District Attorney Diana Becton has spent most of her professional career as a judge, lawyer, and manager. On September 17, 2017, she was sworn in as the 25th District Attorney for the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office. District Attorney Becton leads a prosecutorial office of approximately 200 lawyers, investigators, and staff. She is the first woman and the first African-American to serve as Contra Costa District Attorney since the office was established in 1850.

Before holding office, District Attorney Becton served for 22 years as a judge in Contra Costa County, where she was elected as Presiding Judge. She is the Immediate Past President of the National Association of Women Judges, the nation’s leading voice for women in the judiciary. She currently serves as the Chair of the State Bar Council on Access and Fairness.  

A native of California she is a product of Oakland public schools and a graduate of Golden Gate University School of Law. Most recently, District Attorney Becton earned a Masters of Theological Studies at Pacific School of Religion (2015).  

District Attorney Becton serves as a frequent lecturer and panelist, and she continues to participate in many community outreach activities. She convened “Clean Slate Day” helping individuals to clean up their criminal records. In 2015, the Judge served as Co-Chair of the “Know Your Rights” Youth Symposium for West Contra Costa County, as part of a national dialogue to educate youth in our communities, and to open the lines of communication between youth and law enforcement. She serves on the Advisory Board of the Law Academy at De Anza High School in Richmond, CA, and she convenes “Get Your House in Order”, a program that assists elders and seniors. She serves on the Board of Directors for Castlemont High School Alumni Association, and also frequently mentored students who visited her courtroom. District Attorney Becton has two adult sons.