Hamilton County Common Pleas Court Judge Alan C. Triggs is seeking re-election to the General Division bench in the Nov. 3 general election.
Triggs, an Anderson Township resident since 1998, has served on the bench since 2021. He said he is running because he remains "deeply committed to serving our community with fairness, integrity, and respect for the rule of law." He said he wants to continue ensuring that every person who enters the courtroom receives a decision based on the facts and the law.
Candidate information
- Office sought: Hamilton County Common Pleas Court Judge, General Division (Term Commencing Feb. 10)
- Party affiliation: Democrat (nonpartisan race)
- Residence: Anderson Township (since 1998)
- Family: Married 28 years; one daughter
- Education: Walnut Hill High School; bachelor's degree in accounting, Memphis State University (1991); Juris Doctor, University of Akron (1994); Master of Laws, Concord School of Law (2012)
- Endorsements: AFL-CIO; Hamilton County Democratic Party
Experience and public service
Triggs has served at every level of Ohio's trial court system. According to his Judicial Votes Count profile, he was a Hamilton County magistrate from 2001 to 2011, also serving as magistrate for the Villages of Lincoln Heights and Woodlawn and the Cities of Silverton and Golf Manor during that period. He served as a Hamilton County Municipal Court judge from 2018 to 2021 before winning election to the Common Pleas bench.
Before joining the judiciary, Triggs worked as an assistant Cincinnati city prosecutor from 1997 to 2001 and as an assistant city solicitor. He also served as general counsel for CMI Inc., a subsidiary of MPD Inc., from 2011 to 2018. He has maintained a private law practice since 1995.
His family has a long tradition of public service. Triggs said that tradition includes police officers, firefighters and City of Cincinnati maintenance workers.
On the issues
What sets him apart from other candidates: Triggs said the key difference is the breadth of his legal and judicial experience. He pointed to his work as both a prosecutor and a defense attorney, which he said gives him a balanced understanding of the criminal justice system. He also cited his corporate law background and Master of Laws degree as preparation for civil and business cases.
How his judicial experience shapes his courtroom: Triggs said effective docket management is essential to ensure each case receives the time and attention it deserves. He said he runs his courtroom with an even temper and has developed a database of prior decisions and legal research to address recurring motions promptly.
Reducing delays in felony cases: Triggs said implementing stricter discovery deadlines for prosecutors would significantly reduce delays. He identified the time police agencies take to provide body-worn camera footage as a major cause of continuances.
Best advice he has received: Triggs said effective leadership does not require raising one's voice or displaying anger to maintain control of a situation.
