Melissa Upthegrove Washington Court House Municipal Court

Candidate Details

Residence
Washington Court House
Email
upthegrovelaw@gmail.com
Social Media
facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093999168710
Age
59
Occupation
Attorney
Education
Juris Doctor, The Ohio State University College of Law
Work Experience
Former Acting Judge, Washington Court House Municipal Court.

Former Magistrate, Fayette County Probate/Juvenile Court.

Upthegrove Law practice; criminal, civil and administrative law.

Court apppointed Public Defender, Ohio Municipal and Common Pleas Courts.
Family
Married twenty five years, three children
Affiliations
Member, Ohio Farm Bureau.

Member, Fayette County Chamber of Commerce.

Former board member, LIFE Pregnancy Center.

Former board member, Fayette County Housing Authority.

Former board member, Community Action Commission of Fayette County.

Melissa Upthegrove

Question 1

List your judicial experience (courts and years)

8+ years - Magistrate, Fayette County Probate/Juvenile Court

2005 - Acting Judge, Washington Court House Municipal Court

Question 2

What non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?

My experience as the Village of Sabina, Prosecutor and a Court Appointed Public Defender has allowed me to practice on both sides of the law. Prosecuting individuals who fail to abide by the law, and representing defendants so that their constitutional rights are protected, innocent until proven guilty. I understand the time and commitment it takes to be an effective judge, along with the work ethic needed for the position

Question 3

Why are you running for this particular court seat?

Running for judge is the next step in my legal career. The role of Municipal Court Judge will allow me to fulfill my dream of becoming the next WCH Municipal Court Judge. I have experience sitting on the bench as a magistrate and understand the role of a judge. In my law practice I represent clients in the WCH Municipal Court regarding small claims matters, landlord-tenant issues, expungements, and other areas of law under the jurisdiction of the Court. I am extremely familiar with the duties of a judge. I welcome the opportunity to serve as the next WCH Municipal Court Judge. Thank you.