---
title: "Christopher M. Berhalter | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/christopher-m-berhalter"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-27"
---

# Christopher M. Berhalter

Belmont Co. Common Pleas Court · Common Pleas Judge

## Profile

- Court: Belmont Co. Common Pleas Court
- State: Ohio
- Role: Common Pleas Judge
- Service status: active
- Last verified: 2026-07-27

## Summary

Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge.

## Before you appear

- Read the judge-specific standing order first when one is listed.
- Check the docket and case orders for requirements that supersede broader guidance.
- Confirm current remote-access and courtroom technology arrangements before the proceeding.

## Courtroom Rules

### remote hearing exhibits

Scope: statewide

Ohio's statewide virtual-court guidance tells courts to include instructions for submitting exhibits or notifying the court of witnesses when remote-hearing information is sent to participants.

Evidence excerpt: Instructions for submitting exhibits or notifying the court of witnesses.

[Virtual Public Access to Ohio Court Proceedings](https://www.supremecourt.ohio.gov/courts/virtual-court/)
Source checked: 2026-07-26

### remote hearing ground rules

Scope: statewide

Ohio's statewide virtual-court guidance recommends advance ground rules for documents, exhibits, screen sharing, and pre-marking exhibits for remote hearings.

Evidence excerpt: Documents: Share any documents/exhibits that will be reviewed in advance. Use the share screen function while documents are being discussed during the hearing. Request that the documents are pre-marked for exhibit purposes.

[Virtual Public Access to Ohio Court Proceedings](https://www.supremecourt.ohio.gov/courts/virtual-court/)
Source checked: 2026-07-26

### remote recording

Scope: statewide

Ohio's statewide virtual-court guidance states that litigants, attorneys, and the public should be instructed not to record the hearing.

Evidence excerpt: The court should instruct the litigants, attorneys, and the public to not record the hearing.

[Virtual Public Access to Ohio Court Proceedings](https://www.supremecourt.ohio.gov/courts/virtual-court/)
Source checked: 2026-07-26


## Sources

- [Official profile](https://www.ohiojudges.org/directory/ojc-directory/)
- [Official roster](https://www.ohiojudges.org/directory/ojc-directory/)
- [Ohio Judicial Conference Directory official judicial roster](https://www.ohiojudges.org/directory/ojc-directory/)
- [Virtual Public Access to Ohio Court Proceedings](https://www.supremecourt.ohio.gov/courts/virtual-court/)

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## Biography

### Professional career

- Judge on the Belmont County Court of Common Pleas, General and Domestic Relations Division in Ohio, appointed by Governor Mike DeWine in July 2023 to succeed Judge Frank Fregiato
- Private Practice: Partner at Sommer, Librati & Berhalter in Martins Ferry, Ohio, from 1996 to 2000
- Judge Berhalter’s career spans private legal practice, prosecutorial service, and multiple judicial appointments, with a strong background in both law and community service

### Education


### Additional information

- Began his new judgeship on September 1, 2023, serving the remainder of Fregiato’s unexpired term and must run for election in 2024 to retain the seat.
- Earlier Judicial Service: Held various judicial roles, including acting county court judge
- One of several judges on the Belmont County Common Pleas Court, which handles serious civil cases, major criminal cases, and family law matters such as divorce, custody, and support