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Criminal defense attorneys serving Clark County, WA

4.9 out of 5 stars Based on 110+ reviews

Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Clark County, WA

Make Us Your First Call!

When it is time to fight, we fight to win!

Why Clients Choose VanWa Legal

Dedication

We are available 24/7

Experience

Nearly 30 years of combined criminal defense experience

Insider Knowledge

A former Oregon prosecutor now fights on your side

Trial-Tested

More than 60 trials fought in the courtroom

A Clark County Criminal Charge Deserves a Prepared Response

A criminal accusation anywhere in Clark County can create immediate pressure: a hearing may be scheduled, release terms may limit contact or travel, and the charge can threaten a driver's license, employment, or record. Before making statements or accepting assumptions about the case, it helps to have a defense lawyer review what was filed and what the government must prove.

VanWa Legal's team brings experience from prosecution, public defense, and private criminal representation. The lawyers analyze stops, searches, statements, test evidence, witnesses, and charging decisions, then prepare for negotiations, motions, hearings, or trial. Clients receive plain-English guidance and a defense plan tied to the evidence rather than generic reassurance.

Clark County matters can be assigned to District Court, Superior Court, or a municipal court depending on the filing and procedural stage. VanWa's office is in downtown Vancouver but is separate from every courthouse. Schedule a free consultation and bring the current paperwork so the team can address both the defense and the correct local process.

Why VanWa Legal

Why Clark County Clients Turn to VanWa Legal

The firm offers one coordinated defense team for cases that may move through different Clark County courts but require the same disciplined attention to evidence and preparation.

01

Government and Defense Perspective

Prosecution and public-defense experience helps VanWa evaluate how charges are built, where evidence may be challenged, and what choices deserve careful review.

02

Courtroom-Ready Preparation

The team prepares cases for motions, negotiation, hearings, and trial instead of treating a quick agreement as the only possible path.

03

Communication You Can Use

Clients receive direct explanations, a free initial consultation, an up-front flat-fee quote, and payment-plan options on most cases.

Practice areas

DUI and Criminal Defense Services Across Clark County

DUI Defense

VanWa Legal defends Clark County DUI cases from the initial stop through negotiated resolution, motions, or trial preparation. The team evaluates video, field tests, breath or blood evidence, refusal issues, statements, and prior-history allegations while adapting the defense to the District or municipal court filing shown on the citation.

View DUI Defense

Criminal Defense

Across Clark County, VanWa represents clients accused of misdemeanors and felonies involving domestic violence, assault, theft, drugs, harassment, burglary, orders, and other charges. The lawyers test the government's evidence and prepare the case for the assigned court, including Superior Court when a felony reaches the trial-court stage.

View Criminal Defense
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What Happens Next

From your first call to your defense plan

Call or send the form

Tell us what happened and what court date is coming up. The consultation is free.

Get a case review

The team reviews the charge, court timing, evidence issues, license concerns, and no-contact order problems.

Understand your options

You receive clear guidance about the risks, defenses, deadlines, and next steps that may apply to your Clark County case.

Build a defense plan

The firm prepares for negotiation, hearings, motions, trial, or another strategy based on the facts of the case.

Contact us

Take the first step today

Free consultation. Available 24/7. We quote a flat fee up front and offer payment plans on most cases. The number we quote is the number you pay, no matter how many hearings your case takes.

Or Call (360) 281-7314
Gavel and legal scales

Meet the Team

A Criminal Defense Team Serving Clark County

Roger Priest, VanWa Legal attorney

Roger Priest

Criminal defense and DUI attorney. Former Oregon prosecutor and Washington public defender. Practicing criminal law since 2009, with approximately 60 jury trials. Leads the firm's felony work.

About Roger Priest
Kevin O'Brien, VanWa Legal attorney

Kevin O'Brien

Criminal defense attorney. Practicing criminal law since 2014. Interned as a prosecutor before becoming a Washington public defender. Focuses on the firm's misdemeanor defense.

About Kevin O'Brien
Vanessa Cavanaugh, VanWa Legal attorney

Vanessa Cavanaugh

Guides clients from the first call to resolution, so nothing falls through the cracks between hearings.

About Vanessa Cavanaugh

4.9 star reviews based on 110+ reviews

Client Reviews Of VanWa Legal

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

Local Case Information

Clark County Court Paths and Appearance Locations

Clark County District Court is at 210 E 13th St in Vancouver and handles limited-jurisdiction matters. Clark County Superior Court, the county's felony trial court, is in the Clark County Courthouse at 1200 Franklin St. Municipal assignments remain possible where a city uses a municipal court.

A case can change procedural stages or receive an updated hearing notice. Confirm the full court name and current appearance instructions each time instead of relying on the incident city or an earlier calendar entry.

Limited-jurisdiction court

Clark County District Court

210 E 13th St, Vancouver, WA

District Court handles limited-jurisdiction matters, including Vancouver city adult misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors. It is not called Vancouver Municipal Court.

Official information

Felony trial court

Clark County Superior Court

Clark County Courthouse, 1200 Franklin St, Vancouver, WA

Superior Court is the felony trial court and handles other matters within its jurisdiction. Preliminary proceedings can occur elsewhere, so use the docket or hearing notice for the assigned proceeding and appearance details.

Official information

Your paperwork controls

The citation, summons, release paperwork, docket, or hearing notice controls the actual Clark County court, date, and location. When a later notice differs from an earlier document, verify the current setting before appearing.

Meeting With VanWa Legal

Reaching the Office From Within Clark County

The VanWa Legal office is in downtown Vancouver on West Evergreen Boulevard. Routes vary across Clark County, so use current directions from your starting point and distinguish the office from District Court on East 13th Street and Superior Court on Franklin Street.

The office is at 712 W Evergreen Blvd, Vancouver, WA 98660. It is not a courthouse, and a meeting at the office does not replace any required court appearance.

Areas We Serve

Criminal Defense Across Clark County Communities

DUI and criminal defense across Clark County, backed by clear advice and careful case preparation.

View All Areas Served

FAQ

Clark County Criminal Defense and Consultation Questions

Which Clark County court information should I verify first?

Read the full court name, case number, date, and appearance instructions on the newest citation, summons, docket, or hearing notice. District, Superior, and municipal courts have separate assignments and addresses.

Is VanWa's Clark County office also a courthouse?

No. VanWa Legal's only office is at 712 W Evergreen Blvd in downtown Vancouver. District Court is on East 13th Street, Superior Court is on Franklin Street, and municipal courts may be in other cities.

What kinds of Clark County charges can VanWa defend?

VanWa handles DUI allegations and a wide range of misdemeanor and felony matters, including domestic violence, assault, drugs, theft, harassment, burglary, order violations, and related license or record issues. The specific representation is defined after reviewing the case.

Why seek a Clark County defense review before deciding how to plead?

A review gives counsel time to examine the charge, evidence, search or stop issues, statements, witnesses, and current restrictions before advising on options. A plea decision should be based on the case record, not pressure or assumptions.

What does VanWa offer at the start of a Clark County case?

The firm offers a free initial consultation to discuss the allegations and immediate concerns. If retained, VanWa provides a flat-fee quote up front and offers payment plans on most cases, along with ongoing case communication.

Contact us

Speak With A Lawyer Now

Free consultation. Available 24/7. We quote a flat fee up front and offer payment plans on most cases. The number we quote is the number you pay, no matter how many hearings your case takes.

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