Janet Bergstrom — former King County Deputy Prosecutor — brings insider knowledge to every case. Free consultation 24/7.
Washington has multiple degrees of assault, from simple assault (gross misdemeanor) to first-degree assault (Class A felony). Self-defense is a complete defense when justified. Witness credibility, physical evidence, and the sequence of events all determine the outcome.
Assault 1st Degree (Class A Felony): Assault with a deadly weapon or firearm with intent to cause great bodily harm. Carries up to life in prison.
Assault 2nd Degree (Class B Felony): Assault causing substantial bodily harm, or assault with a deadly weapon. Up to 10 years.
Assault 3rd Degree (Class C Felony): Assault of a protected person (police officer, transit worker, healthcare worker). Up to 5 years.
Assault 4th Degree (Gross Misdemeanor): Simple assault — touching in an offensive manner. Up to 364 days and $5,000 fine.
Washington law allows the use of reasonable force to protect yourself or others from imminent harm. The force must be proportional to the threat. When properly asserted, self-defense is a complete defense — meaning acquittal, not merely a reduction. Janet builds self-defense cases through physical evidence, witness accounts, prior threats, and incident context.
Assault cases often come down to one person's word against another's. Janet rigorously cross-examines witnesses, obtains prior statements for inconsistencies, and investigates witness motives. Surveillance footage, phone records, and third-party accounts often tell a very different story than the complainant's version.
Every hour without an attorney gives the prosecution a head start. Call now — free, confidential, no obligation.