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Weapons and Gun Charge Defense Lawyers in Vancouver, WA

A Washington weapons case can depend on the exact charge, the allegation of possession or use, how police obtained the evidence, and any court order or prior case the State relies on. VanWa Legal reviews those issues for people facing firearm and weapon allegations in Vancouver and Clark County.

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Legally reviewed by Roger Priest · August 18, 2026

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Weapons Charges at a Glance

Issue General Rule
First-degree unlawful possession Class B felony under RCW 9.41.040 when a listed serious-offense or specified order circumstance applies
Second-degree unlawful possession Class C felony when first degree does not apply and another listed prohibition applies
What the State must connect The filed charge, disqualifying circumstance, and evidence of ownership, access, custody, control, possession, or receipt
Separate restoration service Regaining firearm rights after an earlier disqualification follows a different petition process

What to Do After a Weapons or Firearm Allegation

Start with the documents that apply to you. Keep the citation, complaint, release paperwork, hearing notice, and every signed no-contact, protection, surrender, or weapons order. Follow those terms exactly while they remain in force.

Preserve messages, photographs, receipts, ownership records, video, and witness information without deleting or changing anything. The charging document and current orders provide the safest starting point for case-specific legal advice.

The Filed Charge Controls the Legal Questions

People often use the phrase gun charge to describe very different allegations. RCW 9.41.040 creates first- and second-degree unlawful-possession offenses and uses ownership, access, custody, control, possession, and receipt. First degree is a class B felony and second degree is a class C felony, but the disqualifying circumstance and evidence determine which provision may apply. A defense review should identify the exact filed offense and any related assault, domestic-violence, no-contact-order, or felony allegation.

Evidence a Weapons-Charge Lawyer May Review

Important questions can include where the firearm or object was found, who owned or accessed it, whether other people used the area, what the accused person knew, and how police conducted a stop, search, or seizure. Counsel may also review statements, recordings, photographs, forensic evidence, witness accounts, and the exact wording and service history of any order or restriction.

These evidence questions depend on the filed charge and the surrounding facts.

When a Weapon Allegation Is Connected to Another Charge

A weapon allegation may accompany an assault charge, a domestic-violence case, a no-contact-order allegation, or another felony or misdemeanor. The State may need to prove different elements for each count.

VanWa Legal reviews how the allegations relate, whether the same evidence supports more than one charge, and which issues should be examined separately.

A Current Charge Is Different From Restoring Firearm Rights

This page concerns defense of a current investigation or charge. A person seeking permission to possess firearms after an earlier loss of rights has a different legal objective and should review VanWa Legal's firearm-rights restoration service.

Do not possess or access a firearm based on general website information. The controlling conviction, order, and current law require individual review.

Weapons-Charge Defense in Vancouver and Clark County

VanWa Legal handles state and federal weapons and firearm defense matters from its downtown Vancouver office. Misdemeanor and felony matters may follow different court tracks, and the current paperwork identifies the court and hearing that apply.

Bring the charging document, release papers, relevant orders, and the latest notice to the consultation so the team can identify immediate deadlines, evidence issues, and the next procedural step.

Official Sources

These government sources support the general legal information on this page. The facts and current documents in an individual case control the legal analysis.

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Facing a Weapons or Firearm Charge? Request a Case Review

Tell us what happened and bring the charging document, release papers, relevant orders, and latest court notice. The team can identify the immediate issues and explain the next step.

Or Call (360) 281-7314
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What Our Clients Say About Us

