Gretchen B. Larson

Commission: meets standards (8–0)

The Commission finds that Judge Gretchen B. Larson MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS by a vote of 8-0. The Commission has one vacancy and one absent commissioner. The Commission considered multiple sources of information, including survey results, courtroom observations, interviews, the judge’s self-evaluation, and case management data. Survey results indicate that attorneys rated Judge Larson very highly, while non-attorney responses were more mixed; the Commission considered these results in the context of all available information.

The Commission finds that Judge Larson demonstrates strong legal knowledge and applies the law appropriately in the cases before her. She is well-prepared, understands the issues presented, and issues rulings grounded in the law and facts. Commissioners noted her skill in the courtroom and her ability to manage complex matters effectively while maintaining appropriate control over courtroom proceedings and ensuring cases move forward in a timely and orderly manner.

The Commission also finds that Judge Larson exhibits a judicial temperament that is fair, respectful, compassionate, and professional. She treats parties, attorneys, litigants, and court staff with dignity and works to ensure that participants understand court processes and decisions. Based on the totality of the information reviewed, the Commission determined that Judge Larson consistently demonstrates the competencies required of a judicial officer.

Judge Gretchen B. Larson, a Colorado native, received her undergraduate degree from Southern Methodist University in 1989 and her law degree from the University of Colorado School of Law in 1993. She worked as a prosecutor with the 21st Judicial District (Grand Junction) from 1993 to 1999 and with the 9th Judicial District (Glenwood Springs) from 1999 to 2005. In March 2005, she returned to the District Attorney’s Office in Grand Junction until her appointment to the county court bench by Governor Bill Owens in July 2006 and to the district court bench by Governor Hickenlooper in November 2016.

State evaluation page · 2026 survey report (PDF)

Commission: meets standards (10–0)

The Twenty-First Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance unanimously determined (10-0) Judge Gretchen B. Larson MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS. In its 2019 Interim Judicial Review, the Commission identified no problems with Judge Larson’s performance. At that time, she had only been on the district court bench for a little more than two years. The Commission noted her inclination toward self-introspection and her ability to learn from past mistakes. During Judge Larson’s 2020 interview with the Commission, the members were impressed by her humility and her ability to acknowledge areas for improvement in her own performance, even in areas where she surpassed other District Judges throughout the state. The Commission found her to be a Judge who conscientiously strives for excellence in both her personal comportment and in the manner in which she runs her courtroom. Judge Larson continues to perform proficiently, if not superbly, in all areas of judicial performance.

The current Judicial Performance Survey Report reveals that Judge Larson scored higher than average when compared to all district judges within the State in each of the six areas of judicial performance: case management; application and knowledge of law; communications; diligence; demeanor; and fairness. Her higher survey scores were reflected in the responses of both attorneys and non-attorneys. Moreover, the survey scores did not reveal any areas where improvement was needed. The written comments provided by the survey respondents were largely complimentary, and typically referenced Judge Larson as respectful, professional, and fair. These comments also included several references to her calm demeanor and the compassionate impartiality with which she runs her courtroom. For this evaluation, in addition to interviewing Judge Larson and reviewing survey responses from attorneys and non-attorneys who have appeared in her courtroom, the Commission examined a sample of her written opinions and orders, and interviewed representatives of both the local District Attorney’s Office and the local Public Defender’s Office. Due to the COVID 19 pandemic, Commission members were unable to observe her in Court.

Judge Larson was appointed to the District Court bench in Mesa County on January 1, 2017. She previously served for approximately 10 years as a County Court Judge in Mesa County. Judge Larson presently describes her workload as follows: 57% criminal; 15% Domestic Relations; 15% Civil; 5% Juvenile; 5% Misdemeanor; 1% probate; 1% mental health; and 1% traffic. The Commission views Judge Larson as an asset to the 21st Judicial District.

State evaluation page · 2020 survey report (PDF)

Commission: meets standards (10–0)

The Twenty-First Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance, by a vote of 10 to 0, unanimously recommends that Judge Gretchen B. Larson BE RETAINED.

Judge Larson attended undergraduate school at Southern Methodist University. She received her law degree from the University of Colorado in 1993. Judge Larson was sworn in as a Mesa County Court Judge in 2006. She previously worked as a prosecutor for the District Attorney’s offices in the Twenty-First Judicial District (Mesa County) and the Ninth Judicial District (Garfield, Pitkin and Rio Blanco Counties).

The Commission conducted a personal interview with Judge Larson, reviewed opinions she authored, observed her in court, reviewed a written self-evaluation and reviewed surveys sent to attorneys and non-attorneys. Non-attorneys included witnesses, law enforcement, litigants, jurors and employees. Of attorneys completing the survey, 84% recommend that Judge Larson be retained in office and of the non-attorneys completing the survey, 90% recommend that she be retained.

Judge Larson presides over a mixed criminal and civil docket in the county court. She is described as fair and knowledgeable in the law. Her efficiency and ability to manage a busy docket were noted as strengths. Judge Larson has strong communication skills and her demeanor is appropriate, attorneys described her as prepared, neutral and respectful to all parties. Judge Larson was integral in the successful implementation of significant bail reform in Mesa County, which began in 2013. New bond guidelines focus on evidence-based risk levels regarding the risk a defendant poses to the community and the risk of future non-appearance in determining the appropriate bond. Judge Larson indicated the change was, initially, difficult but adjusted her practices to implement these changes resulting in higher risk defendants being held and lower risks defendants being released on their own recognizance, thus, improving the use of jail space. Implementation of this program helped lead positive change in Mesa County that was recognized in a 2015 Criminal Justice Innovations Award from the Association of Prosecuting Attorneys.

State evaluation page · 2016 survey report (PDF)