Office: Pickaway, Ross, Highland, Athens, Washington, Vinton, Scioto, Lawrence, Adams, Pike, Hocking, Jackson, Meigs and Gallia Counties – Fourth District Court of Appeals
Age: 48
Residence: Circleville, OH
Email: mike@hesslegal.com
Website: www.Hessforohio.com; Facebook: @HessForOhio
Occupation: Attorney
Education: Capital University Law School
Work Experience: 17 years as an attorney; Extensive courtroom and
trial experience; Former Pickaway County Chief Assistant Prosecutor;
Former Criminal Investigator for the State of Ohio
Family: Married with one child
Affiliations: Presbyterian
Endorsements: Congressman Steve Stivers, State Senator Troy Balderson, State Senator Bob Peterson, State Representative Gary Scherer, Pickaway County Republican Party, Adams County Republican Party, Harold “Champ” Henson, Pickaway County Commissioner, Brian Stewart, Pickaway County Commissioner, Jay Wipple, Pickaway County Commissioner, Ellery Elick, Pickaway County Treasurer, Judy Wolford, Pickaway County Prosecutor, David M. Conrad, Pickaway County Emergency Management, Homeland Security and E-911 Director (former Circleville City Councilman), Todd Brady, Circleville City Council Member, Katie Logan Hedges, Circleville City Councilwoman, Tom Spring, Circleville City Councilman, Nelson Embrey, Ashville Village Councilman, Jamie Barker, Trustee, Jefferson Township – Ross County, Marilyn Ashcraft, State Committee Woman, Landon Boyer, Pike County Central Committee, Sandy Darby, ViceChair,
Pickaway County Republican Party, Luke Thompson, Chairman, Pickaway County Young Republicans, Steve Caraway, Former Adams County Commissioner, Ryan Evans, Ohio University College Republican Chairman
Bar Association Ratings: N/A
(1) List your judicial experience (courts and years):
Although I have not held a judicial position in the past, I have been
appointed by courts to serve as an arbitrator and mediator. Both roles
required me to listen and review evidence, and to make decisions based
of the information presented.
(2) What about your non-judicial legal experience quali×es you to be a
judge?
As a private attorney, I help clients with a wide variety of issues. Judges
on the Fourth District Court of Appeals are also required to decide
cases originating from a wide variety of issues. I practice in the Fourth
District and am familiar with their decisions and procedures as well as
the temperament required to be a respected jurist.
I have broad experience ranging from a criminal investigator for the
State of Ohio, a Chief Assistant Prosecutor in Pickaway County and in
my current role as a private attorney. I have represented the State of
Ohio, fire districts, villages, veterans’ organizations, economic
development organizations and individuals. I believe this well-rounded
experience makes me the most qualified candidate for judge on the
Fourth District Court of Appeals
(3) Why are you running for this particular court seat?
It is my firm belief that every individual who comes before the court
should have equal access to our justice system. Every person should be
afforded the opportunity to stand before a judge who is impartial and
fair. I bring experience in both criminal and civil law. I practice in the
jurisdiction for which I am running, and have built a reputation for
having sound judgment, integrity and a passion for the law.