Crystal Welsh, who has served as the city prosecutor for the Bellefontaine Municipal Court for the past three years, has announced her candidacy as Bellefontaine Municipal Court Judge in the May 2 primary election.
“I would be humbled to be your next Bellefontaine Municipal Court Judge. My academic and professional training, combined with my passion and dedication, make me the ideal candidate for this incredible honor,” she said.
“The role of Bellefontaine Municipal Court Judge involves a variety of different roles. The position demands a steady knowledge of the ever-changing laws and rules in the State of Ohio, and it requires a fast-paced efficient docket in order to address all the cases that come before the Court. I would be prepared for all cases before me, would be fair and impartial and would make decisions based upon the law and the facts of each case, I would dispense justice with integrity.”
Welsh said she got her start working a variety of small jobs, babysitting, ice cream store, third shift at a gas station, Build a Bear Workshop, jewelry store, a cell phone company and then moved on to being a social worker for children services.
“I worked as a Social Worker for the Lake County Department of Job and Family Services for almost 10 years. Through my employment, I interacted with people from all walks of life and a wide variety of professional positions.
“I was able to gain perspective on the different problems and environments that people face while at the same time hold them accountable for their actions and choices.”
She began law school journey through the part-time evening program at Cleveland-Marshall College of Law and said she used her time management skills to continue to work full-time through most of her education.
After becoming an attorney, the candidate worked in private practice for estate planning and underwriting personal injury cases before working for the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office.
“While at the county, I was adaptable to different roles and positions ranging from making charging decisions, taking cases to grand jury as well as handling trials and effectively communicating with attorneys and pro se litigants to ensure upmost efficiency,” she said.
After a year of employment in Lake County, Welsh was promoted to the juvenile division supervisor, where she managed fellow attorneys and administrative staff.
In her current position, she said she has enjoyed serving Logan County for the last three plus years.
“I am versed in the types of cases that the court receives and am aware of the inner workings of the Court. I alone handle all criminal and traffic matters that come before the Court. I am efficient with the Court’s time, prepare for all cases and hearings and manage a full docket while still addressing law enforcement questions, review reports for charges, handle any appeals as well as offer guidance and supervision to other departments and staff within the Court.”
In the community, Welsh is involved in the CORE legal/advocacy committee, the Logan County Bar Association, Logan County Republican Party, Logan County Cattle Association and Women United Way.
Throughout the year, she also grade essays for Barbri, which is the law school education program to help students prepare for the bar exam.
