The longtime presiding judge of the Denver Juvenile Court, D. Brett Woods, retired from the bench on Friday amid a misconduct investigation whose details are still unclear.
“I am proud of my work in the area of juvenile justice,” Woods wrote in a Feb. 8 letter to Chief Justice Brian D. Boatright. “I will cherish my time on the bench.”
Colorado Politics reported last month that the state Supreme Court issued a Dec. 21 order suspending Woods and directing to explain why he should be allowed to remain on the bench while the Colorado Commission on Judicial Discipline completed its investigation into him. In January, the court issued another order reiterating that Woods remained on paid suspension until further notice.
Few details were immediately available about the nature of Woods’ alleged misconduct. On Jan. 29, the juvenile court’s executive, Abigail Young, sent an email to staff and attorneys indicating there was still no update about Woods’ future.
“We fully understand and appreciate how confusing and frustrating any given day can be right now. The uncertainty of where your cases will be heard can only surely add to the anxiety your clients already feel navigating their own court process,” she wrote. “If and when we are given any information to share, we are committed to providing clear and open communication with you all.”