---
title: "Matthew D. Barrett | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/matthew-d-barrett-co-district-court-judge-21st-judicial-district"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-10-07"
---

# Matthew D. Barrett

21st Judicial District District Court · Judge

## Profile

- Court: 21st Judicial District District Court
- State: Colorado
- Role: Judge
- Service status: active
- Last verified: 2026-07-26

## Summary

Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge.

## Before you appear

- Read the judge-specific standing order first when one is listed.
- Check the docket and case orders for requirements that supersede broader guidance.
- Confirm current remote-access and courtroom technology arrangements before the proceeding.

## Courtroom Rules

### expanded media coverage

Scope: statewide

Colorado expanded media coverage requests must comply with Chapter 38, Rule 3 and are submitted to the court before the proceeding; authorization remains subject to court rules, orders, restrictions, and limitations.

Evidence excerpt: you agree with the criteria set forth in Chapter 38, Rule 3, as well as all orders, rules, restrictions, or limitations issued or imposed by the court

[Request for Expanded Media Coverage](https://www.coloradojudicial.gov/media/request-expanded-media-coverage?topic=76&wrapped=true)
Source checked: 2026-07-26

### expanded media notice

Scope: statewide

Colorado expanded media coverage applications generally must be submitted at least twenty-four hours before the court proceeding, though judges may consider shorter-notice requests in some circumstances.

Evidence excerpt: Expanded Media Coverage applications to be submitted at least 24 hours in advance of the court proceeding in question.

[Request for Expanded Media Coverage](https://www.coloradojudicial.gov/media/request-expanded-media-coverage?topic=76&wrapped=true)
Source checked: 2026-07-26


## Sources

- [Official profile](https://www.coloradojudicial.gov/contact/matthew-d-barrett)
- [Official roster](https://www.coloradojudicial.gov/contact/matthew-d-barrett)
- [Colorado Judicial Branch official judicial roster](https://www.coloradojudicial.gov/contact/matthew-d-barrett)
- [Request for Expanded Media Coverage](https://www.coloradojudicial.gov/media/request-expanded-media-coverage?topic=76&wrapped=true)

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## Biography

### Professional career

- In 2017, he was named a Chief Deputy District Attorney
- Named the Prosecutor of the Year for the 9th Judicial District in 2011

### Education


### Additional information

- Appointed to the 21st Judicial District Court in 2019, Judge Barrett primarily handles criminal cases, though his docket also includes civil litigation, domestic relations, and probate matters.
- Matthew was previously the Vice President of the Northwest Colorado Bar Association and mentored a "little brother" through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado from 2012 to 2018.
- Recognized for his thorough preparation, high expectations for attorneys, and firm courtroom demeanor.
- Graduate of the University of Denver, Sturm College of Law.
- After graduation, he practiced as a Deputy District Attorney in the 14th and 9th Judicial Districts.
- Evaluations by the Colorado Office of Judicial Performance indicate that he meets or exceeds performance standards in integrity, legal knowledge, communication, judicial temperament, and administrative performance.
- Feedback from attorneys and non-attorneys has been mixed, with some noting that he can appear pro-prosecution or unduly harsh toward certain defendants, though his competence and preparation are widely recognized.
- While some defendants and observers have noted his strictness, particularly in criminal cases, his judicial performance is generally regarded as competent and professional, reflecting a balance of legal expertise and administrative skill.
- At DU, he received the Scholastic Excellence Award in an advanced class for Torts.
- Matthew also worked for approximately two years as a commercial litigator in Denver with Silver & DeBoskey, P.C. (now known as S&D Law).



## Published courtroom rules

### Shared court rules

- [Request for Expanded Media Coverage](https://knowjudges.com/courtroom-rules/national-shared-set-18f557a3dab23203e245f5e3) — Scope is limited to the court class in the source claim.  Shared court context only; case-type restrictions, exceptions, later amendments and case orders apply. This is not a personal preference or a complete rules inventory. [Official source](https://www.coloradojudicial.gov/media/request-expanded-media-coverage?topic=76&wrapped=true). Collected 2026-07-26.