Justin Hershberger

Justin Hershberger

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Contact

Personal website

Justin Hershberger was a 2016 candidate for the Ohio County Magistrate Court in West Virginia. He was defeated in the general election on May 10, 2016.

Campaign themes

2016

Hershberger's campaign website listed the following themes for 2016:

“	Justin sets himself apart on the following issues: Understanding of the Law ​Justin is the only candidate licensed to practice law in the State of West Virginia. He is well versed in criminal and civil law. This brings with it not only specialized training, but also practical experience that no other candidate possesses. He has the ability to understand, digest, and properly research legal arguments before rendering decisions based upon the law and the facts. Community Service ​Community Service has not been used on a regular basis in many years. There is also a lack of approved community service programs. Unfortunately, this leaves even minor non-violent offenders at risk of losing their driver's licenses for no other reason other than not being able to afford court imposed fines. Those individuals are then at risk for committing another crime (driving suspended) and being brought back before the court. Community service opportunites should be plentiful and available, when appropriate, to assist indiviudals in paying off fines. Drug/Mental Health Courts ​The Northern Panhandle has established both a Drug and Mental Health Court. These diversion courts are designed for non-violent offenders ready to seek help with a drug addiction or diagnosed mental health issue. Unfortunately, these programs are woefully under-used by the Ohio County Magistrate Court. Those ready for help need given the appropriate resoures to combat the epidemic facing our county. Punish When Appropriate ​However, violent offenders, those not ready for help, and those who abuse the programs offered need punished. That punishment can take many forms but the message behind it will be loud and clear - "You do not want to be a 'frequent flyer' in my court!" Efficient Adminsitration of Justice ​Magistrate Court serves a very important function, but can be downright hectic at times (think an unfunny Night Court crossed with M*A*S*H). Thousands of cases are processed a year. Justin promises to efficiently, but fairly dispense justice to prevent a backlog of cases. Moreover, Justin promises to be available day and night when called upon to serve his official duties. Judicial Respect ​Justin has developed excellent working relationships with law enforcement, attorneys, judges, magistrates, and staff alike. These relationships foster a respectful working environment within the court for all involved. It also garners respect from the community and faith in the judicial system of Ohio County.	”
—Justin Hershberger (2016),

Elections

2016

See also: West Virginia local trial court judicial elections, 2016

West Virginia held general elections for county judicial offices on May 10, 2016. This date coincided with partisan primaries for statewide and federal offices. The 2016 election was the first nonpartisan election for the state's judicial seats since statehood in 1863. Learn more about this change here. Candidates interested in filing for the election submitted paperwork by January 30, 2016. Incumbent Charles Murphy defeated Justin Hershberger and Desiree Lyonette in the general election for the Ohio County Magistrate Court Division 1 seat.

Ohio County Magistrate Court Division 1 General Election, 2016
Candidate	Vote %	Votes
Charles Murphy Incumbent	55.56%	6,421
Justin Hershberger	32.69%	3,778
Desiree Lyonette	11.75%	1,358
Total Votes		11,557
Source: West Virginia Secretary of State, "Election Results Center," accessed May 10, 2016

Selection method

See also: Nonpartisan election of judges

The judges of the West Virginia Circuit Court are elected in nonpartisan elections to serve eight-year terms. Judges must run for re-election when their terms expire.

The chief judge of each circuit court is selected by peer vote. Term lengths vary by circuit.

Qualifications
To serve on a West Virginia Circuit Court, a judge must be:

• a citizen of West Virginia for at least five years;
• a resident of his or her circuit;
• at least 30 years old; and
• practiced in law for at least five years.

See also

• Courts in West Virginia
• Local trial court judicial elections, 2016

External links

• West Virginia Judiciary Court Information by County
• Campaign website

Footnotes

West Virginia courts

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Federal courts:

Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals • U.S. District Court: Northern District of West Virginia, Southern District of West Virginia • U.S. Bankruptcy Court: Northern District of West Virginia, Southern District of West Virginia

State courts:

Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia • West Virginia Intermediate Court of Appeals • West Virginia Circuit Courts • West Virginia Family Courts • West Virginia Magistrate Courts • West Virginia Municipal Courts

State resources:

Courts in West Virginia • West Virginia judicial elections • Judicial selection in West Virginia