Joseph R. Kinser

Professional career

• The governor’s direct notice states he held the role of Berkeley County elected prosecuting attorney since 2025 and had 15 years of criminal litigation experience within the circuit, working as both defense attorney and prosecutor, among them juvenile justice and child abuse and neglect cases
• He previously served as Berkeley County prosecuting attorney beginning in 2025, after approximately fifteen years of defense and prosecution work.
• As a criminal defense attorney, advocating for defendants’ constitutional rights
• In summary: Joseph R. Kinser is a seasoned West Virginia attorney with a balanced record in both prosecution and defense, now serving as Circuit Court Judge for Berkeley and Morgan counties, bringing a problem-solving, fairness-oriented approach to the bench

Education

Additional information

• Appointed: August 24, 2026, by Governor Patrick Morrisey
• Appointed August 24, 2026 to the 27th Judicial Circuit, serving Berkeley and Morgan counties, replacing retiring R. Steven Redding.
• Appointed to the Twenty-Seventh Judicial Circuit in August 2026, serving Berkeley and Morgan counties.
• handling complex cases for the State of West Virginia
• In juvenile justice and child abuse/neglect cases, emphasizing both accountability and family protection
• Predecessor: Judge R. Steven Redding, who retired after over eight years on the bench
• Kinser’s appointment filled a vacancy created by Judge Redding’s retirement.
• Governor Morrisey praised Kinser’s extensive litigation experience, deep commitment to the rule of law, and focus on supporting local families, calling him “exceptionally qualified” for the role.
• Kinser’s own campaign site emphasizes his belief that the courtroom should be a place where every person is heard, every case is carefully considered, and every decision is guided by the law.
• His dual experience as both defense counsel and prosecutor, combined with his work in juvenile and family cases, is seen as a strong foundation for impartial judicial service.