Gov. Jared Polis on July 14 appointed Victoria Klingensmith to the 18th Judicial District Court covering Arapahoe, Douglas, Elbert and Lincoln counties. The vacancy will be created by the retirement of Judge Cynthia Mares, effective Sept. 1.
Klingensmith is the senior chief deputy district attorney in the 18th Judicial District, a position she’s held since 2020. Since 2019, she’s also been an adjunct professor at the University of Denver Sturm College of Law, according to the announcement, and her practice consists of criminal law.
Previously, Klingensmith was chief deputy DA from 2016 to 2020, senior deputy DA from 2011 to 2016 and deputy DA from 2004 to 2011 in the 18th Judicial District. Prior to serving in the 18th Judicial District, she was law clerk for Judge Frank Plaut in Jefferson County from 2003 to 2004.
Klingensmith earned her bachelor’s degree from University of Denver in 2000 and her J.D. from the University of Colorado Law School in 2003.