Costanzo sworn in as president judge
Washington County Judge Valarie Costanzo began her career in public service as a prosecutor in the district attorney’s office.
For the MVI
A new president judge is now leading the Washington County Court of Common Pleas.
Judge Valarie Costanzo was officially sworn in Monday as the county’s president judge, marking a milestone in a distinguished legal career that spans more than three decades.
“As I look forward to stepping into the role of president judge, I am truly honored by the opportunity to serve the people of Washington County. I plan to lead our court with a strong focus on fairness, transparency, and efficiency, and to work closely with my fellow judges, county commissioners, and other elected officials,” Costanzo stated. “Together, we can ensure our justice system works effectively and earns the trust of everyone in our community.”
Costanzo fills the role left open by former president judge Gary Gilman’s retirement going into effect on Sunday.
“I’m excited for Judge Costanzo to take the helm. In my previous role, I had the honor of working with Valarie in her district courtroom and witnessed her professionalism and passion firsthand. She’s going to be a great president judge,” said Washington County Commissioner board Chairman Nick Sherman.
A lifelong resident of Washington County, Costanzo grew up in Canonsburg and is a 1987 graduate of Canon- McMillan High School. A resident of Cecil Township for the past 28 years, she earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 1991, graduating magna cum laude. She went on to receive her Juris Doctor from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law in 1994.
Costanzo began her career in public service as a prosecutor in the Washington County District Attorney’s Office. In 1998, she was appointed magisterial district judge by then-Gov. Tom Ridge, and was subsequently elected to that office in 1999, 2005 and 2011.
In 2013, she was elected to the Court of Common Pleas, where she has presided over a wide range of cases including divorce and custody, juvenile delinquency and dependency, DUI court, termination of parental rights and adoptions.
For the majority of her 11 years on the bench, Costanzo has managed a full criminal docket, presiding over numerous jury trials involving serious felony offenses such as homicide, rape, strangulation and drug delivery resulting in death. She is currently scheduled to preside over a capital murder case in September.
