About Christine Marie
Christine Marie Bennett built a career that crosses the aisle between prosecution and defense. She studied politics and law in Virginia, earning a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Virginia in 2003 and a Juris Doctor from the University of Richmond School of Law in 2008. Those years framed her interest in criminal law and prepared her for courtroom work.
After law school she moved into public service. In 2009 she served as a deputy prosecutor in Benton County. That role put her at the center of county-level criminal work. She handled charging decisions, prepared cases for trial and argued in front of judges in local courtrooms. The prosecutorial experience gave her insight into case evaluation and trial strategy.
A few years later she shifted roles. By 2012 she was working as a defense lawyer in criminal matters. The switch meant moving from building cases to testing them. She began representing people accused of crimes, working through investigation, pretrial motions and trial preparation. That side of the practice exposed her to different approaches to evidence and client advocacy.
Her admissions span the Pacific Northwest and the federal appellate level. She is admitted to practice in Washington and Oregon and is credentialed to appear before the Ninth Circuit. Those credentials allow her to represent clients in state court proceedings across two states and to handle matters that reach the federal appeals stage.
Her work over years combines courtroom time with case preparation. She has litigated at county courthouses and filed pleadings in federal matters. The balance of prosecutorial and defense roles informs how she evaluates risk and negotiates outcomes. Colleagues describe her as steady in court and methodical in preparing files, qualities that shape how she approaches both plea discussions and trials.
Bennett’s practice remains centered on criminal cases. She represents clients in pretrial proceedings, jury trials and sentencing matters in Washington and Oregon, and she is available to handle appeals that fall under the Ninth Circuit. Her current practice concentrates on criminal defense in those jurisdictions.
