Matthew R. Zehe at a glance
- Current role
- Judge
- Jurisdiction
- Colorado · State
- Judicial service
- Active
Matthew R. Zehe
Judge · Colorado County Court, Larimer County
Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge.
Available research
Applicable Court Rules & Procedures2 sourced items · labeled by scope
SourcesOfficial and public records supporting this profile
Judicial Performance Evaluation
Meets Performance Standards
Colorado Office of Judicial Performance Evaluation / applicable Commission on Judicial Performance · 2026 · Colorado County Court, Larimer County · County Court Judge
8 For / primary
0 Against / secondary
Published measures
Case Management: Responses Promptly issues a decision on the case after
Overall: 2 / 4 (N=20)Attorneys: 2.5 / 4 (N=20)Non-Attorneys: 1.8 / 4 (N=20)
Case Management: trial. Maintains appropriate control over proceedings.
Overall: 1.9 / 4 (N=26)Attorneys: 2.1 / 4 (N=26)Non-Attorneys: 1.8 / 4 (N=26)
Case Management: Promptly rules on pre-trial motions.
Overall: 2.2 / 4 (N=24)Attorneys: 2.8 / 4 (N=24)Non-Attorneys: 1.9 / 4 (N=24)
Case Management: Sets reasonable schedules for cases.
Overall: 2.1 / 4 (N=26)Attorneys: 2.1 / 4 (N=26)Non-Attorneys: 2.1 / 4 (N=26)
Case Management: Provides an alternative to in-person hearings
Overall: 1.8 / 4 (N=24)Attorneys: 2 / 4 (N=24)Non-Attorneys: 1.6 / 4 (N=24)
Application and Knowledge of Law: Responses Is able to identify and analyze relevant facts.
Overall: 1.7 / 4 (N=26)Attorneys: 1.8 / 4 (N=26)Non-Attorneys: 1.6 / 4 (N=26)
Application and Knowledge of Law: Bases decisions on evidence and arguments.
Overall: 1.8 / 4 (N=10)Attorneys: 1.8 / 4 (N=10)
Application and Knowledge of Law: Issues consistent decisions when the
Overall: 1.9 / 4 (N=9)Attorneys: 1.9 / 4 (N=9)
Application and Knowledge of Law: circumstances are similar. Rulings cite the applicable substantive law.
Overall: 2.5 / 4 (N=10)Attorneys: 2.5 / 4 (N=10)
Application and Knowledge of Law: Consistently applies laws and rules.
Overall: 2.2 / 4 (N=8)Attorneys: 2.2 / 4 (N=8)
Application and Knowledge of Law: Gives reasons for rulings.
Overall: 2.4 / 4 (N=13)Attorneys: 2.6 / 4 (N=13)Non-Attorneys: 2 / 4 (N=13)
Application and Knowledge of Law: Willing to make decisions without regard to
Overall: 1.6 / 4 (N=14)Non-Attorneys: 1.6 / 4 (N=14)
Communications: Responses Makes sure all participants understand the
Overall: 1.7 / 4 (N=26)Attorneys: 1.7 / 4 (N=26)Non-Attorneys: 1.6 / 4 (N=26)
Communications: proceedings. When issuing a ruling, the judge provides an
Overall: 2.5 / 4 (N=10)Attorneys: 2.5 / 4 (N=10)
Communications: explanation for the decision. Provides written communications that are clear,
Overall: 2.1 / 4 (N=9)Attorneys: 2.1 / 4 (N=9)
Communications: thorough, and well- reasoned. Listens carefully during court proceedings.
Overall: 2.1 / 4 (N=9)Attorneys: 2.1 / 4 (N=9)
Communications: Uses language that everyone can understand.
Overall: 1.6 / 4 (N=16)Non-Attorneys: 1.6 / 4 (N=16)
Communications: Speaks clearly so everyone in the courtroom
Overall: 1.9 / 4 (N=14)Non-Attorneys: 1.9 / 4 (N=14)
Communications: can understand what's being said. Gives reasons for a ruling when needed.
Overall: 1.9 / 4 (N=15)Non-Attorneys: 1.9 / 4 (N=15)
Demeanor: Responses Gives proceedings a sense of dignity.
Overall: 1.8 / 4 (N=26)Attorneys: 2 / 4 (N=26)Non-Attorneys: 1.8 / 4 (N=26)
Demeanor: Treats participants with respect.
Overall: 1.9 / 4 (N=26)Attorneys: 2 / 4 (N=26)Non-Attorneys: 1.9 / 4 (N=26)
Demeanor: Reacts to an incident(s) in the courtroom
Overall: 1.8 / 4 (N=9)Attorneys: 1.8 / 4 (N=9)
Demeanor: appropriately. Addresses individuals (e.g. attorneys, court staff, litigants, public witnesses) respectfully in
Overall: 1.7 / 4 (N=10)Attorneys: 1.7 / 4 (N=10)
Demeanor: the courtroom. Maintains a professional demeanor in the
Overall: 1.7 / 4 (N=9)Attorneys: 1.7 / 4 (N=9)
Demeanor: courtroom. Has a sense of compassion and human
Overall: 1.7 / 4 (N=16)Non-Attorneys: 1.7 / 4 (N=16)
Diligence: Responses Uses good judgment in application of relevant
Overall: 1.9 / 4 (N=10)Attorneys: 1.9 / 4 (N=10)
Diligence: law and rules. Is willing to handle cases on the docket even when they are complicated and time
Overall: 2.2 / 4 (N=9)Attorneys: 2.2 / 4 (N=9)
Diligence: consuming. Does the necessary “homework” and is
Overall: 2.3 / 4 (N=10)Attorneys: 2.3 / 4 (N=10)
Diligence: prepared for cases. Begins court on time.
