District Judge David Debenham to retire after 14 years of service

TOPEKA—District Judge David Debenham will retire June 14 after serving 14 years in the 3rd Judicial District  

Debenham was appointed district judge in 2008. The 3rd Judicial District is Shawnee County. 

“It was my desire to continue our system of justice and ensure individuals appearing before the court had the opportunity for a timely and full hearing with skilled representation,” Debenham said. “I have tried to make sure all parties believe they have received a full and fair hearing, regardless of the outcome.”  

Debenham is a native of Abilene and graduated from Bethany College and Washburn University Law School. Before being named judge in 2008, he practiced law for 28 years with governmental agencies as deputy attorney general and Shawnee County deputy district attorney.  

He is a graduate of the National College of District Attorneys Career Prosecutor course and served twice as a faculty advisor. He was a director and officer of the Kansas County and District Attorneys Association, served on the board of editors for The Kansas Prosecutor magazine, and was given the association’s lifetime achievement award in 2008.   

Debenham has served as a lecturer and instructor on criminal procedure and law. He is a member of the Topeka and Kansas Bar associations and the Kansas District Judges and American Judges associations. 

Debenham is the father of three adult daughters. In retirement, he plans to spend more time with his daughters, sons-in-law, and his young grandson, as well as engage in outside activities.    

District judges in the 3rd Judicial District are appointed through a merit selection process. State statute requires a nominating commission to accept nominations, interview nominees, and forward names of finalists to the governor, who appoints a replacement. After serving one year in office, the new judge must stand for a retention vote in the next general election to remain in the position. If retained, the incumbent will serve a four-year term.