About
Cristine Beckwith is the founding attorney of Beckwith Criminal Law and a respected figure in the criminal defense field. Beginning her legal journey as a deputy prosecutor in 2004, she witnessed firsthand how the system often treats the accused as guilty before proven innocent. Motivated to challenge that injustice, she transitioned to defense work, earning a strong reputation for securing not guilty verdicts, case dismissals, and favorable resolutions.
Cristine earned her law degree from Gonzaga University School of Law and later served as Board Vice President. Her early success led to the founding of Beckwith Law in 2007, a firm grounded in fierce advocacy, transparency, and affordable legal representation. Since its inception, she has remained committed to fighting for the best possible outcomes for her clients across a wide range of criminal charges.
Cristine has been widely recognized for her legal excellence and thought leadership. She holds a 10/10 rating from Avvo and an A rating from the Better Business Bureau of Western Washington. She has earned accolades such as the Client’s Choice Award and the Top 100 Trial Attorney Award. Her peers and clients consistently endorse her for her tenacity, clarity, and strategic approach.
Beyond the courtroom, Cristine Beckwith is an active voice in legal education and criminal justice reform. She authored the chapter “Policing the Police” for Thomson Reuters, teaches continuing legal education courses, and contributes to legal commentary in outlets like The Seattle Times and The Huffington Post. As a member and speaker for The Conversation, she works to address systemic inequities in the justice system.
Cristine’s combination of legal skill, principled advocacy, and commitment to reform makes her a trusted ally for those navigating the criminal justice system.
Law Office Affiliations
- Founder, Beckwith Criminal Law
- Member, Washington State Bar Association
Licensed State
- Washington
Education
- Gonzaga University School of Law
Juris Doctor (JD) - University of Washington
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
Awards & Badges

- DUI and DWI
- Juvenile Law
- Domestic Violence
- Gun Law