Overall: 1.9 / 4 (N=14)Non-Attorneys: 1.9 / 4 (N=14)
Diligence: Maintains appropriate control over proceedings.
Overall: 1.9 / 4 (N=15)Non-Attorneys: 1.9 / 4 (N=15)
Diligence: Sets reasonable schedules for cases.
Overall: 2.1 / 4 (N=15)Non-Attorneys: 2.1 / 4 (N=15)
Diligence: Is prepared for cases
Overall: 1.9 / 4 (N=15)Non-Attorneys: 1.9 / 4 (N=15)
Diligence: Manages court proceedings so there is little
Overall: 2.1 / 4 (N=15)Non-Attorneys: 2.1 / 4 (N=15)
Fairness: Responses Gives participants an opportunity to be heard.
Overall: 1.7 / 4 (N=15)Non-Attorneys: 1.7 / 4 (N=15)
Fairness: Treats those involved in the case without bias.
Overall: 1.7 / 4 (N=15)Non-Attorneys: 1.7 / 4 (N=15)
Fairness: Treats people fairly who represent themselves.
Overall: 1.6 / 4 (N=13)Non-Attorneys: 1.6 / 4 (N=13)
Fairness: Gives each side enough time to present their
Overall: 1.9 / 4 (N=14)Non-Attorneys: 1.9 / 4 (N=14)Overall: 2.3 / 4 (N=9)Attorneys: 2.3 / 4 (N=9)
Fairness: case. Conducts their courtroom in a neutral manner.
Overall: 1.9 / 4 (N=9)Attorneys: 1.9 / 4 (N=9)
Fairness: Is fair and impartial to both sides.
Overall: 2.1 / 4 (N=9)Attorneys: 2.1 / 4 (N=9)
Published standards
Colorado statutory judicial performance standards
The Commission on Judicial Performance for the Eighth Judicial District finds that Judge Mathew R. Zehe MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS by a vote of 8-0 with one commissioner absent and one commission vacancy. The judicial performance standards are integrity, legal knowledge, communication skills, judicial temperament, administrative performance, and service to the legal profession and public.
Participation
Attorney email invite
10 returned / 263 distributed
Attorney Survey Website
0 returned
Total Attorneys
10 returned
Non-attorney email Invite
14 returned / 783 distributed
Court Staff Email Invite (Self-select)
2 returned / 2,782 distributed
Citizen Feedback
0 returned
Juror Survey
0 returned
Total Non-Attorneys
16 returned
Commission narrative
The Commission on Judicial Performance for the Eighth Judicial District finds that Judge Mathew R. Zehe MEETS PERFORMANCE STANDARDS by a vote of 8-0 with one commissioner absent and one commission vacancy. The judicial performance standards are integrity, legal knowledge, communication skills, judicial temperament, administrative performance, and service to the legal profession and public.
Judge Zehe strives to conduct an efficient courtroom that meets the needs of those who appear before him and promotes the fair administration of justice. Judge Zehe exhibits great self-awareness, willingness to listen, and receptiveness to ideas and suggestions. Judge Zehe thoughtfully considers the survey comments about his communication style, in both his traditional docket and his Problem-Solving DUI Court and identifies strategies to improve his presentation in court. Judge Zehe expands access to his courtroom through the appropriate use of technology. The Commission believes Judge Zehe performs his duties well and possesses a strong knowledge of the law. The Commission appreciates his commitment and thoughtful approach to self-growth. The Commission believes that Judge Zehe is an asset to the Courts and the State of Colorado.
For this evaluation, the Commission interviewed Judge Zehe, read a selection of his legal opinions, observed him in court (including his problem-solving court docket), reviewed his judicial performance survey report, interviewed the chief judge for the district, the district attorney and head of the public defenders’ office for the district, reviewed case management statistics, and reviewed his self-evaluation. As to the survey data, a total of 24 individuals, 10 attorneys and 14 non-attorneys, completed the survey, which is a markedly low response rate. Given the significantly low response rates to the surveys overall, the Commission gave the appropriate weight to the survey responses in its evaluation.
Matthew Zehe was sworn in as a judge for the County Court in the Eighth Judicial District on November 14, 2022. Previously, Judge Zehe served as a magistrate for the Eighth Judicial District of Colorado since November of 2006. In that role he presided over the juvenile delinquency docket and the Juvenile Recovery Court, the First Appearance Center in Division, and the DUI Recovery Court. Judge Zehe also served as an attorney for the Colorado State Public Defender’s Office from December 1995 to October 2006. He graduated from Indiana University in 1991 with a degree in Philosophy and earned his J.D. from the University of Denver in 1995. Judge Zehe permanently presides at the Loveland County Court, and he continues to preside over the DUI Recovery Court.
Evaluation history
2019 · 2020 · 2021 · 2022 · 2023 · 2024 · 2025 · Historical cycles are shown separately until instrument compatibility is established.
Applicable Court Rules & Procedures
Expanded Media Coverage
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.
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 courtRequest for Expanded Media Coverage ↗
Expanded Media Notice
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.
Expanded Media Coverage applications to be submitted at least 24 hours in advance of the court proceeding in question.Request for Expanded Media Coverage ↗
Sources
Colorado Judicial Branch official judicial roster
Identity source · HTML · checked July 26, 2026
View Colorado Judicial Branch official judicial roster ↗Request for Expanded Media Coverage
Statewide source · HTML · checked July 26, 2026
View Request for Expanded Media Coverage ↗