Biography
Ben David has served as an elected District Attorney since 2004. He is a past president of the NC Conference of District Attorneys and currently holds executive office in the National District Attorneys Association, chairing the commission on community outreach.
Ben has served on the North Carolina Chief Justice’s Commission on Professionalism and the Governor’s Gang Task Force, and he is a founding member of Law Enforcement Leaders to Reduce Crime and Incarceration. He currently co-chairs the Chief Justice’s Task Force on ACEs-Informed Courts focusing on making court officials more trauma informed. He has traveled extensively to over 50 countries and has served as a delegate on the American Council of Young Political Leaders.
Ben is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Florida (1992) and graduated in the top 10 percent of his class from Wake Forest University School of Law. He was an associate attorney in the trademark litigation section of the Intellectual Property group at Petree Stockton (now Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton) before joining the District Attorney’s Office in 1999.
Ben is the author of many articles that have appeared in magazines, newspapers, and journals. His book Crime and Community in the Cape Fear: A Prosecutor's Guide to a Healthier Hometown was published in 2020. Ben is an adjunct professor at the University of North Carolina – Wilmington and a certified instructor for law enforcement. He has served as a keynote speaker for numerous national and international conferences. Ben provides commentary on criminal justice issues on nationally-broadcast television programs including Today, PBS NewsHour, and Dateline NBC.
Ben lives in Wilmington, NC with his wife Stephanie and their children Maddie, Sophie, and Fitz.
Testimonials
Domestic Violence
“I first met Ben 25 years ago when he volunteered at our local shelter. He is an exceptional prosecutor who cares deeply about victims and their families. He is the one we need giving victims of violence a voice in the courtroom.”
— Sandra Kirby, Domestic Violence Shelter
Victims’ Families
“Our sons, Demetrius and Andrew, were taken away from us by violence. We know firsthand how important it is to have a strong voice in the courtroom. Ben David has been and must continue to be that voice.”
— D’April Greene and Chris McArtor
Victims
“Being a victim of crime is not like acting like one in a movie. Ben met with me and my family at an early stage, represented me in court and got justice in my case. Please Keep Ben David in the courtroom and in the DA’s Office.”
— Steve Buscemi, Hollywood Actor and Director
A Prosecutor’s Perspective
“Ben David is one of the best prosecutors I have known in the last 31 years. Let me put it to you this way: If someone murdered a member of my family, I’d want Ben David at the Prosecutor’s Table.”
— John Carriker, Former District Attorney