Judge Wes Dalton announced this week that he will seek a second term as circuit judge in the 12th Circuit Court, comprised of Warren, Montgomery and Audrain counties.The primary election for the position is in August 2018. He will run as a Republican.Judge Dalton was first elected in 2012 after running unopposed. Before that, he served as the associate circuit judge in Warren County for 12 years.“I am energized and excited,” he said. “I feel like I have only begun to make the changes and improvements to our circuit that I envisioned before taking office.”Judge Dalton highlighted several social justice programs that have been implemented while he has served with the 12th Circuit, including drug court, DWI court and family treatment court. He continues to support alternative sentencing for the citizens of the 12th Circuit and is an advocate for the treatment of substance abuse disorders within the community through the judicial system.In addition, Judge Dalton has fully implemented a state-of-the-art polycom video system which allows for real-time, face-to-face video interaction with individuals that are incarcerated in any correctional facility in the state. The implementation of the system saves thousands of dollars by avoiding the high cost of transporting inmates, and reduces safety risks to officers who would be transporting those inmates.Judge Dalton said he continues to make changes to the 12th Circuit to ensure that justice is provided and transparent to all parties, including those without counsel.“We have made certain that all applicable forms, instructions, and self-help materials are available to those individuals who cannot afford an attorney, and would like to represent themselves,” he said. “I have worked diligently as presiding circuit judge over the last five years to make certain that everyone gets a fair shake, and at least understands why the decision was made, regardless of the outcome.”If elected, Judge Dalton said he will continue to ensure everyone who comes before the court will be treated fairly and with respect, and will maintain the public’s trust in the legal system of the 12th Circuit.“It has been my honor to serve our circuit for the past five years, and God willing, I will be honored and humbled to do so for another term.”

Warren County Presiding Judge Wes Dalton