Judicial Officers
Honorable Kerri Lombardi – Presiding Judge
A lifelong Denverite, Judge Kerri Lombardi has dedicated her entire career to fighting for justice and for victims of crime. In February 2024, Judge Lombardi became the Presiding Judge of Denver County Court which is Colorado’s busiest court and handles more than 100,000 cases each year. She was first appointed to the bench in 2015 and presided over a criminal docket, civil protection orders, general sessions, and traffic court. Previously, Judge Lombardi served as a Chief Deputy DA in the Denver District Attorney’s Office for more than 20 years and specialized in domestic violence felony cases and crimes against children. She also served as a Governor-appointed member of the Board of the Colorado Child Fatality Prevention System, State Review Committee. She is a member of the Colorado Women’s Bar Association and the Colorado LGBTQ+ Bar Association. As a proud South High School graduate, Judge Lombardi went on to earn her undergraduate degree from University of Colorado and her law degree from the University of Denver.
Honorable Melissa Annis – Magistrate
Magistrate Melissa T. Annis is known for ensuring defendants who appear before her without counsel and feel heard and understand proceedings. In August 2016, the Presiding Judge of Denver County Court appointed her to the bench. For 21 years prior to joining Denver County Court, she was in private practice and worked as a criminal defense attorney representing many indigent defendants. Magistrate Annis volunteers in the community and is active with Sobriety Court events such as park clean-ups. She received her undergraduate degree from Radford University in Virginia and her law degree from the University of Denver.
Honorable Arnie Beckman – Magistrate
For five generations, Magistrate Arnie Beckman has called Colorado home. In April 2020, Magistrate Arnie Beckman he joined Denver County Court and presides over the initial bond setting for people accused of felony crimes. Prior to joining the court, Magistrate Beckman worked for many years as a litigator in the felony trial division of the Colorado State Public Defenders Office. As a Lead Deputy Public Defender, he mentored new lawyers and conducted trainings for all attorneys statewide on complex evidentiary issues. For four years prior to that, Magistrate Beckman had his own criminal law practice. He briefly worked as in-house counsel and practiced securities law. Additionally, Magistrate Beckman has taught law courses to undergraduate students throughout his legal career. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Colorado – Denver and his law degree from the University of Denver.
Honorable David Blackett – Judge
Born in Colorado, Judge David Blackett’s determination to serve the public good is demonstrated by the kindness and compassion he exhibits on the bench and in his work with youth. In December 2021, Judge Blackett was appointed to Denver County Court and currently presides over a civil docket. Since joining the bench, he has partnered with a city housing agency to create an eviction clinic which has helps more than 300 families facing eviction each month. He has seen the application of the law from the streets as a police officer, the courtroom as a litigator, and our highest trial courts. Previously, Judge Blackett served as a Magistrate in Adams County, Colorado for more than five years and as a Chief Trial Deputy in the Adams County District Attorney’s Office where he managed a civil and criminal docket of primarily juvenile matters, child support and domestic relations, and oversaw the truancy problem solving court. He began his legal career as a judicial law clerk to a federal judge at the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona. Judge Blackett received his undergraduate degree from the University of Arizona and his law degree from the University of Arizona, James E. Rogers College of Law while also serving as a uniformed police officer where he was awarded a commendation for bravery.
Honorable Kelly Cherry – Judge
Judge Kelly Cherry prioritizes fairness in her courtroom and ensuring people understand the proceedings. She has a reputation for listening carefully and giving all participants time to speak. Judge Cherry was appointed to the Denver County Court in August 2021 after serving as a Denver County Court Magistrate for two years where she presided over criminal, misdemeanor, juvenile, and protection order cases. Judge Cherry developed standard penalty guidelines to ensure sentencing consistency and launched a Competency Court that provides critical wraparound services to those in the criminal justice system who are struggling with competency issues. Judge Cherry was previously a sole practitioner in private practice and specialized in criminal defense matters. Judge Cherry also represented indigent defendants while working as a contract attorney for the Office of Alternate Defense Counsel. She earned her undergraduate degree from the Metropolitan State College of Denver and her law degree at the University of Denver.
Honorable Andrea Eddy – Judge
Judge Andrea Eddy is known for being knowledgeable about the law, having great control of the courtroom, and for her good judicial demeanor. She was appointed as a judge on the Denver County Court bench in July 2016 having previously served as a full-time Magistrate for the court and overseeing traffic court, first advisement court, domestic violence arraignment courts, and various specialty courts. For the prior decade, Judge Eddy served as a Senior Deputy DA in the Denver District Attorney’s Office where she specialized in domestic abuse, child abuse, and sex crimes. Her legal career began working for both criminal prosecution and criminal defense organizations. When not on the bench, Judge Eddy gives back to the community by volunteering with several nonprofit organizations and schools. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara and her law degree from the University of Denver.
