Run for Court of Common Pleas Judge

In Ohio, a Court of Common Pleas Judge is an elected judicial officer who presides over the county-level Court of Common Pleas, handling a wide range of civil, criminal, domestic relations, and probate cases (depending on the division). The role is governed by Ohio Revised Code (ORC) 2301.01–2301.03 and Ohio’s judicial system. Each county has a Court of Common Pleas with multiple judges, divided into general, domestic relations, probate, and juvenile divisions (some counties combine divisions). Here’s a detailed breakdown of a Common Pleas Judge’s duties:

1. Adjudicating Cases
   • Preside over felony criminal cases, major civil lawsuits (e.g., personal injury, contracts), domestic relations (e.g., divorce, custody), probate (e.g., wills, estates), and juvenile matters (depending on division) per ORC 2301.03.
   • Example: Rule on a felony robbery case or a child custody dispute.
2. Conducting Trials and Hearings
   • Manage jury and bench trials, motions, and pretrial hearings, ensuring fair proceedings.
   • Example: Oversee a jury selection for a civil malpractice lawsuit.
3. Issuing Rulings and Orders
   • Issue judgments, sentences (in criminal cases), and court orders (e.g., restraining orders, estate distributions).
   • Example: Sentence a defendant to prison or grant a divorce settlement.
4. Ensuring Legal Compliance
   • Uphold Ohio and U.S. constitutional law, statutes, and case law, ensuring due process and impartiality.
   • Follow Ohio’s Code of Judicial Conduct (ORC 2701.01).
   • Example: Dismiss a case due to improper evidence.
5. Court Administration
   • Collaborate with court staff to manage dockets, schedules, and resources.
   • Example: Work with the clerk of courts to streamline case filings.
6. Community Engagement
   • Participate in community programs, such as drug courts or juvenile diversion, to address social issues.
   • Example: Preside over a veterans’ treatment court.

Common Pleas Judges in Ohio serve 6-year terms and are elected in even-numbered years (e.g., 2026, 2028), with terms staggered across judges in each county. The role is full-time, requiring extensive legal experience.

How to Run for Court of Common Pleas Judge in Ohio: Requirements and Steps

Elections for Common Pleas Judges occur in even-numbered years, on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. Below is a guide tailored to a November 7, 2028, election, with a 6-year term starting January 1, 2029. Confirm details with your county board of elections, as the number of judges and specific seats vary by county.

Eligibility Requirements

• Age: At least 18 (Ohio Constitution, Article IV, Section 6); typically older due to experience requirements.
• Residency: Live in the county at the time of election (ORC 2301.01).
• Voter Registration: Be a registered voter in the county.
• No Conflicts: No felony convictions; must adhere to judicial ethics (Ohio Code of Judicial Conduct).
• Qualifications (ORC 2301.01):
  • Licensed attorney admitted to the Ohio Bar.
  • At least 6 years of active law practice in Ohio (or equivalent judicial experience) by the time of taking office.

Steps to Run for Office

1. Research Local Rules
   • Confirm which Common Pleas judge seats are up in 2028 (terms are staggered).
   • Check the Ohio Candidate Requirement Guide and judicial election rules.
   • Contact your county board of elections (e.g., Franklin County for Columbus).
   • Resource: Ohio SOS Elections Page
   • Timeline: Start in 2027 (e.g., April–June) for 2028.
2. Declare Candidacy and File Paperwork
   • File a Declaration of Candidacy and nominating petition (Form 3-J for judicial races, nonpartisan) with your county board.
   • Appoint a campaign treasurer and open a bank account.
   • Resource: SOS Forms: Candidate Petitions
   • Deadline: File by 4 p.m., 90 days before the primary (e.g., February 6, 2028, for May 7, 2028, primary).
3. Collect Signatures
   • Gather signatures from registered county voters:
     • Typically 50–150 signatures (e.g., Franklin County requires 50 per local rules).
     • Larger counties may require more (check with county board).
   • Use Form 3-J for judicial races.
   • Deadline: February 6, 2028. Collect extra signatures for safety.
4. Pay Filing Fees (If Required)
   • Fees ~$50–$100, waiveable with sufficient signatures in some counties.
   • Deadline: Same as petition filing (February 6, 2028).
5. Campaign Finance Registration
   • Register with your county board if raising/spending funds.
   • File reports per ORC 3517.10, adhering to judicial campaign limits (Ohio Code of Judicial Conduct restricts fundraising).
   • Resource: Ohio Campaign Finance Handbook
   • Deadline: Register before fundraising (e.g., summer 2027); pre-primary report due ~April 8, 2028.
6. Primary Election
   • Nonpartisan primaries occur if more than two candidates file for a seat.
   • Date: May 7, 2028 (first Tuesday after first Monday).
   • Smaller counties may skip primaries if only two or fewer candidates file.
7. Campaigning
   • Build a platform (e.g., “fair and impartial justice” or “efficient court operations”).
   • Engage voters via bar associations, community forums, or mailers—emphasize integrity and experience.
   • Follow judicial campaign rules (e.g., no promises on case outcomes).
   • Timeline: Start post-primary (June 2028), peak in fall (September–October 2028).
8. General Election
   • Appear on the ballot countywide (nonpartisan).
   • Date: November 7, 2028.
   • Resource: Ohio Election Calendar
9. Post-Election
   • If elected, take office (typically January 1, 2029).
   • File final finance reports.
   • Deadline: 30–60 days post-election (e.g., December 2028–January 2029).

Hypothetical 2028 Timeline (November 7 Election)

• April–June 2027: Research open seats, verify 6-year Ohio Bar practice.
• July–December 2027: Plan platform, collect signatures.
• January 2028: Finalize signatures.
• February 6, 2028: File petitions by 4 p.m.
• April 8, 2028: File pre-primary finance report.
• May 7, 2028: Primary election (if needed).
• June–October 2028: Campaign; file pre-general report (~October 5).
• November 7, 2028: Election Day.
• January 1, 2029: Take office.

Ohio-Specific Resources for Court of Common Pleas Judge Candidates

• Ohio Secretary of State: Election forms and rules.
  • www.ohiosos.gov/elections/
• County Boards of Elections: Filing and seat details.
  • SOS County Directory
• Ohio Judicial Conference: Court system insights.
  • www.ohiojudges.org/
• Ohio State Bar Association: Bar status and judicial ethics.
  • www.ohiobar.org/

Common Pleas Judge races are nonpartisan, emphasizing legal expertise and impartiality.