Judge Michelle R. Martinez: Professional Background and Legal Expertise

The Hon. Michelle R. Martinez is a judge for the Denver County Court in Colorado. She was appointed to the bench by Mayor Michael Hancock on March 1, 2020.

Martinez earned a bachelor’s degree from Colorado State University. She then completed a J.D. at the University of Denver, Sturm College of Law.

After graduating from law school, Martinez was a deputy state public defender for the Colorado State Public Defender’s Office. She served in that capacity for ten years, eventually leaving to become a magistrate for the 17th Judicial District Court. During her tenure as a magistrate, she presided over criminal, protection orders, and domestic relations cases.

Her memberships have included the Denver Latino Advisory Council. She has also been involved with the Board of the Colorado State University Foundation.

She is a recipient of the Outstanding New Hispanic Lawyer Award from the Colorado Hispanic Bar Association.

Martinez was born and raised in Denver, Colorado.