Criminal Defense Attorney Vancouver WA

Roger Priest is a criminal defense attorney in Vancouver WA with extensive courtroom experience in Washington’s complex criminal laws

Your insurance rates will go up if you get a DUI.  Everyone knows this.  But few people understand why.  In Washington, the reason is the Financial Responsibility Law.  The financial responsibility law outlines rules for when you need more liability coverage than the average driver.  The thought is that a DUI conviction makes you a riskier driver.  As a riskier driver, you should have more liability coverage than a less risky driver.

SR-22 is a document filed with the State of Washington as proof of this coverage.  After a Washington DUI conviction, you will be required to provide proof of the SR-22 before your license can be reinstated.  You must generally continue this coverage for at least 36 months to keep your license from being suspended as well.

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Will I Have to Get SR-22 Coverage?

You will be required to get SR-22 Coverage for a DUI in three typical scenarios related to a DUI:

  1. If you are convicted of a DUI;
  2. If you are convicted of Reckless Driving; or
  3. If you get a DOL license suspension related to being arrested for DUI

In practicality, these three scenarios cover almost every DUI case.  It is not entirely uncommon to get charged with a DUI, but ultimately strike a deal to plead the charge down to a Negligent Driving charge.  This is typically a great resolution, however, it might not alleviate the need for SR-22 coverage.  This may be because DOL still suspended your license for blowing over the legal limit or refusing the breath test.  In a case like this, you would need to both avoid the DUI (or Reckless Driving) conviction and also avoid the DOL administrative suspension. Avoiding the administrative suspension requires winning the DOL suspension hearing.

Where Do I Get SR-22 Insurance?

If you are required to carry SR-22 insurance, you can typically call your current auto insurance carrier to request it. Typically, they will raise your rates and supply all of the necessary paperwork to the Washington Department of Licensing on your behalf. You are also welcome to shop around for a new insurance provider for competitive rates. You may be asking, “how much will it cost?” There is no exact answer, because insurance companies set their own rates. It may pay to shop around and get a few quotes.

If You Have Been Charged With A DUI In Clark County or Vancouver WA, Time Is Of The Essence!

Call Our Office To Speak With Attorney Roger Priest Immediately.

(360) 281-7314

How Long Will I Need SR-22 Insurance?

Typically, if SR-22 insurance is required for a DUI, you will need to keep it in place for three years from the date you are eligible to reinstate your driver’s license. It is important to know this fact. Washington may only require SR-22 for 36 months, but your insurance company will gladly keep charging you higher rates until you notify them you no longer want the coverage. Therefore, it is important to remember when your obligation is complete. If you ever have a question, call the Washington Department of Licensing to find out when your obligation will be complete.

How Can I Avoid the SR-22 Requirement?

No one wants to carry SR-22 insurance.  However, it is often required.  You can simply stop driving forever, but that’s not practical for most people.  Rather, if you have any shot at avoiding the requirement, you need a DUI case that is defensible both at the administrative suspension hearing and in criminal court.  An experienced criminal defense attorney can help you figure out whether your case is strong enough to avoid the need for SR-22 coverage.  If  you are in doubt, call VanWa Legal PLLC today to schedule a free consultation.  We can help you make sense of your case and your chances.  There are no obligations and we offer flat-fees and flexible payment plans to help you get quality legal representation.

What Our Clients Say About Us

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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.

Shelley W 5 star testimonial
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Excellent responsiveness, considerate and honest. Roger got the job done results were in my favor. Couldn’t be happier, Highly recommend!!

Karin Saltz 5 star testimonial
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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.

Taylor Vance 5 star testimonial
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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.

Aaron M 5 star testimonial
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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 5 star testimonial
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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).

Alicia S. 5 star testimonial
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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.

Itzel Keefer 5 star testimonial

Awards & Honors

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We aim to provide unparalleled service, and love to hear back from current and former clients. Check out our business profiles below and feel free to leave a review if you liked working with us. If you ever have questions or concerns about your case or our service, please give us a call. We aim to make sure our clients get the best information and walk away from our legal business with the utmost confidence. No question or concern is too small to call.

I earn my living by earning the trust and respect of my clients. As a prospective client, I hope to show you this first-hand.

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