Login | June 11, 2026
Struthers Municipal Court Magistrate Kristina Klecha discusses her journey to the bench
SHERRY KARABIN
Legal News Reporter
Published: June 11, 2026
As a juvenile crime victim, northeast Ohio native Kristina Klecha gained firsthand knowledge of the inner workings of the justice system.
“I had to testify before a grand jury about the assault,” said Klecha. “I worked with a victim advocate, who helped me a great deal, and I fell in love with the justice system.
“I knew I wanted to be a part of it so I could also help people.”
As an undergraduate at Kent State University, the Trumbull County resident majored in justice studies, earning her juris doctor from The University of Akron School of Law in January 2019.
While completing her education, Klecha held several law-related positions, including legal assistant, victim advocate at the Trumbull County Eastern District Court, and bailiff at the Trumbull County Court of Common Pleas.
After passing the bar exam in the spring of 2019, Klecha started as an associate in-house litigation attorney for the mall development company CAFARO.
She worked for the business until July 2020 when she opened Klecha Legal Services in Hubbard, Ohio.
But in mid-April, she began a brand-new role as a magistrate at Struthers Municipal Court, filling the vacancy created by Melissa Macejko’s departure.
“Kristina is doing an excellent job in the position,” said Struthers Municipal Court Judge Jim Melone. “I asked her to step in because of the professional way she conducted herself when she came before me. She was always prepared and possessed a thorough understanding of the law.
“Melissa was a wonderful magistrate,” said Judge Melone. “She was very efficient and kept her docket moving, while always adhering to the guidelines set by the Ohio Supreme Court.
“She was given the opportunity to expand her professional responsibilities in her role as a United States bankruptcy trustee,” said Judge Melone. “We thank her for her service and wish her success in the next chapter of her career.”
“When Judge Melone asked me if I would be interested in the position, I was very excited about the opportunity,” said Klecha, who started on April 14 after being sworn in by Judge Melone on April 10.
“As a sole practitioner, I focus on criminal defense, domestic relations and juvenile guardian ad litem work so I was often in Struthers Municipal Court,” said Klecha. “I also knew Judge Melone when he was a magistrate at Mahoning County Common Pleas Court.”
Since the magistrate position is part time, Klecha is keeping her solo practice open.
“I feel like my viewpoint from the bench as magistrate will enhance my ability to serve my clients because it gives me a whole new perspective on my cases,” said Klecha.
A member of the Ohio State, Trumbull County and Mahoning County bar associations, Klecha serves as vice chair of her local zoning board of appeals.
She said her main goal as magistrate is to hand down fair decisions that resolve all the issues in the cases.
“As a single mother and a former crime victim, I realize how important one event can be in an individual’s life,” said Klecha. “I plan to give every single case the attention it deserves.
“I hope to follow in the previous magistrate’s footsteps by keeping matters consistent with the court’s common practices and adhering to the Ohio Supreme Court guidelines.
“Judge Melone and the staff have been wonderful in helping me to get up to speed, and I’m honored to be working with them.”