The following release is from the Office of Chief Judge Thomas M. O’Shaughnessy
Fifth Judicial Circuit Associate Judge Derek J Girton has announced his retirement, effective at the close of business July 2, 2024. The Fifth Judicial Circuit is comprised of Clark, Coles, Cumberland, Edgar, and Vermilion Counties.
In announcing his retirement, Judge Girton stated: “I was born in Vermilion County, but then moved away as a small child. My wife, Laura, and I chose to move back when I graduated Law School. It was here where we wanted to raise our children and make a home. Neither of us ever had any regrets about our decision and I know both of our boys will also always consider Vermilion County home. Serving as an Associate Judge for Vermilion County provided me an opportunity to give back to a community that gave me so much. I cannot put into words how much I appreciate the chance to serve in this capacity and will miss all the great people with whom I had the honor to work.”
Judge Girton was appointed as an Associate Judge on August 7, 2010 and assigned to Vermilion County throughout his tenure. Associate Judges handle high-volume court calls, presiding over civil small claims, eviction, traffic, misdemeanor, divorce, and order of protection cases. He was assigned to the felony division during 2022, and assisted in transitioning the judiciary in its implementation of the new Pre-Trial Fairness Act. Fifth Judicial Circuit Chief Judge Thomas O’Shaughnessy commented: “The diverse nature of the associate divisions requires the judges to be knowledgeable, resourceful, and versatile, and Judge Girton is all of these. We are proud of the work he performed for the people of Vermilion County, and will miss him as a trusted colleague and friend.”
Judge Girton was the presiding judge of the County’s Drug Court for twelve (12) years, a Vermilion County record for continuous service to the program. He is a member of the Illinois Judges Association, Illinois State Bar Association, and Vermilion County Bar Association. Prior to becoming a judge, he practiced law as a partner in the Danville firm of Acton & Snyder with a general practice, but primarily handled family law and criminal defense cases.
Judge Girton graduated from The Pennsylvania State University, with a bachelor’s degree in economics and Ohio Northern Law School. He was active with the Oakwood School Board, the Oakwood Men’s Club, and youth sports, as well as several Danville community organizations. He lives in Oakwood and has two adult children.
Associate Judges are appointed by vote of the Fifth Judicial Circuit’s twelve (12) Circuit Judges. Judge O’Shaughnessy indicated that the process to fill Judge Girton’s vacancy will begin in late February 2024, with a request to the Supreme Court for authority to fill the vacancy. If permission is granted, the application period will begin in early March, with the anticipation of electing the new judge in mid-to-late April. Judge O’Shaughnessy noted that “Judge Girton’s thoughtfulness and courtesy in providing the judiciary timely notice of his retirement plans, will allow the new judge ample time to wind down their caseload or practice and assume the office on July 3.”
