David Trouten

Office: Belmont County Court, Eastern Division

Age: 52

Residence: St Clairsville, OH

Email: N/A

Website: Facebook David Trouten for County Court Judge

Occupation: Clerk of Courts

Education: J.D. from The Ohio State University (1993)

Work Experience: Attorney since 1993 with emphasis in criminal law, including as both a prosecutor and public defender. Clerk of Courts for past 2 years.

Family: Married for 25 years with 6 children from ages 8-22.

Affiliations: Religion: Roman Catholic (St Marys, St Clairsville), Knight of Columbus Trustee, Eucharistic Minister, Minister to Shut-Ins, Lector, past member of Diocesan Deanery Pastoral Council, past Teacher of Religious Education, past member of Church Advisory Council, past member of School Advisory Council. / Board Member of St Clairsville Library, Board Member of Memorial Park, Board Member Tugaoen Medical Mission Fund, past board member of St Clairsville Rotary, the Therapeutic Foster Care Network, Red Cross. / Past President of the Belmont County Bar Association. / Member of the NRA

Endorsements: N/A

Bar Association Ratings: N/A

(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years):

None.

2) What about your non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?

I have practiced law for 24 years in Belmont County. The vast majority of my practice has been in criminal law, both as a prosecutor and a public defender. The bulk of the criminal cases in Belmont County are misdemeanors, which are only heard in County Court. My experience in these very courts gives me the skills to understand all aspects of every case, from law enforcement, to victims, to the defendants themselves. On top of this, my two years of being the head of a major county office as Clerk of Courts has given me the knowledge to manage large offices of 15 employees and handle government budgeting. My legal and life experience, as well as my respect for the Constitution, the community, and family values will help me give Belmont County Eastern Division a Judge who will work hard to make a difference.

(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
My years of work in the criminal justice field have shown me the devastation to victims and families of the opioid crisis and the drug problem. We cannot give up this fight, but must use every tool possible to change our society. I believe the front line of this battle is the County Court. Many lives are impacted by a County Court Judge. Victims need protected and lives need to be mended and set right. I want to make a difference in the lives of the Citizens of Belmont County on a daily basis. Justice requires compassion where possible, and punishment when necessary. My years of experience here in Belmont County give me the wisdom to apply this in the proper measure.