Judge David Juarez, representing the municipal court in Commerce City, testified in opposition to the bill. He discussed concerns about home rule, outside evaluators, and unfunded mandates. He emphasized that independent, conflict-free representation already exists and summarized remedies in cases of substandard representation. He also suggested that funds would be better spent on social safety nets.
Discussion followed regarding the independence of the Judicial Branch, authority of presiding judges, the problems of finding attorneys in rural areas, mandatory fines, unintended consequences, legislating to the exception, and the appointment and evaluation of municipal court judges.