top of page

“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

​

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.

​

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. 

​

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.

​

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.

​

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.

​

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

​

1997 Juris Doctorate, Thurgood Marshall School of Law

​

1995 Bachelor of Arts in Business/Accounting, University of Washington

​

1988 Kamiakin High School Alumni

MILITARY SERVICE

1990 to 1996 - Tank Mechanic & Aviation Support at Washington & Texas National Guard

​

1988 to 1990 - Tank Mechanic at U.S. Army 

COMMUNITY SERVICE

2006 to present - Annual Benton Franklin Counties National Adoption Day Committee

​

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

bottom of page