On Tuesday, January 14, 2025, Colorado Politics reported that the Colorado Supreme Court suspended a trial judge late last year while instructing the state’s judicial discipline commission to keep the court updated on the developments in the judge’s investigation.
District Court Judge Justin B. Haenlein, who serves in the 13th Judicial District encompassing Morgan, Logan, Sedgwick, Phillips, Washington, Yuma, and Kit Carson counties, was suspended with pay under an order issued on November 25. The suspension was implemented as per a rule of judicial discipline that allows judges under investigation to voluntarily agree to a temporary suspension.
The court’s order did not provide specifics regarding the nature of the investigation but mandated that the Colorado Commission on Judicial Discipline report to the Supreme Court every 45 days until the matter is resolved. Chief Justice Monica M. Márquez recused herself from this order, though she did not disclose her reasons for doing so.
Anne Mangiardi, the executive director of the Judicial Discipline Commission, refrained from providing further comments due to the confidentiality surrounding disciplinary proceedings. However, she confirmed that Haenlein was the judge referenced in the commission’s recent year-end report, which noted that his case is ongoing.
Colorado Politics reached out to Haenlein and the 13th Judicial District for a statement regarding the suspension, but the district declined to comment, citing confidentiality. Travis Sides, the elected district attorney for the area, acknowledged awareness of Haenlein’s suspension but stated he had no further information about the specifics.
Governor Jared Polis appointed Haenlein to the district court in January 2022. Before his appointment, he had a diverse legal background, practicing in areas including criminal law, juvenile delinquency, and bankruptcy.
In the previous year, Haenlein was retained by voters in the 13th Judicial District with a 57% to 43% margin. A citizen-led performance commission had conducted a review of his performance, offering a positive assessment and highlighting his reputation for being respectful, unbiased, and prepared.
Source: Colorado Politics
