--- title: "David L. Petersen | KnowJudges" canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/david-l-petersen-judge-benton-county-superior-court-864-wa" page_type: "judge_profile" updated: "2026-07-26" --- # David L. Petersen Benton County - Superior Court · Judge ## Profile - Court: Benton County - Superior Court - State: Washington - Role: Judge - Service status: active - Last verified: 2026-07-26 ## Summary Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge. ## Before you appear - Read the judge-specific standing order first when one is listed. - Check the docket and case orders for requirements that supersede broader guidance. - Confirm current remote-access and courtroom technology arrangements before the proceeding. ## Courtroom Rules ### photography recording Scope: 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. Evidence excerpt: 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 judge [Washington GR 16, Courtroom Photography and Recording by the News Media](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_rules/pdf/GR/GA_GR_16_00_00.pdf) Source checked: 2026-07-26 ### limitations on recording Scope: statewide If a Washington judge limits courtroom photography or recording, GR 16 requires particularized findings on the record and treats open access as presumed. Evidence excerpt: Open access is presumed; limitations on access must be supported by reasons found by the judge to be sufficiently compelling to outweigh that presumption [Washington GR 16, Courtroom Photography and Recording by the News Media](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_rules/pdf/GR/GA_GR_16_00_00.pdf) Source checked: 2026-07-26 ## Sources - [Official profile](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_dir/index.cfm?fa=court_dir.persondetail&indid=864&orgid=305) - [Official roster](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_dir/index.cfm?fa=court_dir.persondetail&indid=864&orgid=305) - [Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts official judicial roster](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_dir/index.cfm?fa=court_dir.persondetail&indid=864&orgid=305) - [Washington GR 16, Courtroom Photography and Recording by the News Media](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_rules/pdf/GR/GA_GR_16_00_00.pdf) ## JSON-LD ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/david-l-petersen-judge-benton-county-superior-court-864-wa", "url": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/david-l-petersen-judge-benton-county-superior-court-864-wa", "name": "David L. 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Petersen", "item": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/david-l-petersen-judge-benton-county-superior-court-864-wa" } ] } ] } ``` ## 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. ## Published courtroom rules ### Shared court rules - [Washington GR 16, Courtroom Photography and Recording by the News Media](https://knowjudges.com/courtroom-rules/national-shared-set-7133c6bd26c80972b86e0d31) — 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](https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_rules/pdf/GR/GA_GR_16_00_00.pdf). Collected 2026-07-26.