David L. Petersen at a glance
- Current role
- Judge
- Jurisdiction
- Washington · State
- Judicial service
- Active
David L. Petersen
Judge · Benton County - Superior Court
Biography
Professional career
- Judge on the Benton-Franklin County Superior Court in Washington, elected to the bench in 2020
- Legal Career: Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, Franklin County, WA (2 years) Partner in two local law firms; later sole practitioner Judge, Pasco Municipal Court (2011–2017) Pro tem judge for Benton-Franklin County Superior Court and District Courts
- In summary: Judge David L. Petersen is an experienced Washington state judge with a background in public service, law enforcement, legal practice, and community leadership, currently serving on the Benton-Franklin County Superior Court bench
Education
- B.A. in Business Administration, University of Washington J.D., Thurgood Marshall School of Law, Texas Southern University
Additional information
- Teaching & Community Service: Instructor at Reserve Law Enforcement Academy Adjunct professor, Paralegal Program, Columbia Basin College Board member, Benton Franklin Legal Aid Society Volunteer for National Adoption Day; nearly 20 years coaching Mock Trial at Tri-Cities Prep High School
- Served two years in the U.S. Army, stationed in South Korea Six years in the Army National Guard
- Born and raised in Kennewick, WA, Petersen and his wife, Dena, have three daughters.
- He enjoys outdoor activities such as water skiing, hiking, camping, and fishing.
Applicable Court Rules & Procedures
Recording and broadcasting
Statewide
Washington GR 16 allows video recording, audio recording, and still photography by the news media in courtrooms only after the judge has expressly granted permission.
Video and audio recording and still photography by the news media are allowed in the courtroom during and between sessions, provided (1) that permission shall have first been expressly granted by the judgeWashington GR 16, Courtroom Photography and Recording by the News Media ↗
Statewide
If a Washington judge limits courtroom photography or recording, GR 16 requires particularized findings on the record and treats open access as presumed.
Open access is presumed; limitations on access must be supported by reasons found by the judge to be sufficiently compelling to outweigh that presumptionWashington GR 16, Courtroom Photography and Recording by the News Media ↗
Published courtroom rules
Shared court rules
Washington GR 16, Courtroom Photography and Recording by the News Media
Benton County - Superior Court
Scope is limited to the court class in the source claim. Shared court context only; case-type restrictions, exceptions, later amendments and case orders apply. This is not a personal preference or a complete rules inventory.
Official source ↗ · Collected 2026-07-26Sources
Identity source checked July 26, 2026.
Biography sources checked October 11, 2026.
Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts official judicial roster
Identity source · HTML · Source checked July 26, 2026
View Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts official judicial roster ↗Washington GR 16, Courtroom Photography and Recording by the News Media
Statewide source · PDF · Source checked July 26, 2026
View Washington GR 16, Courtroom Photography and Recording by the News Media ↗