Colorado’s first new judicial district in 62 years is now open for business.

One of the biggest judicial district transitions in Colorado history became official on Tuesday as the 18th Judicial District has split to form the new 23rd Judicial District. Douglas, Elbert and Lincoln counties were broke off from the 18th Judicial District. Arapahoe County is now the sole government entity representing the 18th Judicial District.

Each Colorado judicial district enforces laws in the counties or area it serves. The district works with different types of courts that operate within the district, providing criminal justice and offering services to convicted criminals.

23rd Judicial District activates

The Colorado Judicial Department swore in 150 staff members into the new district Tuesday morning.

That included transitioning new Chief Judge Ryan Stuart from the 18th to the 23rd district.

“This moment is a testament to the growth and evolution of our community, a recognition that the needs of our citizens are ever-changing and that our judicial system must evolve alongside them,” Stuart said.

On his first day in the 23rd Judicial District, District Attorney George Brauchler said his team has prepared to hit the ground running on catching and holding criminals accountable early and often.

“In some parts of the metro area, some places are just more permissive or forgiving for crimes committed,” Brauchler told The Denver Gazette. “They’re not going to find that permissiveness or that forgiveness down here.”

In the 23rd Judicial District, Braucher said, criminals are “going to find accountability.”

“This is going to be the place that people want to move their businesses and start their families and come shopping and come for entertainment and feel safe doing it,” the new DA said.

Brauchler’s first order of business is to involve himself in trials and “put myself on as sort of the face of the office in the community,” he said.

A shaken baby child abuse case and a vehicular homicide of an Air Force Lieutenant Colonel are the top cases for the 23rd, Brauchler said.

“Then I’ve also got eight bazillion different policy things to sign,” the new DA joked.

“We will be inclusive, collaborative, and innovative in our service of justice,” Judge Stuart said. “We will remain ever mindful of our duty to ensure that all who enter our courts are treated with respect and dignity, that justice is applied equitably, and that our decisions reflect the needs and values of the communities we serve.”

18th Judicial District splits with new DA

After swearing into her new position last week, District Attorney Amy Padden on Tuesday officially took full control of the 18th Judicial District.

Padden replaces former District Attorney John Kellner, who in a Gazette editorial on Tuesday said “over the last four years, my team and I have worked tirelessly to plan for and implement the creation of Colorado’s first new judicial district in nearly 60 years.”

The 18th and 23rd Judicial District’s split to allow for local judicial systems to oversee a more balanced number of people.

“Entire teams of county employees have helped support this new and challenging endeavor,” said Kellner, who opted not to run for reelection.

Padden, who narrowly lost to Kellner by less than 1,400 votes in 2020, coined “community safety” as her top value as DA in 2025.

“That includes prosecuting violent offenders, while at the same time preventing crime and reducing recidivism by rehabilitating non-violent and lower-level offenders,” 18th Judicial District officials said in a statement.

The new DA said Arapahoe County’s judicial approach should utilize diversion programs and “problem-solving courts,” which she adds “reduce crime by lowering recidivism rates, which are hovering around 50% in Colorado for offenders who have served a prison sentence.”

Chief Judge Michelle Amico will continue to serve as chief judge of the 18th Judicial District.

Padden encourages victims and witnesses of crimes to come forward.

“The primary job of the district attorney is to make sure our community is safe. We have many approaches we can use to enhance that safety,” Padden said. “We will hold people accountable, while at the same time rehabilitating them where appropriate, and the outcomes will be better for everyone.”