I hired Roger to represent my husband when he was arrested on false charges. From the very beginning, Roger was responsive, knowledgeable and willing to take on the case. He was the only one to return my call when I was searching for help. He is very confident in his ability and worked hard to get all the charges dismissed. He is able to be calm in situations where his clients are anything but. I am so grateful for the services provided by Roger. He is very respected in the legal community here in Vancouver. I hope I never need a lawyer again, but if I did, Roger would be my first choice.
RL Rosie L. 2 months ago
I am writing a much overdue review for Roger Priest after he has gone above and beyond while representing me as my lawyer. Last year I found myself facing legal difficulties after my first and only DUI. While the circumstances were incredibly stressful, Roger's involvement in my case made the process straight forward and my case was resolved in a timely manner. Roger is exceptionally proficient in cases like mine and he demonstrates that in and out of the court room. Not only did he walk me through the process but he put my family's concerns at ease by answering all of our questions and making himself available whenever we needed clarification. I was very fortunate to have Roger on my side during that difficult time and would highly recommend his services to anyone that finds themselves in need of legal counsel. Thank you once again, Roger!
CM Carly M. 3 months ago
Called for advice on what turned out to be a scam call. Roger Priest had me at ease in a very timely manner. Thank you!
FA Florence A. 1 month ago
VanWa Legal exceeded my expectations. From the initial consultation to the final court appearance, they were thorough, strategic, and always had my best interests in mind. Their attention to detail and dedication to their clients is unmatched. Highly recommend!
D Deimer 2 months ago
Roger Priest at VanWa Legal has been instrumental in changing my life for the better. He fought for me and won! I'm forever grateful.
BC Becky C 4 months ago
I met Roger at the start of 2025, somehow after I paid for a fender bender that I caused I was hit with a hit and run little did I know when I had a warrant two years after the incident. As of today my case was entirely dismissed without even going to trial. I couldn't be happier with the results and couldn't vouch for a different lawyer. Every time we had a court date, we were the first ones on and promptly the first case handled. Roger Priest is the man- I would highly recommend you give him a call if you are experiencing trouble.
CC Cristian Carter 1 month ago
Had a consultation with Roger priest this morning, paid attention to detail and what he had to say and he was very honest and upforward not to mention he took the time to look up additional information which lead to the best possible news. I thought my life was over and he gave me hope. Thank you Roger I will be hiring you!!! You give people with a bad past who are trying to do good lots of hope! God bless you.
ML Mr Lopez 3 months ago
Roger handled my case promptly and painlessly. We are from out of state and had spoken with quite a few attorneys in the area before we made the trip. Roger was middle of the road cost-wise (which was truly fair) and was clearly competent, handling the case in one trip over as oppose to the two or even three trip process many of the others were communicating would be the case. I would hire again without a second thought. Thanks again Roger.
SW Shelley W 5 months ago
Excellent responsiveness, considerate and honest. Roger got the job done results were in my favor. Couldn't be happier, Highly recommend!!
KS Karin Saltz 6 months ago
Roger Priest provided truly exceptional service for a family member of mine. He was an extraordinary value for the level of knowledge and proffessionalism he provided. My loved one got the deal of a lifetime thanks to him. If any of my friends or family are ever in a less than fortunate spot and need legal advice Roger will always be my #1 reccomendation.
TV Taylor Vance 5 months ago
Roger Priest is professional, intelligent and experienced, you can tell by the way he holds himself in court. Out of the 21 lawyers I interviewed and compared on an excel spreadsheet. I put my trust in Roger and he didn't let me down.
AM Aaron M 7 months ago
Roger Priest was my Criminal Attorney for a DUI case I had in 2018. Through out the whole process he was in contact and always was reassuring! He gave his honest opinion on rather or not if my case would be worth going to trial, which is hard to come by! Today I left the courtroom a free man to come home to my family with a lot of tension lifted off my shoulders because of how he was articulate and presented my defense. I am very lucky to have him in my corner and to be spared. I will take this experience as a wake up call because these opportunities don't come too often! Mr. Priest definitely deserves a 5 star rating for his devotion and overall performance.
JB JB 8 months ago
Roger Priest was referred to me by another lawyer (who could not take my case). Out of the 3 lawyers I reached out to Mr. Priest was willing to hear my case and not just try and convince me to take the easy route and plead out. He was informative, honest, and very tactical (in his approach with my case). Mr. Priest not only kept me updated with his plans and what to except he involved me in every aspect I could be in. He was very approachable and kind. I won my case, I wouldn't have if I had gone with another lawyer. I am very satisfied with having had Roger Priest defend me. I hope to never have to use his services again but definitely would rehire him again (I wish I could hire him as my divorce attorney).
AS Alicia S. 6 months ago
I recently consulted Roger for my first and only legal matter. He explained at length the legal ramifications that i was facing and he listened closely to all my questions and concerns. He was very attentive and empathic towards my situation and did not rush through things. I would highly recommend Roger to anyone I know seeking legal representation.
IK Itzel Keefer 7 months ago

FAQ

Weapons-Charge Defense Questions

What should I bring to a weapons-charge consultation?

Bring the charging document or citation, release paperwork, court notices, any no-contact or weapons order, and records that may help explain ownership, access, location, or how police obtained the item.

Can I be charged if the firearm was not mine?

Ownership and alleged possession are different questions. The answer depends on the filed offense and evidence concerning knowledge, access, location, and control. A lawyer should review the specific facts before drawing a conclusion.

Is assault with a weapon the same as a separate gun charge?

An assault count and a separate firearm or possession count may require proof of different elements. The charging document shows which allegations the State has actually filed.

Is defending a firearm charge the same as restoring firearm rights?

No. Defense concerns a current allegation. Restoration concerns a later petition to regain rights after a qualifying loss. Each requires separate analysis.

Contact us

Speak With A Lawyer Now

Tell us what happened and bring the charging document, release papers, relevant orders, and latest court notice. The team can identify the immediate issues and explain the next step.

Or Call (360) 281-7314
The VanWa Legal attorney team