On May 14, Monroe & Summers counties will elect a new judge for the first time in 32 years, as the Honorable Robert A. Irons is retiring. Our next judge should have a profound knowledge of the law, respected ties to both counties, and be enthusiastic about serving.
I have always known that I wanted to pursue a career in law. My parents, Lewis Cook and Robin Pettrey Cook taught me that with hard work, dedication, and prayer, I could achieve anything I set my mind to. I was inspired by the Honorable H.L. Kirkpatrick, III, whom I met in high school, and set my life’s path to becoming a lawyer. Over the years, I have had the privilege of serving as an attorney, assistant and elected prosecuting attorney, and now I aspire to serve our community as Circuit Court Judge.
Raised in Forest Hill, I have a deep-rooted history and connection to southern West Virginia. I am the granddaughter of Buck and Zenith Cook and Ralph and Claudine Pettrey. After graduating in 2006 from Concord University with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Geography, I continued my education at Vermont Law School. There, I graduated, in 2011, with a Juris Doctorate and a master’s degree in Environment Law and Policy.
After completing law school, I made Monroe County my home, where I worked as the Law Clerk for the Honorable Robert A. Irons. In August 2012, I began serving as an Assistant Prosecutor for both Summers and Monroe Counties. In 2016, I moved my residence to Summers County and was honored to be elected Prosecuting Attorney. I have effectively served in this capacity since.
In the past 7 years, as Prosecutor, I have personally handled well over 5,000 criminal and civil cases, for which, I have a conviction rate of over 95% on all felony criminal cases and a dismissal rate of less than 5%. As Prosecutor, and specially appointed prosecutor, I have practiced in the Circuit Courts and Magistrate Courts of Monroe and Summers Counties, as well as Greenbrier, Pocahontas, Mercer, Fayette, and Raleigh Counties.
Throughout my practice, I have had numerous jury trials, from murders, domestic violence cases, child sexual assaults and physical abuse cases, armed robbery, arson, drug offenses, and extortion, to name a few. All resulted in convictions except for two. In addition to criminal cases, I also have experience in civil matters including estate and property, employment, contracts, mental hygiene, injunctions, child abuse and neglect, forfeitures, habeas corpus, and adoptions. My home away from home is the courtroom.
My strong Christian faith has molded me into the individual I am. I was raised in and am a proud member of Fairview Baptist Church in Forest Hill. Also, I am a member of the Greenbrier Valley Refereeing Association, I have spent multiple seasons refereeing basketball and volleyball games in Summers, Monroe, and Greenbrier Counties. I received the Beacon of Light Award and, most recently, the Above and Beyond Award, from the Child Advocacy Center. I have also received the prestigious Extra Mile Award from the West Virginia State Police Children’s Justice Task Force. The West Virginia Troopers Association and the West Virginia Sheriffs’ Association have both endorsed my candidacy for judge.
My life and career have been devoted to public service. Serving my community does not end when I walk out of the courthouse. I strive to be an active community member and role model. Whether I am calling numbers for a BINGO game, speaking to committees regarding the application of the law, serving food at carnivals, reading to students, being a spectator at sporting events, or helping deliver meals to our disabled and elderly citizens, I have always been and will continue to be dedicated to supporting our communities.
I have twelve years of exclusive and extensive circuit courtroom practice which has prepared me to be fully committed to ensuring firm, fair, and honest decisions for all citizens. Collectively, my principles, reputable history, and dedication to serving make me the best choice for Monroe & Summers County Circuit Court Judge.
If elected, I pledge to continue working tirelessly to maintain the safety and well-being of our communities. I ask that you show your confidence in me by voting Kristin R. Cook for Circuit Judge on May 14, 2024.
