Mount Vernon, NY – Judge Peter Davis today announced his candidacy for Mount Vernon City Court Judge in the Ninth Judicial District, bringing more than 30 years of legal experience and a deep commitment to justice, equity, and public service to the race.
Judge Davis was first appointed as an Associate Judge of the Mount Vernon City Court in 2022, where he presided over a wide-ranging docket that included criminal and civil cases, small claims, landlord-tenant matters, city code violations, traffic infractions, and parking tickets. Following the retirement of Judge Lyndon Williams in January 2025, Judge Davis was elevated to a full-time judgeship.
A lifelong public servant, Judge Davis began his legal career in 1993 as an Assistant District Attorney in Westchester County, prosecuting cases across the region, including right here in Mount Vernon. He later dedicated over two decades to criminal defense as an 18-B Indigent Defense Attorney in Mount Vernon City Court, where he represented thousands of clients—many of them low-income residents—helping to ensure fair treatment and access to justice for all.
Nationally recognized for his advocacy, Judge Davis gained prominence for representing the parents of Sean Bell in the wake of their son’s tragic death—a high-profile case that drew national media coverage and appearances on Court TV, ABC 7, and other outlets. He also made legal history in Westchester County by successfully defending the county’s first double jury homicide trial, securing an acquittal on the homicide. In 2018, he won a full acquittal in a double homicide case after his client had spent five years detained on Rikers Island awaiting trial.
In 2019, he joined the Legal Aid Society’s Homicide Defense Task Force, representing clients in complex, high-stakes cases across New York City. Even while serving part-time on the bench between 2022 and 2024, he continued to deliver strong legal outcomes for his clients, earning acquittals and favorable verdicts in difficult cases.
Judge Davis’s legal background is as diverse as it is deep—spanning criminal and civil law, personal injury, traffic violations, and city ordinance enforcement. He has appeared and tried a Federal Jury Trial in Manhattan. He remains in good standing with the New York State Bar and is widely respected for his integrity, legal acumen, and unwavering sense of fairness.
Equally committed to community service, Judge Davis has served as an Auxiliary Police Officer, has had peace officer training, volunteered in the Pre-Release Program at Sing Sing Prison, and mentored at-risk youth. He holds a degree in Criminal Justice and has dedicated his life to public safety and community empowerment.
As a full-time judge, he is now leading the rollout of a Gun Violence Prevention Panel, designed to educate local youth about the risks and consequences of illegal gun possession. He is also spearheading efforts to establish a Mental Health Court in Mount Vernon, with the goal of providing more effective and compassionate support for individuals with behavioral health challenges involved in the criminal justice system.
Judge Davis brings unmatched courtroom experience, a distinguished record of legal advocacy, and a forward-thinking vision for justice in Mount Vernon. He is ready to continue serving the city with fairness, compassion, and a deep respect for the law. Judge Davis is the ONLY candidate running with Judicial Experience in this upcoming June 24th City of Mount Vernon Democratic Primary Election.
Excellent expose of a good person and outstanding judge. Peter is an asset to the community as he endeavors to enhance public safety through mentoring the youth while administering ethical and sound legal judgements.
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