⚖️ Former King County Deputy Prosecutor

Your Freedom
Is Worth Fighting For.

Seattle's most strategic criminal defense. Janet Bergstrom spent years learning how prosecutors build cases — now she uses that knowledge to dismantle them.

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✓ Available 24/7 for Arrests
✓ 20+ Years Criminal Defense
✓ SuperLawyers Top 100
✓ Free Consultation
0+ Cases Handled
0% Favorable Outcomes
0+ Years Experience
$0 Consultation Fee
Janet Bergstrom, Criminal Defense Attorney

Janet Bergstrom

Criminal Defense Attorney
Seattle, Washington
  • Former King County Deputy Prosecutor
  • University of Washington School of Law, J.D.
  • SuperLawyers® Top 100 · 2018–2025
  • Washington State Bar Association
About Janet Bergstrom

The Prosecutor Who Switched Sides — And Never Looked Back

"I spent years watching how the system worked from the inside. Now I use that knowledge to protect my clients from it."

After a decade as a King County Deputy Prosecutor, Janet Bergstrom made a decision that defines her career: she crossed the aisle. She had seen too many defendants railroaded by overworked public defenders and aggressive charging decisions. She knew she could do better.

Today, Janet brings a prosecutorial mind to every defense. She knows how DUI cases are built, how drug charges get stacked, and where federal prosecutors look to find leverage. That inside knowledge is your unfair advantage.

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What We Defend

Criminal Defense That Fights Back

From DUI to federal charges — we handle the full spectrum of criminal defense in Washington State.

🚗

DUI / DWI Defense

Washington's DUI laws are strict. Janet challenges breath tests, field sobriety results, and improper stops to get charges reduced or dismissed.

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Drug Charges

Possession, distribution, trafficking — every charge has a defense. We scrutinize search and seizure, chain of custody, and lab procedures.

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Assault & Battery

Self-defense claims, witness credibility, and physical evidence all matter. We build the narrative that protects your freedom.

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Theft Crimes

Shoplifting to grand theft — every case deserves aggressive defense. We challenge intent, value assessments, and identification evidence.

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Federal Crimes

Federal prosecutors have nearly unlimited resources. You need an attorney who has worked at that level and knows how to fight back.

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Domestic Violence

False accusations are more common than people think. We protect your rights, your family relationships, and your future.

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Expungement & Record Sealing

A past arrest shouldn't define your future. Washington's vacation law allows many convictions to be cleared — we handle the entire process for you.

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Recent Results

Real Cases. Real Outcomes.

Results may vary. Past outcomes do not guarantee future results.

✓ Charges Dismissed
DUI — BAC 0.18

Breathalyzer calibration records obtained. Device was out of compliance. All charges dismissed before trial.

✓ Not Guilty
Assault in the 1st Degree

Self-defense established through witness testimony and surveillance footage the prosecution failed to disclose.

✓ Reduced to Misdemeanor
Federal Drug Trafficking

85% sentence reduction. Cooperation agreement negotiated. Client avoided mandatory minimum sentence.

✓ Case Dismissed
Domestic Violence — Felony

Complainant's account contradicted by phone records and third-party witnesses. State declined to prosecute.

✓ Acquitted
Grand Theft — $47,000

Identity and ownership of funds contested. Jury returned not guilty on all counts after 2-day deliberation.

✓ Record Vacated
Drug Possession (2014)

10-year-old conviction successfully vacated under Washington's updated vacation statute. Client cleared for employment.

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Client Testimonials

From the People We've Defended

"
★★★★★

When I was arrested for DUI, I thought my career was over. Janet got the charges completely dismissed. She found issues with the breathalyzer that I never would have known to look for. Absolutely worth every penny.

M.R. DUI — Charges Dismissed
"
★★★★★

I was facing federal drug charges and a mandatory minimum of 10 years. Janet negotiated it down to 18 months. She knew exactly how the prosecutors think because she was one. That's not something you can fake.

T.K. Federal Drug Charges — 85% Sentence Reduction
"
★★★★★

False domestic violence accusation nearly destroyed my life. Janet was relentless — she found the evidence that proved my innocence and the state dropped all charges. I cannot recommend her enough.

D.S. Domestic Violence — Case Dismissed
The Process

From Call to Courtroom

1

Free Consultation

Call anytime — including nights and weekends. We discuss your case privately with zero obligation.

2

Case Investigation

We pull every record, review every piece of evidence, and find the weaknesses in the prosecution's case.

3

Defense Strategy

You get a clear, honest plan — whether that's fighting at trial, negotiating a reduction, or something in between.

4

We Fight For You

In the courtroom and at the negotiating table, we are aggressive, prepared, and relentless on your behalf.

From the Blog

Know Your Rights in Washington

DUI field sobriety tests
DUI Defense

The Truth About Field Sobriety Tests in Washington State

Field sobriety tests are more subjective than police let on. Here's what they actually prove — and what they don't.

Janet Bergstrom · March 2025
 Arrest process Seattle
Know Your Rights

What Happens After You're Arrested in Seattle [Step by Step]

From booking to arraignment — a plain-language guide to the first 48 hours after arrest in King County.

Janet Bergstrom · February 2025
 Washington criminal court
Washington Law

Misdemeanor vs. Felony in Washington: What's the Real Difference?

The distinction matters more than you think. One affects your record for life. Here's what you need to know.

Janet Bergstrom · January 2025
Don't Wait

The Sooner You Call,
The Stronger Your Defense

Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Every day without an attorney is a day the prosecution gets further ahead. Call now — consultation is free and completely confidential.

(206) 555-0194
📞 Call Now — Available 24/7 Send a Message →

Free consultation · 100% confidential · No obligation

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do the moment I'm arrested in Seattle? ▾
Immediately exercise your right to remain silent. Do not answer any questions — even innocent-sounding ones — without an attorney present. You have the right to refuse consent to searches. Call Bergstrom Criminal Defense at (206) 555-0194 as soon as you are permitted to make a phone call.
How much does it cost to hire Janet Bergstrom? ▾
The initial consultation is completely free. Defense fees depend on the nature and complexity of your case. Many cases are handled at a flat rate so you know your costs upfront. We'll discuss fees honestly during your consultation.
Can a DUI really be dismissed in Washington? ▾
Yes. DUI dismissals happen regularly when there are issues with the traffic stop, breathalyzer calibration, field sobriety test administration, or chain of custody for blood samples. As a former prosecutor, Janet knows exactly where these cases fall apart.
What areas of Washington State does Janet Bergstrom serve? ▾
Janet handles cases throughout King, Pierce, Snohomish, and Kitsap counties — including Seattle, Bellevue, Tacoma, Everett, Kirkland, Redmond, and surrounding communities. Federal cases are handled statewide.