John Kelson was born in Ponca City, Oklahoma, and graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma (formerly Central State University) with a B.A. in Political Science in 1972. After working as an agent for the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation and later as an agent of the State Bureau of Narcotics, he graduated from the Oklahoma City University School of Law in 1978.

Mr. Kelson joined the Oklahoma County District Attorney’s Office as an assistant district attorney and served as a felony prosecutor for over 24 years, retiring from the D.A. system in 2004. Mr. Kelson has also served as a Special Judge in Tulsa County for 18 months and as the Pawnee County public defender (O.I.D.S.) for 16 months.

John Kelson has tried 126 felony jury trials from larceny to capitol murder. Additionally, he has tried numerous misdemeanor and juvenile jury cases. He is admitted to practice in Oklahoma and the United States District Courts for the Nothern and Western Districts of Oklahoma.

Mr. Kelson is married and has a son. He has served as scout leader in both Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. He enjoys hunting, shooting, birding, backpacking and camping.