MEET DAVE
INTEGRITY, FAIRNESS, EXPERIENCE
As one of your Benton Franklin County Superior Court Judges, while holding offenders accountable for their crimes, I always try to ensure that dignity and respect are fundamental beliefs employed by the court. Regardless of the matters before me, I bring integrity, fairness and impartiality to the bench. I have a strong belief that as your judge I am a steward of your Constitutional Rights.
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My supporters would agree that I have the extensive legal experience, knowledge, and ability to run your court effectively. I am proud of my years of service as Judge for Pasco Municipal Court, as well as Judge Pro Tem in Benton & Franklin County Superior and District Courts for over twenty years, and deputy prosecutor for two years in Franklin County. I have, most recently, focused my private law practice on family law mediations, personal injury, and estate planning.
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Giving back to this community is a privilege and is important to me. I am proud of my services over the years for the Benton Franklin Legal Aid Society. In 2004, I was awarded their highest honor, the 1st annual Al Yencopal Award, “In recognition and appreciation for outstanding and dedicated service to the Benton Franklin Legal Aid Society.” Over the years I found fulfillment, both in serving as a Guardian ad Litem, and on the local committee for National Adoption Day. I am asking you to allow me the opportunity to continue my public service as your Superior Court Judge.
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I will work hard to earn your support as your next Benton Franklin County Superior Court Judge. I will work even harder to maintain your support.
My wife, Dena, and I have been married for twenty-seven years. We have raised our three daughters in the Tri-Cities. I have called this community “home” my entire life, only moving away to serve in the U.S. Army and to attend school.
I grew up in Kennewick and graduated from Kamiakin High School. After graduation, I served in the U.S. Army for two years and was stationed in South Korea after my training. I continued to serve in the Army National Guard for six years while attending college and law school.
I attended Columbia Basin College and then graduated from the University of Washington with a business degree. I completed law school at Thurgood Marshall School of Law in Houston, Texas. Upon passing the Washington State Bar in 1997, I returned to the Tri-Cities as a deputy prosecutor for Franklin County. During my two years as deputy prosecutor I also enjoyed teaching classes for the Reserve Law Enforcement Academy.
The quality of our legal system and its leadership are of great importance to me. I am a graduate of Leadership Tri-Cities, Class VI. I was also an adjunct professor at Columbia Basin College in the Paralegal Program. I have spent nearly twenty years coaching the Mock Trial team at Tri-Cities Prep High School.
Our life here in the Tri-Cities continues to be very rich and rewarding. We attend West Highlands United Methodist Church. Our daughters have attended Kennewick schools all of their lives. Dena and I cherish spending time outdoors with our girls, water skiing on our beautiful rivers, hiking Badger Mountain, camping and fishing. We look forward each year to the vast offering of community events like the Water Follies, Prosser Balloon Rally and the County Fair. We are so thankful to be part of such a wonderful community.