Colorado Federal Judges in U.S. District Court

Colorado federal judges hear all federal criminal cases in the great state of Colorado. When facing criminal charges or a civil matter in Colorado, many people ask:

• “Who will hear my case in Colorado?”
• “Which court will my case be assigned to if I’m arrested in Denver, Golden, or another Colorado city?”

Below, you’ll find an overview of key federal court judges and courts across Colorado, offering insight into the legal system and who may preside over your case. This article is about Colorado federal judges only. At Evergreen Attorneys we are federal lawyers first and foremost so we want to provide a resource about our local Colorado federal judges

Colorado Courts and Judges

Colorado has a complex legal system of federal courts, state appellate courts, and trial courts. Each court serves a unique purpose in ensuring justice is carried out. While it may seem like a no-brainer, many clients facing legal proceedings in Colorado fail to understand the court system and the judges who may preside over their case. Knowing these details can help you better prepare for success in the courtroom.

The federal U.S. District Court for Colorado hears cases involving federal law and constitutional matters. The Colorado State Supreme Court addresses important appeals and oversees the judicial branch, followed by the Court of Appeals, which reviews decisions from trial courts. District Courts handle serious civil and criminal matters, including felonies, divorce, probate, and juvenile cases. Below that, County Courts deal with misdemeanors, traffic offenses and small civil disputes. Each level of court involves judges with distinct responsibilities. Understanding their roles can make a real difference in how your case unfolds. 

Colorado Federal Court

Colorado hosts one federal trial court, the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado, which handles federal cases, including constitutional issues, federal crimes, and interstate disputes. Located in Denver, this court serves as the federal trial-level court for the state. Colorado federal judges are appointed for life after being confirmed by a 2/3rds majority of the U.S. Senate. Colorado federal judges may only be removed from office through formal impeachment proceedings. Needless to say, Colorado federal judges sit on the bench for a long time and are virtually impossible to take off the court. Here are some of the judges who preside over this court:

• Notable Colorado Federal Judges:

  • Active Article III Judges:

    • Hon. Phillip A.Brimmer, Chief
      • Appointed By: George W Bush (R)
      • Assumed Office: October 14, 2008
      • Legal Education: Yale Law, 1985
    • Hon. S. Kato Crews
      • Appointed By: Joe Biden (D)
      • Assumed Office: January 12, 2024
      • Legal Education: James E. Rogers College of Law, University of Arizona, 2000
    • Hon. Daniel D. Domencio
      • Appointed By: Donald Trump (R)
      • Assumed Office: May 7, 2019
      • Legal Education: University of Virginia School of Law, 2000
    • Hon. Gordon P. Gallagher
      • Appointed By: Joe Biden (D)
      • Assumed Office: March 24, 2023
      • Legal Education: University of Denver College of Law, 1996
    • Hon. Regina M. Rodriguez
      • Appointed By: Joe Biden (D)
      • Assumed Office: July 1, 2021
      • Legal Education: University of Colorado School of Law, 1988
    • Hon. Charlotte N. Sweeney
      • Appointed By: Joe Biden (D)
      • Assumed Office: July 18, 2022
      • Legal Education: University of Denver College of Law, 1995
    • Hon. Nina Y. Wang
      • Appointed By: Joe Biden (D)
      • Assumed Office: July 22, 2022
      • Legal Education: Harvard Law School

  • Active Senior Judges:

    • Hon. Christine Arguello
      • Appointed By: George W. Bush (R)
      • Assumed Office: July 15, 2022
      • Legal Education: Harvard Law, 1980
    • Hon. Lewis T. Babcock
      • Appointed By: Ronald Reagan (R)
      • Assumed Office: April 4, 2008
      • Legal Education: University of Denver Law, 1968
    • Hon. Robert E. Blackburn
      • Appointed By: George W. Bush (R)
      • Assumed Office: April 12, 2016
      • Legal Education: University of Colorado Law, 1974
    • Hon. R. Brooke Jackson
      • Appointed By: Barack Obama (D)
      • Assumed Office: September 30, 2021
      • Legal Education: Harvard Law, 1972
    • Hon. John L. Kane
      • Appointed By: Jimmy Carter (D)
      • Assumed Office: April 8, 1988
      • Legal Education: University of Denver Law, 1960
    • Hon. Marcia S. Kreiger
      • Appointed By: George W. Bush
      • Assumed Office: March 3, 2019
      • Legal Education: University of Colorado Law, 1979
    • Hon. Wiliam J. Martinez
      • Appointed By: Barack Obama (D)
      • Assumed Office: February 10, 2023
      • Legal Education: University of Chicago Law, 1980
    • Hon. Raymond P. Moore
      • Appointed By: Barack Obama (D)
      • Assumed Office: June 20, 2023
      • Legal Education: Yale Law, 1978
    • Hon. David M. Ebel
      • Appointed By: Ronald Reagan (R)
      • Assumed Office: January 16, 2006
      • Legal Education: University of Michigan Law School, 1965

