“I believe, in addition to holding offenders accountable for their crimes, I have a duty to ensure that dignity and respect are fundamental beliefs employed by the court. Regardless of the matters before me, I will bring integrity, fairness and impartiality to the bench, while upholding the principles of the Constitution.” - Dave Petersen
ABOUT DAVE
EXPERIENCE
January 2021 to present - Superior Court Judge for Benton & Franklin Counties
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Oct 2011 to January 2021 - Owner at Petersen Law Office, PLLC
Private law practice, focusing on family law mediations, personal injury, estate planning and probate.
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Jan 2000 to Jan 2021 - Judge Pro Tem at Benton/Franklin Counties Superior & District Courts
Regularly called as a substitute judge in both court systems.
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June 2011 to October 2017 - Municipal Court Judge at City of Pasco
Presided over all municipal court matters, as well as department budgeting and personnel issues.
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April 2007 to September 2011 - Partner at Cowan, Moore, Stam, Luke, Petersen & Carrier PS
Private law practice, focusing on family law, personal injury, estate planning and probate.
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December 1999 to April 2007 - Partner at Roach Law Offices
Private law practice, focusing on criminal defense, family law, personal injury, estate planning and probate.
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November 1997 to December 1999 - Deputy Prosecutor at Franklin County
Responsible for civil and criminal cases in District Court and Juvenile Court.
EDUCATION
2012 Washington Judicial College
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1997 Juris Doctorate, Thurgood Marshall School of Law
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1995 Bachelor of Arts in Business/Accounting, University of Washington
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1988 Kamiakin High School Alumni
MILITARY SERVICE
1990 to 1996 - Tank Mechanic & Aviation Support at Washington & Texas National Guard
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1988 to 1990 - Tank Mechanic at U.S. Army
COMMUNITY SERVICE
2006 to present - Annual Benton Franklin Counties National Adoption Day Committee
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2004 to present - Benton Franklin Legal Aid Society Board Member
2001 to 2022 - Tri-Cities Prep Mock Trial Coach
2004 to 2011 - Benton Franklin Counties Guardian Ad Litem
1999 to 2000 - Leadership Tri-Cities Class VI
1997 to 1999 - Reserve Law Enforcement Academy Instructor