Jeannine M. Pacioni

Born and raised with a passion for justice, District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni embarked on her legal journey at Northern Arizona University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree. Her pursuit of justice then led her to the University of San Diego, School of Law, where she obtained her Juris Doctorate Degree in 1990, becoming licensed to practice law in both California and Arizona. Jeannine’s career in law began as a Deputy District Attorney for the Kern County District Attorney's Office in 1990, where she honed her skills and commitment to serving justice. In 1992, she transitioned to the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office, further solidifying her dedication to upholding the law and advocating for victims of crime. 

In 1998, Jeannine launched a county wide Sexual Assault Response Team to provide additional support for victims and increased collection of forensic evidence. After a distinguished tenure, Jeannine took an eight-year sabbatical, during which she continued her community service as a Grand Juror of the Monterey County Civil Grand Jury and as President of the Junior League of Monterey County. Her unwavering commitment to her community led her to join the National Charity League of Monterey Bay in 2012, where she served on the Board of Directors and as President. Returning to the legal arena in 2009, Jeannine resumed her role as a prosecutor, handling a diverse array of criminal cases with tenacity and compassion. Over her 26-year career, she has tackled high-profile cases ranging from murder and gang crimes to child molestation and elder abuse, always prioritizing the needs of victims. 

In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Jeannine was honored with the 2019 Lady Justice Lifetime Achievement Award for Legal Advocacy and Community Service by the Monterey County Women Lawyers Association. Her dedication to justice was further affirmed when she was elected as the first female District Attorney in Monterey County in 2018, subsequently reelected in 2022 to a six-year term. Continuing her mission to expand access to justice, Jeannine opened the first family justice center in the county of Monterey in King City, named Holding on to Hope, in April 2024. With a vision for further outreach, she aims to establish two additional family justice centers in the cities of Salinas and Seaside, ensuring that all communities have access to vital resources and support.