On Thursday, June 26, 2025, the Colorado Supreme Court granted a motion for judgment on the pleadings in the reciprocal discipline case against attorney David Joseph Martin. This ruling follows sanctions imposed on Martin by the State Bar of Arizona, where he was suspended from practicing law for six months, effective May 7, 2024, due to professional misconduct.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of David Joseph Martin,” with case number 25PDJ5.
The case was initiated by the Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel, representing the People of the State of Colorado. The complaint alleged that Martin’s actions warranted reciprocal discipline under Colorado Rules of Civil Procedure (C.R.C.P.) 242.21, which governs such cases. Martin failed to submit a timely response to the complaint, prompting the People to seek a default judgment on March 28, 2025. Although Martin later filed an answer after a motion for an extension was granted, the court proceeded with the judgment.
The Presiding Disciplinary Judge, Bryon M. Large, determined that the suspension imposed by Arizona is analogous to a six-month suspension in Colorado. The Colorado court emphasized that under C.R.C.P. 242.21, a final adjudication of misconduct in another jurisdiction establishes the same misconduct in Colorado unless the attorney can prove a valid defense. Martin did not contest the imposition of reciprocal discipline and acknowledged that the same disciplinary measures should apply.
In the Arizona case, Martin’s suspension was accompanied by a two-year probationary period, which included several conditions such as participating in a law office management assistance program, completing six hours of continuing legal education, and fulfilling various financial obligations. The Colorado court ruled that Martin’s reciprocal discipline would require him to comply with these Arizona probation conditions.
The court also addressed Martin’s request to have the Colorado suspension effective retroactively to the date of his Arizona suspension. The judge denied this request, stating that the rules do not support such retroactive imposition of discipline. The court clarified that while reciprocal discipline does not explicitly prohibit retroactive application, it does not authorize it either without compelling justification, which Martin failed to provide.
As a result of the ruling, Martin is suspended from practicing law in Colorado for six months, effective upon the issuance of the Order and Notice of Suspension. He is required to comply with the winding up of his affairs and notify current clients and relevant jurisdictions of his suspension. Additionally, Martin must submit an affidavit of compliance within fourteen days following the order’s issuance.
The court scheduled a deadline for any post-hearing motions and responses related to the case, emphasizing the procedural timeline moving forward. The one-day hearing initially set for November 10, 2025, has been vacated.
According to Avvo, Mr. Martin is a general practice lawyer in La Junta, CO. He acquired his law license in Colorado in 1983.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
