01
Public Defender
For roughly seven and a half years, Ryanne represented people navigating the criminal justice system. That work gave her firsthand understanding of how legal decisions shape the lives of defendants and their families.
Ryanne Ball
Experienced in the law. Independent in judgment.
A lifelong West Virginian who has served the justice system as a public defender, prosecutor, judicial law clerk and guardian ad litem.
7½ yearsas a public defender
Senior attorneyKanawha County Prosecutor's Office
Judiciallaw clerk to a sitting judge
Guardianad litem for children
Meet Ryanne
Rooted in West Virginia. At home in Putnam County.
Ryanne Ball has lived in West Virginia her entire life. She grew up in Oak Hill, in Fayette County, and attended West Virginia University. She knew early that she wanted to be an attorney and she was drawn to criminal law because she loves the work of the courtroom.
She has devoted her legal career to work involving West Virginians and the justice system. After earlier years in Putnam County, she returned to make her home here. She lives in Hurricane with her husband, Chris.
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Experience
One justice system. Four perspectives.
Ryanne Ball has seen the justice system from nearly every seat in the courtroom. She has real-life experience defending the accused, prosecuting cases, clerking for a judge, and advocating for children. She believes that experience will help her make better judgments for Putnam County.
02
Prosecutor
Ryanne is a senior attorney in the Kanawha County Prosecutor's Office, with substantial experience in criminal law and in child abuse and neglect cases. Younger attorneys rely on her knowledge of the law. She works in Kanawha County and calls Putnam County home.
03
Judicial Law Clerk
Working directly for a judge, Ryanne reviewed motions, examined facts and law, and learned to consider cases from the neutral vantage point the judiciary demands.
04
Guardian ad Litem
Appointed to advocate on behalf of children, Ryanne has worked closely with the organizations that support West Virginia's children and families.
Judicial Approach
Fair. Prepared. Decisive.
Ryanne's judicial philosophy comes from having done the work on every side of a West Virginia courtroom. Three principles guide how she would serve.
Fair & Unbiased
Every case deserves to be heard without preconceived notions about the people, the attorneys, the prosecutors, the defendants or the law-enforcement officers in the courtroom. Cases are decided on the facts and the law.
Prepared
A judge should know the cases on the docket. That means reading the motions, researching the law, understanding the facts and the people involved and arriving in court ready to ask meaningful questions.
Decisive
A courtroom requires both fairness and leadership. Ryanne believes a judge must listen carefully, maintain appropriate decorum, and be prepared to make decisions.
In Practice
Experience That Shapes Her Approach
Three parts of Ryanne's career that stay with her and that shape the judge she would be.
Veterans & Recovery
Standing with veterans
As a public defender, Ryanne represented veterans who returned from service facing serious personal challenges. She helped them navigate the justice system while connecting them with drug rehabilitation and mental-health treatment, a path toward stability, employment and stronger relationships with their families.
Protecting Children
Care for young victims
As a prosecutor, Ryanne has handled cases involving children, including cases of sexual exploitation. She has made it a priority to work carefully with young victims, so they feel heard, safe and supported, while the justice system pursues accountability.
Treatment & Reintegration
A way back
Through drug court and family treatment teams, Ryanne helped people access substance-use treatment, mental-health support and other resources designed to help them successfully reintegrate into their communities.
Community
Service beyond the courtroom.
For about seven years, Ryanne served with the Junior League of Charleston, working alongside organizations that meet real needs across West Virginia. That service put her face-to-face with the challenges families in this state live with every day.
Protecting and supporting children is a cause she holds especially close in her legal work and in her community.
- Ronald McDonald House
- YWCA
- Capitol Market
- Backpack Buddy
- Women's initiatives
- Childhood food insecurity
Community service is how Ryanne has seen firsthand what West Virginia families need, from women rebuilding their lives to children who don’t have enough to eat.
Junior League of Charleston · Seven years of service
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Contact
Get in touch with the campaign.
Questions, event invitations or a message for Ryanne. The campaign would be glad to hear from you.
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