the necessary “homework” and is prepared for cases Fairness Conducts their courtroom in a neutral manner Is fair and impartial to both side. Appears to decide the outcome of the case before all evidence Unnecessarily restricts a party’s presentation 2024 Judicial Performance Survey Report for Judge Joseph R. Whitfield, Jr. 16 ## Page 17 Questions for Attorney to evaluate appellate judges General Is fair and impartial toward each side of the case Conducts hearings in a neutral manner. Writing Writes opinions that are clear. Writes opinions that adequately explain the basis of the Court's decision. Issues opinions in a timely manner. Makes decisions without regard to possible criticism. Makes reasoned decisions based upon the law and facts. Refrains from reaching issues that need not be decided. 2024 Judicial Performance Survey Report for Judge Joseph R. Whitfield, Jr. 17 ## Page 18 Questions for Non-Attorney to evaluate district and county judges Case Management Promptly issuing a decision on the case after trial Maintaining appropriate control over proceedings Promptly ruling on pre-trial motions Setting reasonable schedules for cases Provides an alternative to in-person hearings when appropriate Application and Knowledge of Law Is able to identify and analyze relevant facts Gives reasons for rulings Willing to make decision without regard to possible outside pressure. Communications Makes sure all participants understand the proceedings Uses language that everyone can understand Speaks clearly so everyone in the courtroom can understand what's being said Gives reasons for a ruling when needed Demeanor Gives proceedings a sense of dignity Treats participants with respect Has a sense of compassion and human understanding for those who appear in court Diligence Begins court on time Maintains appropriate control over proceedings. Sets reasonable schedules for cases. Is prepared for cases Manages court proceedings so there is little wasted time. Fairness Gives participants an opportunity to be heard Treats those involved in the case without bias Treats people fairly who represent themselves Gives each side enough time to present their case D. Analysis and Reporting Attorneys were asked to rate the judges on these aspects of judicial performance using the categories of Never or Almost Never, Once in a While, Some of the Time, Frequently, and Every or Almost Every Time. These categories were converted into a numeric scale from 0 to 4: Never or Almost Never – 0; Once in a While – 1; Some of the Time – 2; Frequently – 3; Every or Almost Every Time – 4. For the following questions, the scales were reversed because these are behaviors judges should not demonstrate: Never or Almost Never – 4; Once in a While – 3; Some of the Time – 2; Frequently – 1; Every or Almost Every Time – 0. 2024 Judicial Performance Survey Report for Judge Joseph R. Whitfield, Jr. 18 ## Page 19 Application and Knowledge of Law Fails to provide a proper legal basis for a decision Communications When issuing a ruling, the judge fails to provide an explanation for the decision Demeanor Overreacts to an incident(s) in the courtroom Addresses individuals (e.g. attorneys, court staff, litigants, public witnesses) disrespectfully in the courtroom. Fairness Unnecessarily restricts a party’s presentation Appears to decide the outcome of the case before all evidence These aspects were grouped by topic into different categories; six categories for district and county judges. The district and county categories were Case Management, Application and Knowledge of Law, Communications, Demeanor, Diligence, and Fairness. Questions regarding appellate judges were divided into two categories, one for general questions and one specific to their writing (only asked of those who indicated they had experience with the judge’s or justice’s written opinions). The results include an overall grade, a grade for each category, as well as a grade for each question. The overall score is calculated by averaging the responses to all questions answered by the attorneys. This score will have the same numerical range as the individual questions, from zero to four. Each category score is calculated by averaging the responses to all questions answered by the attorney within each category. This score will have the same zero to four numerical range as the individual questions. Similarly, an average score is calculated for each individual question with the exception of the final question on meeting performance standards. The overall average and category scores are reported for each judge along with the average scores for the judge’s peers. The average score (with the exception noted above) is reported for each question along with the peer group score. In addition, the report includes the distribution of responses for each question, i.e., the percentage of attorneys that indicated they observed this behavior (six categories). In a final question, respondents were asked if they thought the judge met judicial performance standards. This is reported in the Performance Scores section of the report. Changes in 2024 Cycle A new system of ratings was developed and used during the 2024 cycle. Prior to the 2024 cycle, the aspects of judicial performance were rated using a grade scale of A, B, C, D, or F. E. Comments At the end of each group of questions, attorneys and court staff had the option of leaving comments about the judge’s performance in that area. Attorney and court staff also had the option to leave comments about the judge’s strength and weakness. All respondents had the option to leave comments about the judge’s performance in general. By statute, these comments are confidential and only provided to the judge and the District Commission on Judicial Performance. They are not released to the public. 2024 Judicial Performance Survey Report for Judge Joseph R. Whitfield, Jr. 19 ## Page 20 Appendix 2. Survey Methodology - Di strict Judge Survey by Appellate Judges Methodology and How to Read Results A. Response Rates Invitations were sent via email to all 37 Supreme Court justices and Court of Appeals judges. Of these, 7 completed the survey and felt they had sufficient knowledge of Judge Whitfield, Jr. to evaluate their performance. B. Methodology Appellate judges were surveyed to evaluate the performance of district judges standing for retention. This evaluation of district judges was conducted via an online survey hosted in the Voxco® survey software. An email invitation was sent on January 16, 2024. Reminders were sent on January 22 and January 29, 2024. C. Questions Due to the considerable number of judges being evaluated, the district judge evaluation survey consisted of a single question pertaining to each judge. Appellate judges and justices were asked to evaluate the district judge’s overall performance as a judge on a grade scale of A through F, with A being Excellent and F being Fail. To reduce bias in the survey, the district judges being evaluated were grouped by district with the districts presented in random order. D. Analysis and Reporting For analysis, letter grades were converted to a numerical score where A = 4, B = 3, C = 2, D = 1 and F = 0. The overall score is calculated by averaging the responses to all questions answered. This score will have the same numerical range as the individual questions from zero to four. The overall average is reported for each judge along with the average scores for the judge’s peers. In addition, the report includes the distribution of responses for each question; that is, the percentage of respondents who assigned a rating of A, B, C, D, and F. E. Comments Respondents were given the option to leave supporting comments in a box next to where they graded each judge. By statute, these comments are confidential and only provided to the judge and the District Commission on Judicial Performance. They are not released to the public. 2024 Judicial Performance Survey Report for Judge Joseph R. Whitfield, Jr. 20

Score cards render where the PDF extractor found numeric fields (partial is shown with “—” for missing tiles). “Read full survey text” surfaces the complete report transcription for every survey on file. Source PDFs on OJPE are always linked above for fidelity. Coverage note on Sources.

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