About Hon. Susan Cacace
The Honorable Susan Cacace (pron. cuh-CASE) serves as the District Attorney of Westchester County, where her leadership is defined by her unwavering commitment to justice, public safety and community well-being. With over 30 years of experience spanning roles as a prosecutor, defense attorney and judge, she brings an unparalleled depth of expertise to her position.
Judge Cacace began her distinguished legal career as an Assistant District Attorney in Westchester County. In this role, she managed numerous felony trials and secured indictments in over 500 cases. She also made history by leading Westchester’s first dedicated animal cruelty unit, advocating for the welfare of voiceless victims and setting a precedent for innovative prosecution methods.
Following nearly 15 years as a prosecutor, Judge Cacace transitioned briefly into private practice alongside her husband before being elected as a Westchester County Court Judge in 2005. Over nearly two decades on the bench, she presided over significant felony cases and established herself as a leader in the specialized courts. Notably, she presided over the county’s first Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) part and became the longest-serving presiding judge of the Sex Offense part in Westchester County history. Her legacy includes hundreds of precedent-setting decisions that have shaped legal standards across New York State, showcasing both her profound legal knowledge and compassion for victims.
As District Attorney, Judge Cacace continues to shape the legal landscape of Westchester County with a focus on accountability, fairness and reform. She has successfully advocated for changes to New York’s discovery laws to ensure a more level playing field for both victims and defendants.
Under Judge Cacace’s leadership, the District Attorney’s Office has prosecuted numerous high-profile cases implicating serious public safety concerns. Highlights include securing a 20-year-to-life sentence in People v. Santiago, where the defendant broke into his ex-girlfriend’s residence and shot her in front of her young children; obtaining a guilty plea in People v. Al Jabali, where the defendant repeatedly slashed a Jewish barber with shears while yelling antisemitic slurs; and achieving a guilty verdict in People v. Diaz, where the defendant mercilessly beat the victim to death on the streets of White Plains.
Judge Cacace’s dedication extends beyond the courtroom. As a community leader, she actively engages with civic organizations, advocates for victims’ rights and supports efforts to combat bias-related offenses and protect vulnerable populations. Her holistic approach to justice is particularly evident in her work with survivors of sexual offenses and human trafficking.
Deeply inspired by her late father, the Honorable Robert W. Cacace—namesake of the Yonkers courthouse—Judge Cacace honors his legacy through her tireless dedication to public service. A devoted wife and mother of three daughters, she balances her professional achievements with personal passions and civic involvement.
Judge Cacace earned her bachelor’s degree in English from Pace University in 1986 and her juris doctor from the Pace University Law School, now known as the Elisabeth Haub School of Law, in 1989. She remains an active member of several professional organizations, including the Yonkers Lawyers Association, the Columbian Lawyers Association, the Westchester County Bar Association and the New York State Bar Association. Additionally, she supports community initiatives through her involvement with the Yonkers Lions Club and the Enrico Fermi Scholarship Fund.
Judge Cacace’s leadership and steadfast dedication to justice with compassion continue to inspire trust, set benchmarks for integrity, and ensure a safer, more equitable future for all in Westchester County.