  • Magistrate Judges:

    • Hon. Scott T. Varholak
    • Hon. N. Reid Neureiter
    • Hon. Maritza Dominguez Braswell
    • Hon. Susan Prose
    • Hon. Kathryn A. Starnella
    • Hon. Timothy P. O’Hara
    • Hon. Cyrus Y. Chung
    • Hon. James M. Candelaria
    • Hon. Richard T. Gurley

Colorado State Supreme Court

Founded in 1876, the Colorado Supreme Court is the state’s court of last resort and primarily hears appeals on legal issues of great importance. The state supreme court deals with resolving disputes involving constitutional interpretation under Colorado law and oversees the administration of the state’s judicial branch. This court operates with seven justices, each selected through an assisted appointment method. Their decisions shape statewide legal standards and interpretations.

You can find a list of the Colorado State Supreme Court justices here: https://www.coloradojudicial.gov/supreme-court/supreme-court-judges-and-staff

Colorado Court of Appeals

The Intermediate appellate court, the Colorado Court of Appeals reviews decisions from the lower trial courts to ensure legal procedures and rulings were correctly followed. Its judges typically sit in rotating three-judge panels and focus on written records, not live testimony.

Colorado Court of Appeals judges are not appointed for life like Colorado federal judges. You may find a list of the judges on the Colorado Court of appeals at this link: https://www.coloradojudicial.gov/court-appeals/court-appeals-judges-and-staff

Colorado Trial Courts

Trial courts are where legal cases begin. In Colorado, there are two types of trial courts: District Courts, which have general jurisdiction, and County Courts, which handle more limited matters. These courts are where evidence is presented, witnesses testify, and judges issue rulings or verdicts.

• District Courts (General Jurisdiction)

• • • Colorado has 23 judicial districts, each with its own court serving one or more counties. These courts have broad authority to hear serious criminal cases (including felonies), large civil disputes, family law matters, probate, and juvenile cases.
    • Judges in District Courts preside over trials, manage pretrial motions, rule on the admissibility of evidence, and issue decisions or sentences.
    • Unlike Colorado federal judges, Colorado District Court judges are subject to retention elections every few years.

• County Courts (Limited Jurisdiction)

• • County courts deal with lower-level matters such as misdemeanors, traffic violations, and small courts claims. County judges typically handle fast-paced dockets and can influence plea agreements, fines, or probation terms. If you’re charged with a less serious offense, this is likely where your case will begin. While these courts are smaller in scope, the judges still have the power to issue jail time, probation, fines, and other penalties.

How to Know Which Judge Will Hear Your Case

To find which judge is assigned to your case, check your jury summons or court documents. In federal Court, the district clerk will assign initials of the judges on your case following the case number. You can look up your Colorado federal judge on your case by creating a free PACER account and then searching for your name here: https://pacer.login.uscourts.gov/csologin/login.jsf?pscCourtId=CODC&appurl=https://ecf.cod.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/iquery.pl

There will typically be a federal magistrate judge assigned to a criminal case to hear certain pretrial matters. Then every federal criminal trial case will be heard by a U.S. District Court judge in Colorado. That means you get an Article III judge who is appointed for life in your federal criminal case in Colorado.

The assigned judge’s name is typically listed throughout these legal papers. You can also find case assignments on the Colorado Judicial Branch Website. This website only applies to state court judges. Not Colorado federal judges who hear federal criminal cases in Denver, Colorado Springs, Durango, and Grand Junction.

Why Knowing Your Colorado Federal Judge Matters

Judges aren’t simply ‘referees.’ Rather, they are decision-makers with their own approaches to the law, evidence presented, and courtroom management. Some judges operate with strict deadlines and decorum. Others emphasize rehabilitation or prefer to settle cases with early intervention efforts. Understanding the background and judicial philosophy of your assigned judge can:

Need Federal Criminal Defense Legal Guidance?

When you’re facing a federal criminal charge or civil dispute in Colorado, understanding your judge isn’t just helpful, it can be a real advantage. At Evergreen Attorneys, our attorneys don’t walk into court blind. We’ve argued cases in front of federal judges across Colorado’s District  Courts, and we know how to represent our clients effectively. 

Our deep experience means we understand the expectations, preferences, and courtroom styles of the judges who may hear your case. Whether it’s negotiating a plea, making strategic pretrial motions, or presenting evidence at trial, our insight allows us to tailor your defense to the realities of your courtroom, not just the theory of the law.

Strong legal representation starts with knowing the terrain. And at Evergreen Attorneys, we’ve built a reputation for professionalism, preparation, and results. We are Colorado federal criminal defense lawyers through and through. 

Don’t leave your future to chance. Contact Evergreen Attorneys today to schedule a consultation and get the legal guidance and courtroom experience you deserve. Telephone is (303) 948-1489 and our direct email is [email protected].