Candidate Details
- Residence
St Clairsville - Email
dtrouten@belmontcountycourts.com - Website
belmontcountycourts.com - Social Media
- Age
56 - Occupation
Judge, Eastern Division - Education
JD Ohio State University College of Law
BA (History) Ohio State University
St Clairsville High School
- Work Experience
Have worked as an attorney since 1993 in various capacities including Assistant Prosecutor, General Practice Attorney, Village Solicitor, and Public Defender.
Prior to graduating I worked in various jobs including Apprentice Roofer, Pizza Delivery, Security Guard, and various retail positions.
I have also held elected office on St Clairsville City Council and as Belmont County Clerk of Courts, before being elected Judge.
- Family
Married with 6 children - Affiliations
As a Roman Catholic, I am a Eucharistic Minister and Lector at St Mary's Church in StC, where I also serve communion for a local nursing home.
I serve on the StC Library Board of Directors as well as on the Board of Directors for the Memorial Park District.
I am member of the NRA, Knights of Columbus, and HMGS Great Lakes (a historical gaming club).
Question 1
List your judicial experience (courts and years)
I have served in my current position since 2018.
Question 2
What non-judicial legal experience qualifies you to be a judge?
My legal practice focused heavily on criminal law, and that is what the bulk of the County Court focuses on. I have been on both sides as a prosecutor and as a public defender. This gives me a unique insight on the many criminal cases over which I preside.
As a general practitioner, I also handled evictions and civil actions, which make up the rest of the work in County Court.
Question 3
Why are you running for this particular court seat?
I have been blessed with the opportunity to serve the people of Belmont County as a Judge for 4 years, and it is the most rewarding position I have ever held. A County Court Judge affects more people than any other type of Judge on a day to day basis. It gives me great comfort and pride to know that I am able to make a difference in people's and family's lives that will have ripple effects into the next generation.
I know I am able to be fair to all parties, treat them with the respect that every person deserves, and give just outcomes on the cases that come before me. It is a great honor that the people of this county have entrusted me with, and one I do not take lightly.