New circuit judge to be sworn in Aug. 16

CHARLESTON – The investiture ceremony for ceremony for new circuit judge H. Charles “Charlie” Carl will take place Aug. 16.

Carl was recently selected by Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin to fill a vacancy in the Twenty-Second Judicial Circuit, which consists of Hardy, Hampshire and Pendleton counties.

Carl fills the spot previously held by Donald C. Cookman, who resigned to fill a vacancy in the state Senate created by Walt Helmick’s election as state Agriculture Commissioner.

Chief Twenty-Second Judicial Circuit Judge Charles E. Parsons will conduct the oath office. It will take place in the circuit court courtroom in the Hampshire County Judicial Center in Romney.

Prior to his appointment, Carl, 51, was partner in the firm of Carl, Keaton, Frazer and Milleson, an outgrowth of the Ansel and Carl firm founded by his grandfather. Also, he served as general counsel and board member of the Bank of Romney and as president of the South Branch Valley Bar.

The firm's website says it takes family law, real estate and personal injury cases.

Following his graduation from Capital University Law School in Columbus, Ohio, Carl was admitted to state Bar on Nov. 4, 1987.

Tomblin chose Carl over Moorefield attorney Larry Garrett. The state Judicial Vacancy Advisory Commission picked those two from a field of three candidates to submit to Tomblin on April 4.

Carl will start work the day of the oath.

From the West Virginia Record: Reach John O’Brien at jobrienwv@gmail.com.