Vote for a Judge from Our Community

Judge Branstool with his wife Terra and children Taylor, Brooklyn, Samuel, and Grace.

Young Judge Branstool operating a tractor on his family’s farm.

Young Judge Branstool with his Jersey calf at the Hartford Fair.

Judge Branstool teaching his daughter Taylor to show a calf at the Hartford Fair.

Judge Branstool squirrel hunting with his nephew Luke and son Samuel.

Judge Branstool with his daughter Grace after a performance by Johnstown’s Big Red Band.

Judge Branstool teaching his stepdaughter Brooklyn how to steer a tractor.

Judge Branstool with his wife Terra after a successful morel mushroom hunt.

Judge Branstool hiking with his children Grace, Samuel, and Taylor.

Judge Branstool walking on the family farm with his dog Henry.

Born and raised on a family farm near Utica, Judge Branstool understands our community. From farm chores to 4-H at the Hartford Fair - he learned the importance of hard work, determination, responsibility, and teamwork at an early age.

He frequently returned home during college to help on the farm and after law school he returned home to raise his family. He worked hard to instill the same values in his kids who attended local schools and are all proud Buckeyes.

Support a judge who believes that the most effective way to be tough on crime is to be smart about it, and who believes that communities should be safe and healthy. Judge Branstool has seen first-hand the damage that the opioid epidemic has had on our community and is committed to improving our community by doing all he can to hold those who commit crimes accountable for their actions, and to support the recovery and rehabilitation of people who are dedicated to changing their lives for the better.

Vote for Innovation

He created two drug court programs in Licking County, in Municipal Court in 2008, and in Common Pleas Court for felony cases in 2011, which he still runs. It’s a tough-love method to holding offenders accountable.

Drug courts are an innovative approach that bring people from all sides together including prosecutors, probation officers, defense attorneys, substance abuse and mental health specialists, and law enforcement officers, with the shared goal of reducing addiction-related recidivism, the strain on the prison system, and costs to taxpayers. This shared goal is what makes drug court programs successful.

Evaluation studies consistently show that while offenders are participating in adult drug courts, they are less likely to commit crime, and consequently, states and localities save money on criminal justice system costs.

-United States Bureau of Justice Assistance

Accountability is central to the program and requires weekly court appearances with Judge Branstool and multiple drug tests each week. In addition to accountability, the program focuses on treating the underlying behaviors and actions that lead people back to drug use. The treatment team includes substance abuse and mental health counselors, and other professionals who help participants receive housing and sober living assistance, and help with child support issues, employment services, and educational and vocational training.

Judge Branstool is the only judge in Licking County running and drug court program and all of his Drug Court responsibilities are voluntary and in addition to his regular docket. It’s almost like a second full-time job. It’s a lot of extra work, but no extra pay. The only compensation a judge receives from running a drug court is the satisfaction of knowing that the program is helping change lives and restore the community.

“The program is long, hard and demanding. Nothing is more satisfying than providing people with the tools they need to address substance use and addiction. Drug Court graduations are one of the most fulfilling aspects of my job. For graduates and their families, it means a better future. Successful offenders go from being incarcerated at taxpayers’ expense to being working taxpayers themselves.”

- Judge David Branstool