Judge Peter J. Peaquin

Judge Peaquin was unanimously appointed by the King County Council to the District Court in November of 2023.  He is currently assigned to the East Division, Redmond Courthouse, where he hears criminal and civil matters.

For more the 30 years, Judge Peaquin was a practicing attorney, focused on defending individuals accused of misdemeanor and felony offenses. His work as a public defender focused on representing individuals accused of crimes ranging from driving under the influence, to assault, theft and murder. He brings his experience as a defense attorney in hundreds of jury trials to his role as a trial judge.

In representing clients from marginalized communities, Judge Peaquin gained insight and understanding of the challenges and realities experienced by many who appear in the District Court.  In representing individuals experiencing behavioral health issues and confronting addiction, he has knowledge of the crises facing our community.

Prior to his appointment to the bench, Judge Peaquin’s judicial service included serving as a Judge pro Tem for several municipal courts, as a full-time King County District Court Commissioner and as a Health Law Judge for the Washington Department of Health.

Judge Peaquin received a BA in Economics from Western New England College and a JD from Tulane University. Judge Peaquin lives in Kirkland with his wife of 32 years.