Two attorneys are seeking the judgeship currently held by Wes Dalton as presiding circuit judge of the 12th Circuit Court for Audrain, Montgomery and Warren counties.

Dalton is not running for re-election. 

Jason Lamb, Mexico, will run against Tim Joyce, Warrenton, in the primary. This is a six-year term. 

Both attorneys are Republicans. There are no Democratic candidates, so whoever is elected in August will fill the seat in 2019. 

Jason Lamb

Lamb is executive director for the Missouri Association of Prosecuting Attorneys.

“When we choose judges, we expect them to make decisions based on the evidence and the law, and to promote faith and confidence in the justice system,” said Lamb. “Judges have a responsibility through their actions at all times to make sure that everyone who appears in court will know that they will have the opportunity to be heard and will be treated fairly. I’m running for circuit judge because I believe in justice for all.”

Lamb served as Audrain County Prosecuting Attorney from 2003-2009. He is a member of the Mexico Rotary Club, a deacon at First Presbyterian Church, assistant Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 38 and den leader for Cub Scout Pack 57.

As judge, he said he would ensure that cases proceed efficiently. 

“When judges allow cases to drag on, this creates a backlog that erodes the public’s trust and confidence in the justice system and dishonors crime victims’ constitutional rights,” Lamb said. “This results in defendants sitting in jail longer, placing a strain on limited county budgets. Under my watch, cases will not languish; due process will be protected and crime victims’ rights will be honored.”

Lamb is married to Vanessa, a teacher at St. Brendan’s Elementary School.

Tim Joyce

Joyce is an attorney for the Tim Joyce Law Firm.

“The citizens of the 12th District deserve a judge who has experience in criminal, civil, probate, and domestic aspects of the law, has argued and won cases in State Courts, Missouri Appellate and Missouri Supreme Court,  

“I have served this community as a state and municipal prosecutor, defense attorney, civil lawyer and a small business owner. I have a reputation as a no nonsense, fair-minded lawyer. I understand, and will protect, the balance of justice,” Joyce said.

As judge, “I will push for community service as a condition of probation, especially mandating picking up litter. When appropriate, I will use electronic monitoring of pre- and post-conviction defendants at the expense of the defendant to help alleviate overcrowded jails and save taxpayers money.  I will use my conservative, Republican values as a guidepost in making fair and equitable decisions.”  

He said he will be a watchdog for taxpayer dollars that support the court system.

Joyce is president of Warren County Bar Association. He is a member of the Missouri Bar Association, Elks Lodge, Warrenton and Rotary Club of Warren County. He is a Fourth Degree Knight with Knights of Columbus in Warrenton. 

Joyce attends Holy Rosary Church in Warrenton. He is married to Cheri, former dean of students at St. Dominic High School in O’Fallon. 

Attorneys Tim Joyce, left, and Jason Lamb, right, are competing for the seat of presiding circuit judge of the 12th Circuit Court for Audrain, Montgomery and Warren counties.