Acting Kings County Supreme Court Judge Claudia DePeyster
NYC Newswire
Acting Kings County Supreme Court Judge Claudia DePeyster
(PRESS RELEASE) Judge Claudia DePeyster, Candidate for Kings County Supreme Court, Urges Brooklyn Voters to Remember Local Judicial Races as Early Voting Begins
Brooklyn, NY — As New Yorkers prepare for one of the most closely watched mayoral elections in recent history, Judge Claudia DePeyster, who is on the ballot for Kings County Supreme Court, is reminding voters not to overlook the judicial races that directly impact their daily lives. Early voting in New York City begins Saturday, October 25, and ends Sunday, November 2.
“There is so much focus on the mayoral race — and rightfully so — but we must remember that the judges you elect are the ones who preside over decisions that affect your families, your children, your safety, your housing, and your communities,” said Judge DePeyster. “In this political climate, local judicial races matter more than ever.”
Born and raised in Brooklyn to two proud Guyanese parents, Judge DePeyster is a graduate of Midwood High School. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University at Buffalo and her Juris Doctorate from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Law.
Her legal career spans over two decades. In 2015, she was appointed by Mayor Bill de Blasio as a Criminal Court Judge, where she presided in Kings County Criminal Court. She led the Youth Part for many years, helping young adults ages 17–24 complete diversion programs and earn dismissals of their criminal cases. She also presided over a trial part in Kings County Criminal Court, including during the pandemic.
In April 2022, Judge DePeyster was appointed Acting Supreme Court Justice in Kings County Supreme Court – Criminal Term, where she currently presides over a Felony Part and a Gun Part. Earlier in her career, she was a solo practitioner handling real estate, housing, criminal defense, surrogate law, guardianships, and family matters. From 2001 through 2015, she served in various legal and judicial capacities within the NYPD, including as Agency Attorney, Administrative Law Judge, Managing Attorney, and Assistant Deputy Commissioner.
A consistent advocate for Brooklyn’s youth, Judge DePeyster regularly speaks in high schools about the law and its real-life impact. She provides courthouse tours, introduces students to legal professionals, and offers guidance on career opportunities, civic responsibility, and informed decision-making.
“Whether it’s a young person’s future, a tenant’s right to housing, a survivor seeking justice, or a family navigating legal hardship, these cases are heard in courts overseen by judges elected by the people,” Judge DePeyster said. “Your vote determines who sits on that bench.”
Judge DePeyster is also deeply rooted in her community. She is an active member of St. Paul Community Baptist Church in East New York, serves in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, and sits on the boards of organizations such as the Judicial Friends Association and the Metropolitan Black Bar Association. She mentors youth through scholarship initiatives and is actively involved in community outreach committees.
“As you prepare to cast your ballot, remember that judicial decisions shape lives and communities,” DePeyster said. “When you walk into the voting booth, don’t stop at the top of the ballot. Judges are entrusted with your community’s future, and that trust comes directly from your vote.”
Early voting runs from October 25 through November 2. Election Day is November 4. Voters can find their early voting sites and additional information at Vote.NYC.
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