Honorable Beth Faragher – Judge
Judge Beth Faragher’s goal is to provide procedural fairness and access to justice for all who come before her. She is known for her calm presence and for explaining courtroom processes and procedures in plain language so that all parties – especially those without legal counsel – understand what is occurring. Appointed to the bench in June 2014, Judge Faragher currently presides over a general sessions docket. Prior to being a judge, she held positions as both a part-time and full-time Magistrate in Denver County Court where she covered protection orders, small claims, criminal advisements, traffic, juvenile, and municipal dockets. Her past experience includes serving as a Municipal Public Defender in Denver. She was the lead plaintiff before the Supreme Court of the United States in the case, Faragher v. City of Boca Raton. Judge Faragher volunteers her time with many local philanthropic organizations and speaks to schools about the legal system and access to justice. Since 2007, she has served the court’s liaison to the Denver Bar Association’s Access to Justice Committee and is on numerous other professional committees. Judge Faragher obtained her undergraduate degree from Florida Atlantic University and law degree from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland.
Honorable Olympia Fay – Judge
Judge Olympia Z. Fay’s authenticity, compassion, and integrity is known to inspire comfort and trust in those who appear before her. She was appointed to the Denver County Court bench in January 2015 and currently presides over a civil docket. Prior to her appointment, Judge Fay served as a Denver Assistant City Attorney for two years and as a Deputy District Attorney in Colorado’s 20th Judicial District. Judge Fay began her legal career in private practice as a civil litigator where she specialized in complex commercial litigation, securities litigation, and intellectual property cases. Judge Fay has earned the Colorado Judicial Institute and Colorado Women’s Bar Association prestigious awards for Judicial Excellence. She is committed to community service and volunteers at local schools discussing the importance of understanding civic responsibilities and engagement. She is a guest lecturer at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law and mentor for the Law School Yes We Can/Sí Se Puede organization. Judge Fay is active in the Colorado Women’s Bar Association, the Sam Cary Bar Association, the Colorado Bar Association, and the Denver Bar Association. Judge Fay earned her undergraduate degree from Lenoir-Rhyne University and her law degree from the University of Denver.
Honorable Reneé Goble – Judge
Judge Reneé A. Goble is a Jamaican-born immigrant who brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to justice to Denver County Court where she promotes health and wellness in her courtroom. She was appointed to the bench in March 2021 and currently presides over a civil docket where she spearheaded a “code of civility” to encourage participants to conduct themselves with proper decorum and give respect to others. Before her appointment, Judge Goble served as senior litigator in the Municipal Operations Section of the Denver City Attorney’s Office and handled complex legal matters. Prior to public service, she worked for nationally known law firms and litigated complex civil cases around the country. Judge Goble is active in Denver’s many communities and is a member of the Colorado Women’s Bar Association and Sam Cary Bar Association. Judge Goble earned her undergraduate degree from Stetson University and her law degree from the John Marshall Law School.
Honorable Clarisse Gonzales – Judge
Judge Clarisse Gonzales is thoughtful, efficient, and engaged in the courtroom and is known for her professional and kind demeanor. She was appointed to the Denver County Court bench in January 2007 and presides over a criminal docket. From 2005 – 2007, Judge Gonzales served as a Magistrate in Colorado’s 18th Judicial District. Previously, Judge Gonzales worked as a prosecutor, as both a court-appointed and private criminal defense lawyer, and as guardian ad litem for abused and neglected children. Judge Gonzales has been recognized for the quality of her written opinions addressing complex statutory and constitutional issues that are uncommon for municipal court cases. She is passionate about community service as reflected in her volunteerism, mentorship, and her creation of the Judicial Outsight Group, which coordinates public service opportunities for judicial officers and brings awareness to, and seeks to improve, mental health in the legal field. In 2015, Judge Gonzales received the Judicial Excellence Award from the Colorado Judicial Institute. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Northern Colorado and her law degree from Howard University School of Law.
