ABOUT ME
Hi, I'm Randall
WHAT IS A MAGISTRATE?
In Ohio, a magistrate is appointed by the court under Civil Rule 53, Juvenile Rule 40, Criminal Rule 19, Traffic Rule 14, and Superintendence Rule 19 (A). Like judges, magistrates must take an oath of office, are held to the same judicial code of conduct, and must obtain the same continuing legal education requirements.
In the Washington County Juvenile Court, a magistrate presides over both oral argument and full trial, Criminal, Traffic, and Juvenile hearings. The magistrate hears and rules on various motions, including, but not limited to, discovery issues, admissibility issues, evidentiary objections, competency of both witness(es), and of youth facing delinquency or status offenses. The magistrate is responsible to issue interim orders and render final decisions in the areas of allocation of parental rights, paternity, child support, criminal (delinquency), traffic, and protection orders.
WHY DO I DESERVE YOUR VOTE?
I have presided over, issued orders, and rendered decisions in thousands of cases. I have judicial experience running a courtroom, taking testimony and evidence, applying the law to facts presented in court, and understand the the day-to-day operations of a court.
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My experience as Juvenile Magistrate has taught me the importance of understanding the community needs of Washington County. Many individuals need mental health support or addiction services, and should be provided those services if it reduces their risk of recidivism. However, those needs must also be weighed against the need to protect the community from danger. I have the experience, temperament, and judgement to properly weigh those decisions and apply both fair and firm sentences.
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For the past six years, it has been my greatest honor and privilege, to serve the citizens of Washington County as their Magistrate. I want to continue that service, as Judge, and will do so with your support, and vote.
WHO I AM
Prior to becoming a Magistrate, I attended Purdue University where I earned a degree in Political Science in 2007, then attended the University of Toledo School of Law, where I earned a Juris Doctorate in 2010. I passed and was admitted to the Ohio Bar in 2010.
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I began my legal career while in law school, working in the Toledo Municipal Court Prosecutor's Office and then later as a solo practitioner. In 2011, I relocated to Marietta, Ohio where I began working in the Public Defender's Office. In 2017, I was approached by Judge Timothy Williams to be his Magistrate for the Probate and Juvenile Court after a vacancy left by Judge Mark Kereyni's election to the bench in 2016.
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I am married to my wife Alesa, also an attorney, and a hearing officer for the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. We have lived in Devola since 2015 and welcomed our daughter, Dorothy (Dottie), in 2019.
Experience Matters
I know what it takes to be a judicial leader, I have developed the necessary skills and have the experience to serve Washington County as Municipal Court Judge.
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I began my legal career in private practice, handling a multitude of cases, including criminal, civil, business, and family law. I have worked in both a prosecutor's office as well as a public defender's office, gaining experience that cannot be taught.
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For the past six years I have had the honor of serving as this county's Juvenile and Probate Magistrate. I have handled thousands of criminal, traffic, custody, child support, and protection order cases.
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I have judicial experience running a courtroom, taking testimony, applying the law, and issuing orders and decisions. I know what it takes to be a judicial leader and have the skills to do so on day one.