ST. CLAIRSVILLE — Attorney Adam Myser will be taking on the judgeship at Belmont County Northern Division Court on Oct. 20, having been appointed by Gov. Mike DeWine to complete Chris Berhalter’s term after Berhalter’s move to Belmont County Common Pleas Court to replace the retiring Frank Fregiato.

Myser, 36, said this has been a longtime ambition in his career.

“I feel that it’s an opportunity to impact the community, an opportunity to be part of the legal system,” he said. “Ever since Judge Fregiato had put forth his retirement, we kind of had an idea there was going to be a vacancy in the county court level eventually, and with the blessing of my father and my wife, I knew I wanted to go for that position as an opportunity to benefit the community.”

Myser said he brings experience and familiarity with the court to the judge’s position. He now serves as the acting judge for Northern Division court.

He has been a practicing attorney at Myser and Myser Law Firm since 2013 and became a shared partner in 2018. Myser also serves as a solicitor for the villages of Barnesville and Morristown. He is a member of the Ohio State Bar Association, Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Belmont County Bar Association, Belmont County Law Library Review Board and the Estate Planning Council.

Myser said his experience includes working on numerous civil cases, including representing both landlords and tenants in eviction cases, and representing a variety of defendants in criminal cases. He said he was able to polish his skills at the various courts.

“From the criminal perspective, there are some clear issues that our community is facing. We still have a lot of issues with drugs, a lot of issues with individuals operating a motor vehicle and not necessarily authorized to do so, and obviously some domestic relation issues where there’s children, where there are spouses or significant others that need to be protected,” Myser said.

He said he will be consistent in interpreting and applying the law and will maintain the high standards of the court while being aware that defendants are facing a particularly difficult time and might not comprehend the full ramifications of the legal system.

“I’m very interested in preserving the integrity of the seat of that judgeship. I’m very interested in upholding the law and being consistent,” he said.

Myser added there are programs that Northern Court has operated in the past that he is interested in exploring, such as placing licensed drivers back on the roads, providing assistance for those struggling with addiction and making educational outreaches to teach young people more about the legal system and the consequences of poor choices.

“All of those programs have in one way or another, I believe, benefited the community, and so I would certainly be interested in continuing to develop those programs, modernize those programs and allow the court system to be a tool for individuals in the community, to help get them back on their feet, those who need that support and that extra push,” he said.

Myser anticipates the change in roles.

“It’s not my job to defend defendants. It’s not my job to prosecute on behalf of the state. It’s my job to work with prosecutors and defense counsel. It is my job to assist individuals that are there in small claims court as to what their claims may be. It’s my job to interpret the law and decisively come to a conclusion,” he said. “I need to be honest with the folks that appear in front of me.”

Myser said Berhalter has kept the court in excellent operation. He added that he is grateful to Berhalter for giving him the opportunity to serve as an acting judge to gain experience.

“I’ve had the opportunity to preside over those cases and handle some of the situations presented in Northern Division County Court.”

He also commended the work of retired judge John Solovan, who continues to be available as an acting judge.

“Judge Solovan has done a phenomenal job bridging the gap between Judge Berhalter’s docket to what is soon to be my docket,” Myser said. “Judge Solovan is, without question, a role model for any individual trying to be established in the judiciary.”

Myser will serve the remainder of the unfinished term and will need to run for election in 2024 to retain the seat

The Central Committee of the Belmont County Republican Party submitted Myser and two other candidates to the governor’s office for consideration. Chairman David Jones said members are confident in Myser’s abilities and expect he will do an excellent job.