3 candidates hope to fill open Marion Co., West Virginia, Circuit Court Judge seat

WV News sent a questionnaire to the three candidates, and their written responses follow.

What about you and your experiences make you the most qualified candidate for Marion County Division 2 Circuit Court Judge?

DELLIGATTI: I bring a proven track record of experience. Upon graduation, I served as a law clerk for both state and federal judges. Following the clerkships, I have developed the most diverse legal practice in this race. My practice includes complex criminal and civil matters in both state and federal courts throughout West Virginia. Most importantly, I am the only candidate who handles juvenile abuse and neglect cases, which makes up nearly half of a judge’s time in court.

With years of dedication to the legal profession, I understand the complexities of the law and the importance of fair and just decisions. My passion for serving the community drives my commitment to promising that justice is served swiftly and effectively.

ERHARD: For 25 years, I have practiced extensively as a litigator inside the courtrooms of the Marion County Circuit Court. I have also had a robust federal practice in West Virginia. I have litigated jury trials, bench trials, and countless hearings in both civil and criminal law representing parties on both sides of those disputes. Likewise, I have experience in appellate practice before the state and federal courts of West Virginia.

Our Founding Fathers designed American courts to be truth-seeking forums. Therefore, it is critical that a lawyer wanting to become a judge must have extensive litigation experience inside the courtroom. If not, he jeopardizes that truth-seeking function, and citizens can lose faith in the court’s primary ambition to discover the truth. I have the experience.

SHIELDS: I have practiced law in Marion County for 37 years, with extensive experience in civil litigation, criminal defense, and prosecution. I have tried cases in federal and state courts. I am admitted to practice in the Northern and Southern Districts of West Virginia and the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Not only have I practiced law, I have also spent 27 years teaching the law, including courses in Criminal Procedure, The American Court Process, Criminal Law, and Constitutional Law. My former students are now employed at all levels of the justice system as law enforcement officers, attorneys, and elected officials. My unique combination of practical and academic experience gives me a holistic understanding of the legal system that neither of my opponents has.

Overall, how would Marion County benefit from you being in this position?

SHIELDS: Marion County has a long legacy of excellence on the bench. In my 37 years of practice, I have been privileged to learn from each of our judges. I will bring to the bench not only my own legal experience, knowledge, and work ethic, but also the wisdom of those judges before me.

As circuit court judge, I will work to ensure that we live in a safe and desirable community, a place where people are comfortable living, working, and raising families. The people of Marion County will gain a servant with extensive legal knowledge, a wealth of scholarly and practical experience, a firm dedication to constitutional principles and a genuine commitment to justice and fair treatment for all members of our community.

DELLIGATTI: Marion County isn’t just where I live, Marion County made me. Marion County Public Schools educated me. Our community entrusted me to serve as mayor of Fairmont, which helped me win the Truman Scholarship. Marion County provided me with the opportunity to practice law before outstanding jurists who are widely respected around our state.

My family and I are deeply rooted in our community, and I was shown from a young age the importance of working hard for the betterment of our community. I understand the unique challenges and needs of Marion Countians, and I am committed to being present and responsive to those needs. Marion County made me. As judge, I will make sure Marion County’s legacy of wonderful judges continues.

ERHARD: For 25 years, I have made my living applying the Constitutions of West Virginia and the United States. I have gained a familiarity with all rules essential to trial work in the same way that a good mechanic hones his skill with the tools of his trade.

To be an effective judge, a lawyer must first hone his skills in the courtroom. I have done exactly that in the Marion County Circuit Court for more than 25 years. If elected, I will be ready to do my best for the citizens of Marion County on Day One. We need law and order. I will work hard to ensure that our court remains a solid court of law where people know they will be treated fairly.