Honorable Michelle Kline – Magistrate
Denver County Court Magistrate Michelle Kline believes in ensuring that the imprint of justice is left on every case she hears. In August 2018, she was sworn in as a Denver County Court Magistrate and is known for being well prepared and ensuring efficient courtroom management and case flow. Prior to joining Denver County Court, Magistrate Kline served as the Presiding Judge in Keenesburg, Hudson, Mountain View, and Brighton, Colorado. Before that, she was a Relief Judge in several Colorado jurisdictions including Windsor, Greeley, Westminster, Erie, Fort Collins, Severance, Commerce City, Eaton, Thornton, and Boulder. For 19 years, she was the Assistant City Attorney for Lakewood, Colorado. Magistrate Kline is a member of the Colorado Bar Association, Adams County Bar Association, and the Colorado Municipal Judges Association. She received her undergraduate degree from Metropolitan State College of Denver and her law degree from the University of Denver.
Honorable Todd Mackintosh – Magistrate
As a Denver native, Magistrate Todd Mackintosh has been involved in the Denver community for more than 40 years. He was appointed to the Denver County Court bench in 2019 and presides over Small Claims Court where he works hard to ensure litigants are provided expeditious access to justice. Magistrate Mackintosh implemented a mandatory mediation process in his courtroom which allows litigants the opportunity to resolve matters on their own. Since 2020, more than 60% of small claims cases now resolve at mediation. He has also overseen criminal, civil, and traffic dockets. Prior to joining the court, he worked for many years as a civil attorney and was also a Deputy District Attorney for Colorado’s 18th Judicial District. Magistrate Mackintosh participates in the Denver County Court IDEA=B initiative, which focuses on recognizing and accepting the diversity of our community and those who work for our court. He serves on the Mediation Association of Colorado through the Colorado Bar Association and volunteers at George Washington High School. He earned his undergraduate degree at University of Colorado and his law degree at the University of Denver.
Honorable Chelsea Malone – Judge
Judge Chelsea Malone strives to take the time to treat everyone with dignity and respect understanding that each person who appears before her is unique. Judge Malone was appointed to the Denver County Court bench in 2016 and presides over a criminal docket. Born in South Korea and raised on the Crow Reservation in Montana, Judge Malone is the first Asian woman to serve as a judge in any Colorado county or district court. Prior to her appointment to the Denver County Court bench, Judge Malone specialized in criminal defense working as a solo practitioner. Her legal career began as a Deputy Public Defender where she represented clients charged with all levels of misdemeanor and felony crimes. Judge Malone is a board member of the Asian-Pacific American Bar Association of Colorado and was a faculty member for the National Institute of Trial Advocacy. Judge Malone earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Wyoming and her law degree from the University of Denver.
Honorable Michelle Martinez-Thomas – Judge
Judge Michelle Martinez-Thomas is a lifelong Denverite who is known for being well-prepared, fair, kind, and patient and for managing her courtroom in an efficient and professional manner. She was appointed to the Denver County Court Bench in March 2020 and presides over a criminal docket. Judge Martinez-Thomas attended community college as a first-generation student and later graduated from Colorado State University where was active in several student organizations, worked for Colorado’s Lieutenant Governor, and interned for a United States Senator in Washington, D.C. Judge Martinez-Thomas received several awards for her leadership, commitment to diversity and community involvement. After college, she worked for the Mayor’s Office of Workforce Development and later for a local nonprofit serving Denver’s youth. Judge Martinez-Thomas earned her law degree from the University of Denver. During law school, she was twice elected to the board of the National Latina/o Law Student Association, worked for Denver Public Schools, interned in the Colorado Attorney General’s Office and later for the Colorado State Public Defender’s Office. Judge Martinez-Thomas practiced for 10 years in the Public Defender’s Office and during that time was twice appointed to the Denver Mayor’s Latino Advisory Council and also received the Outstanding New Hispanic Lawyer award from the Colorado Hispanic Bar Association in recognition of her commitment to the community. Judge Martinez-Thomas next served as a Magistrate in Colorado’s 17th Judicial District before joining the Denver County Court bench. Judge Martinez-Thomas serves as a board member for the Colorado State University Foundation.
