Andrew C. Poland
District Court · 1st Judicial District · retention evaluations: 2026
2026 retention · District Court · 1st Judicial District
97 percentile · rank 2 of 65
composite 0100
92 percentile · rank 9 of 108
composite 0100
28 60th percentile among peers · 64th percentile statewide
1054
Composite index 90.77 among peers (87.96 statewide): the mean of the three percentiles below. Rank orders by it.
3.60 of 4 · 91.54 percentile
2.103.80
3.70 of 4 · 96.15 percentile
2.073.82
100.00% 84.62 percentile
25.00%100.00%
Attorneys
- Say “meets standards”
- 100.00%
Non-attorneys
- Say “meets standards”
- 93.00%
| Category | Score | Peer median | Peer range (dot is this judge, line is the median) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Case Management | 3.40median 3.20 | 3.20 | |
| Application and Knowledge of Law | 3.70median 3.10 | 3.10 | |
| Communications | 3.80median 3.30 | 3.30 | |
| Diligence | 3.70median 3.10 | 3.10 | |
| Demeanor | 3.80median 3.30 | 3.30 | |
| Fairness | 3.80median 3.10 | 3.10 |
Commission: meets standards (9–0)
The First Judicial District Commission on Judicial Performance (the Commission) unanimously agrees by a vote of 9-0 (One Commissioner recused because the Commissioner is a party to a case pending before Judge Poland) that Judge Andrew C. Poland MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS.
Judge Poland is a District Court Judge in Jefferson County, appointed on June 2, 2024, and presides over a mixed docket consisting of criminal (30%), civil (40%) and domestic relations matters (30%). Feedback for Judge Poland’s performance was provided by parties, attorneys, and jurors appearing before him in court and by peers, based on his integrity, legal knowledge, communication skills, judicial temperament, administrative performance, and service to the community. Feedback recognized Judge Poland’s steady growth during his first two years on the district court bench. He was recognized for managing his courtroom, having a fair and even temperament, being deliberate, clearly explaining his rulings, and being effective in case management. Judge Poland was also described as demonstrating meaningful growth in the role, with continued opportunity to further develop and refine his legal analysis as he gains experience across a broad district court docket. Judge Poland takes all feedback and suggestions for performance improvement seriously and collaborates with his mentors and staff to address issues. Judge Poland is active in many judicial and community service initiatives including serving on the Board of Governors for the 1st Judicial District Bar Association, coordinating projects through Jefferson County Open Space and volunteering for Jefferson County High School Mock Trials.
In conducting its evaluation of Judge Poland’s performance, the Commission conducted a personal interview, observed him in court, and reviewed the 2025–2026 survey responses from attorneys and non-attorneys appearing before him. The Commission additionally received feedback from the chief judge, the district attorney, and the head of the Public Defender’s Office. The Commission also reviewed Judge Poland’s self-evaluation, and three orders involving matters for which he has ruled. After completing the above reviews, the Commission finds Judge Poland meets performance criteria.
Judge Poland is a native of Jefferson County, CO. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in 2009 from Colorado State University and Juris Doctorate in 2011 from Thomas Jefferson School of Law. Prior to being appointed District Court Judge, Judge Poland practiced law privately from 2012 to 2023, focusing on juvenile defense and child welfare litigation. He served as an Instructor at Metropolitan State University from 2021 to 2023 teaching Legal Issues in Social Work Practice before serving as Magistrate in the 1st Judicial District from 2023 to 2024. His professional background reflects longstanding service to children, families, and the Jefferson County community.