Sam Burney

Commission: meets standards (10–0)

The Commission on Judicial Performance unanimously agrees by vote of 10-0 that Judge Sam Burney MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS. The judicial performance standards are integrity, legal knowledge, communication skills, judicial temperament, administrative performance, and service to the legal profession and the public.

Judge Burney’s docket consists of approximately 95% criminal and 5% civil cases. Commissioners observed that Judge Burney runs an efficient courtroom with a less formal but friendly approach toward attorneys and litigants. She reported strong rapport with staff and counsel. Survey respondents praise her fairness, efficient case management, and demeanor, with one commenting that “she can interact with anyone—which is important.” However, attorneys from both the Public Defender and District Attorney Offices raised concerns about the potential appearance of impropriety or bias stemming from her interactions with them in front of defendants and victims. The Commission discussed these concerns with Judge Burney and encouraged her to adopt more formal engagement practices to preserve courtroom dignity and avoid any appearance of partiality. The Commission found no evidence of actual impropriety, and Judge Burney committed to adjusting her courtroom demeanor to dispel the appearance.

The Commission’s decision is based on a thorough process which included interviews with Judge Burney, with the Chief Judge and leaders from the offices of the Public Defender and the District Attorney, as well as a review of the judge’s self-evaluation, written rulings, and survey report. The Commission reviewed Judge Burney’s written opinions, observed her in court, interviewed her, and considered feedback from pertinent parties including survey respondents. Due to a small number of survey responses, survey data was used primarily to confirm independent observations. Attorneys noted issues in case management, legal application, diligence, and demeanor, while non-attorneys rated her more favorably. Some concerns have remained consistent across past evaluations. In last year’s interim evaluation, deficiencies were identified in Judge Burney’s courtroom administration and communication skills. The Commission recommended she receive a Judicial Improvement Plan (JIP) pursuant to Colorado Revised Statute § 13-5.5-110. The Chief Judge for the District implemented and monitored Judge Burney’s JIP and reported to the Commission that the JIP has been satisfactorily completed. Overall, the Commission concludes that Judge Burney meets performance standards.

Judge Burney was appointed to the County Court in April 2020. Prior to this appointment, she practiced criminal law, insurance defense and medical compliance law. She received her undergraduate degree from the University of Denver and her law degree from California Western School of Law. Judge Burney is active in the community, working with youth in her church and in schools serving underserved populations, and with agencies committed to helping special needs children. She serves on the Judicial Well-Being Committee and the Judicial Conference Committee.

State evaluation page · 2026 survey report (PDF)