Honorable Isabel Pallarés – Judge
Judge Isabel Pallarés’ judgment-free language in her courtroom has earned her a reputation for treating all who appear before her with respect and discretion and for protecting privacy in cases that touch on someone’s immigration status, medical condition, or mental health issues. She was appointed to the Denver County Court bench in 2017 marking the beginning of a distinguished tenure. Prior to her appointment, Judge Pallarés served the citizens of Denver as the Chief Deputy District Attorney for the office’s Sexual Assault Unit. She began her practice as a judicial intern for a Federal District Court Judge and as a judicial law clerk for a Chief District Court Judge. After law school, Judge Pallarés worked as an intern for the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. She volunteers as a member of Our Courts which is a joint activity of citizens, lawyers, and judges to provide nonpartisan information to the public about our state and federal courts. Judge Pallarés has demonstrated a commitment to community service and is a member of the Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Colorado, the Colorado Hispanic Bar Association, the Colorado LGBTQ+ Bar Association, the Colorado Women’s Bar Association, the Sam Cary Bar Association, and the South Asian Bar Association of Colorado. She is also a member of the Colorado Bar Association and the Denver Bar Association. She currently serves as an At-Large Director for the Colorado Hispanic Bar Association. Judge Pallarés is the 2024 Denver Bar Association Judicial Excellence Award recipient for her extraordinary service and exceptional contributions to improving the judicial system. Outside of the courtroom, Judge Pallarés has served on the Judicial Well-being Standing Committee since 2019 and is the recipient of several professional awards including the Colorado Supreme Court Wellbeing Award, which recognizes judicial officers who support their colleagues’ wellbeing. She received her undergraduate degree from Boston University where she graduated magna cum laude and her law degree from the University of Colorado School of Law.
Honorable Nicole Rodarte – Judge
Judge Nicole M. Rodarte has earned a reputation of having a measured sense of justice, for knowing and carefully applying the law, and for being fair and honest. She was appointed to the bench in 2013. Judge Rodarte was Denver County Court’s first Latina Presiding Judge and under her leadership, employee engagement was the highest in the city based on city-wide surveys. Judge Rodarte has served as Presiding Judge and has presided over courtrooms in Traffic, General Sessions, State Criminal, and Protection Orders. Prior to becoming a judge, she served for six years as a Colorado State Public Defender and spent nine years in private practice focusing on criminal defense. Judge Rodarte is committed to community service and takes her responsibility in guiding the next generation of attorneys very seriously. She mentors students and young lawyers who appear before her and volunteers for the Law School Yes We Can/Sí, Se Puede organization. She is active in the Colorado Women’s, Colorado Hispanic, Colorado Asian Pacific American, Sam Cary, and Colorado LGBTQ+ Bar Associations as well as the Colorado Municipal Judges Association, and the Colorado Judicial Institute. Her Denver roots run deep, she is a proud graduate of Denver’s John F. Kennedy High School and a first-generation college and law school graduate. Judge Rodarte earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Colorado-Denver and her law degree from the University of Colorado-Boulder.
Honorable Andre Rudolph – Judge
Judge Andre Rudolph believes that administering justice according to the law must be carried out each day for the process to have a sense of integrity, justice, and fairness. Judge Rudolph is Denver County Court’s longest-serving judge and was appointed in January 2005. He currently presides over criminal felony preliminary hearings wherein probable cause issues are determined. Judge Rudolph has developed a reputation for being knowledgeable, being prepared, and efficiently managing his docket. Prior to his appointment, Judge Rudolph was a Magistrate in Denver District Court and in the 17th Judicial District which encompasses Adams County. Prior to becoming a judicial officer, he was employed by the Colorado Public Defender’s Office. Outside of the Court, he is a strong advocate for judicial involvement in the community and volunteers his time with several organizations grounded in the belief that doing so humanizes judges and can help provide a different and more positive perspective. Once his father was diagnosed with prostate cancer, Judge Rudolph started volunteering with Pints for Prostates to promote the message that early detection is the key to survival. As Judge Rudolph states: “if my dad would have gotten diagnosed earlier, he would still be here.” Judge Rudolph was born and raised in Cheyenne, Wyoming and was inducted into Central High School Hall of Fame. Judge Rudolph attended the University of Wyoming on a football scholarship while earning his degree from the same. As part of two WAC championship football teams in 1987 and 1988, Judge Rudolph is a two-time member of the University of Wyoming Athletics Hall of Fame. Judge Rudolph was awarded the Patricia Roberts-Harris fellowship to attend Creighton University School of Law in Omaha, Nebraska and earned his law degree in 1993.
Honorable Barry Schwartz – Judge
Born and raised in Denver, Judge Barry Schwartz shows care and concern for everyone in his courtroom and sees complex situations from multiple viewpoints. He was sworn in as a Denver County Court judge in January 2017 and currently presides over criminal cases. Judge Schwartz started his legal career as judicial clerk for two Colorado Court of Appeals judges and a U.S. Magistrate Judge in New York City. After twenty-five years in private civil litigation practice in Denver, he returned to government service, working as an appellate attorney in the Federal Public Defender’s Office and then as a Senior Assistant City Attorney in Denver. Judge Schwartz volunteers in schools and participates in programs that promote civic education. He attended Denver’s George Washington High School before receiving his undergraduate degree from the University of Colorado and his law degree from the University of Denver, where he was a member of the law review.
