Magisterial District Judge
Jarah Heeter
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Magisterial District Judge Jarah Heeter announced that she will seek reelection for a second term. Her judicial district spans Ashland, Beaver, Elk, Paint, Richland and Salem Townships and Knox, Shippenville, St. Petersburg and Foxburg Boroughs.
Jarah was commissioned by the governor and sworn into office by the Honorable Jame G. Arner in January of 2020. She stated, “I am grateful to have had the opportunity to serve as Magisterial District Judge in this community for the last five years. It has been an honor.”
During her first term as MDJ, Jarah presided over more than 14,000 cases, including criminal, civil, traffic and landlord/tenant matters. Additionally, she participated in many court-related organizations at both the county and state levels.
Some of those county organizations include the Criminal Justice Advisory Board, the newly-formed Judicial Mental Health Task Force and the Children’s Round Table, which consists of school district representatives and county organizations that serve the county’s youth. Jarah collaborated with President Judge Seidle-Patton to rewrite the county’s truancy protocol. She also served on committees in the state-wide Special Court Judges Association of Pennsylvania and attended state conferences. She completed the MDJ Practicum Course in 2020 and the Recertification Program in Harrisburg for each of the last five years.
Jarah is a licensed attorney and maintains a law practice in Clarion with Heeter & Associates, P.C. She began her career as law clerk to Clarion County President Judge James G. Arner. Jarah later worked as an Assistant District Attorney in Clarion County before entering private practice.
Jarah said, “The experience I have gained as an attorney in this county for seventeen years enabled me to confidently transition into the MDJ position.” She added, “My background includes both criminal prosecution and defense, so I understand the challenges faced by police and prosecutors as well as the importance of respecting the liberties of private citizens. This unique perspective has helped me be a fair and neutral arbiter.”
Jarah was born and raised in Knox. She is the daughter of Dianne Heeter and the late Craig Heeter. She graduated from Keystone Jr./Sr. High School before attending Clarion University of Pennsylvania. After college, Jarah attended Duquesne University School of Law, graduating with honors. She currently resides in Shippenville with her husband, Nathan, and their son, Brooks.
Jarah serves on the board of directors of the Mrs. Claus Club of Knox, the University’s Legal Studies Advisory Board and attends Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Shippenville. She recently participated in the Wills for Heros event in Clarion.
“When it comes to upholding the law and making decisions that protect our community, experience matters,” she said. “If the voters allow me another term, I promise I will continue to maintain a fair and just courtroom.”
You can visit her website at JarahForJudge.com.
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