Multnomah County Circuit Court needs competent judges that can handle complex trials. The vast majority of the court’s work is criminal in nature. Peter is an experienced criminal practitioner who has handled complicated legal issues from the trial court all the way up to the Oregon Supreme Court.

As an appellate attorney, Peter scours court transcripts from across the state to identify and remedy the errors made in trial courts. He sees the mistakes that lead to convictions being thrown out and cases being sent back to be tried all over again. The busiest courthouse in the state needs qualified judges that can avoid these mistakes and help ease the strain that re-trials place on the overstretched district attorney and public defender offices.

A man wearing a dark suit, white shirt, and floral tie standing outdoors on a paved walkway near a river, with buildings and a bridge in the background.

Accountable

Circuit court judges are elected officials and must account to the voters if they are unable to fully perform their duties. Contested elections are key to democracy.

In a courthouse operating at capacity, it is unfair to Multnomah County citizens to have any judge unable to hear a large portion of cases that come through the doors. We need judges that show up and get the work done. I will regularly communicate with court stakeholders to address any ongoing concerns.

Respectful

From lawyers, victims, defendants, to court staff, I will treat everyone with equal respect. As a public defender, I know the importance of listening carefully to my client’s stories. As a judge,  I will listen compassionately to each and every party.

Predictable

Parties rely on an even-handed application of the law to their case. Predictability encourages settlements and efficiency because parties can appropriately anticipate the strengths and weaknesses of their cases.

I will apply the law as directed by the legislature and appellate courts. Litigants can count on a fair, reasonable, and just outcome.

Competent

I have extensive state law experience, having represented over 500 individuals in this circuit court and hundreds more in the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court. I am an experienced state court practitioner and I am ready to get things right on day one.

I have active memberships in the Oregon State Bar and the United States Supreme Court Bar.