Honorable Isaam Shamsid-Deen – Judge
Originally from Portland, Oregon, Judge Isaam Shamsid-Deen presides over his cases with fairness, empathy, and knowledge. Judge Shamsid-Deen was appointed to the Denver County Court bench in June 2023 and currently oversees a civil docket. He previously served as a Senior Deputy DA in the Denver District Attorney’s Office where he prosecuted organized crime, embezzlement, and adulty felony cases. From 2009 to 2012, Judge Shamsid-Deen was a compliance investigator with the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies’ Civil Rights Division. He is a past member of the National Black Prosecutors Association where he served as its Rocky Mountain regional director. Judge Shamsid-Deen champions multiple diversity bar associations as a member of the Sam Cary Bar Association, Colorado Women’s Bar Association, Colorado Hispanic Bar Association, and the Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Colorado. Judge Shamsid-Deen earned his undergraduate degree from Colorado State University and his law degree from the University of Denver.
Honorable Fran Simonet – Judge
Judge Fran Simonet demonstrates patience and professionalism in her courtroom and is known for taking time to engage with participants, showing respect and concern for jurors, and for running an efficient courtroom. In 2017, she was appointed to the Denver County Court bench and presides over a general sessions docket having also served in the civil division and the preliminary hearing division. Accordingly, she implemented a pre-trial procedure to save significant time during trials. Prior to her appointment, Judge Simonet worked for the Colorado State Public Defender’s Office, served as a District Court Magistrate in Colorado’s 17th Judicial District, and was in private practice where she specialized in state and federal criminal defense. She serves on the State Court Judicial Education Committee and is co-dean of the State Judicial Department’s annual Advanced New Judge Orientation. She is a member of the Colorado Women’s Bar Association. Born in Denver, Judge Simonet earned her undergraduate degree from San Diego State University and her law degree from Gonzaga University School of Law.
Honorable Judith Smith – Judge
Judge Judith Smith has impressed many with her commitment to leveraging technology to increase efficiency across the court. She is known for her diligence, good demeanor, and case management. Judge Smith was appointed to Denver County Court in September 2018 and presides over a criminal docket. Prior to her appointment, Judge Smith spent 14 years as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Colorado where she led the Special Prosecutions Section and established the Cybercrime and National Security Section. Before that, she was a Deputy District Attorney for the Denver DA’s Office where she specialized in juvenile prosecutions. She began her career in private practice with a global law firm and also clerked for a federal judge in the 10th Circuit Court. Judge Smith earned her undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Colorado and her Master of Laws degree from Columbia Law School. Her memberships include the Colorado Women’s Bar Association, and the Colorado LGBTQ+ Bar Association.
Honorable Theresa Spahn – Judge
Judge Theresa Spahn is passionate about ensuring everyone has access to justice and her exceptionally strong leaderships skills have earned her a reputation for building bridges and leading through consensus. She was appointed to Denver County Court in October 2014, and currently oversees a criminal docket where she is known for her people skills and for managing her courtroom with compassion. From 2017 – 2022, Judge Spahn served as Presiding Judge of Denver County Court. Prior to her appointment, she served as a Magistrate in Colorado’s 17th Judicial District and as a Deputy District Attorney in Adams County and Mesa County where she created the office’s Sexual Abuse Task Force. Judge Spahn was also director of the O’Connor Judicial Selection Initiative, a national initiative spearheaded by former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor to advance policy reform. Judge Spahn was also the founding director of the Colorado Office of the Child’s Representative. She previously worked in private practice and is currently an award-winning member of numerous professional organizations including the Colorado Women’s Bar Association. She earned her undergraduate degree from Metropolitan State College (now Metropolitan State University of Denver) and her law degree from the University of Denver.
Honorable AnneMarie Spain – Magistrate
After serving as a part-time Magistrate with Denver County Court, Magistrate AnnMarie Spain became a full-time magistrate in 2023. For several years, Magistrate Spain served as a prosecutor with the Denver District Attorney’s Office where she handled family violence, juvenile, and gang cases. She was also a prosecutor in Colorado’s Weld County District Attorney’s Office. She also owned her own law firm that focused on criminal defense and family law. Prior to that, she represented homeowners in multi-million-dollar construction defect litigation. Her previous experience includes working as a civil engineer in Boston where she designed airport drainage systems and evaluated bridge stability. Magistrate Spain received her undergraduate degree from Oklahoma State University and her law degree from the University of Denver.
