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Criminal defense attorneys serving Cowlitz County, WA

4.9 out of 5 stars Based on 110+ reviews

Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Cowlitz 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

Serious Defense for a Cowlitz County Criminal Charge

A DUI or criminal allegation in Cowlitz County can create urgent questions about release, contact with family, work, driving, and the next court date. The government may already be collecting reports, recordings, statements, and test evidence. Getting advice early gives the defense more time to understand the charge and prepare around the evidence rather than react to each deadline alone.

VanWa Legal brings prosecution and public-defense perspective to private criminal representation. The team explains the process directly, reviews how evidence was gathered, and prepares for negotiation, motions, hearings, or trial according to the case. The firm's flat-fee approach and payment-plan options on most matters also give clients a clearer way to evaluate representation.

Cowlitz County proceedings may use District or Superior Court records in Kelso, and a hearing notice may identify a Longview location. VanWa's only office is in Vancouver and is not a courthouse. Schedule a free consultation and bring every current notice so the lawyers can focus on the defense while confirming the correct appearance details.

Why VanWa Legal

Why Cowlitz County Clients Contact VanWa Legal

Distance from the Vancouver office does not change the need for responsive advice, careful evidence review, and a defense prepared for the court process ahead.

01

Insight Into How Cases Are Built

The team's prosecution and public-defense background informs its review of charging decisions, reports, witnesses, and evidentiary weaknesses.

02

Preparation Beyond One Hearing

VanWa works toward negotiation, motions, or trial based on the client's goals and the record, not merely the next calendar date.

03

A Defined Starting Point

The first consultation is free, fees are quoted as a flat amount up front, and payment plans are available for most representations.

Practice areas

DUI and Criminal Defense Services in Cowlitz County

DUI Defense

VanWa Legal defends Cowlitz County DUI allegations by examining the stop, officer observations, video, field tests, breath or blood evidence, refusals, and related driving charges. The lawyers prepare each issue for the court and hearing location shown on the current filing rather than assuming every event occurs in one Kelso room.

View DUI Defense

Criminal Defense

Cowlitz County clients can seek VanWa's help with misdemeanor and felony allegations involving domestic violence, assault, theft, drugs, burglary, harassment, orders, and other charges. The team challenges weak evidence, explains release conditions, and prepares for District or Superior Court proceedings, including preliminary stages where applicable.

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 Cowlitz 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 Cowlitz 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

Cowlitz County Court Addresses and Hearing-Notice Details

District Court and the Superior Court clerk use the same 312 SW 1st Ave street address in Kelso but different rooms. District Court is in Room 207, and the Superior Court clerk is in Room 233. A clerk's office location is not necessarily the assigned courtroom.

Cowlitz County publishes separate guidance about important case locations, including proceedings that may use Longview. Check the current hearing notice for the actual building, room, date, and appearance method.

Limited-jurisdiction court

Cowlitz County District Court

312 SW 1st Ave, Room 207, Kelso, WA

District Court handles matters within its jurisdiction and contracted city cases that include Woodland. Use the case record to confirm that District Court is the assigned court.

Official information

Superior Court clerk

Cowlitz County Superior Court

Clerk: 312 SW 1st Ave, Room 233, Kelso, WA

The clerk's official page provides court information. Room 233 identifies the clerk, not a universal hearing room; the hearing notice supplies the proceeding location.

Official information

Hearing-location guidance

Cowlitz County Case Locations

Use the location on the hearing notice

The county's official location guide explains that case-related proceedings can use different places, including Longview. Match the guide to the current notice.

Official information

Your paperwork controls

Follow the court and location named on the current citation, summons, release paperwork, docket, or hearing notice. Do not assume Room 233 is the hearing room for every Superior Court matter, and do not assume every proceeding will be in Kelso if the notice identifies Longview.

Meeting With VanWa Legal

From Cowlitz County to the Vancouver Office

Travel to VanWa Legal's downtown Vancouver office is generally oriented south on I-5 before using current downtown directions. That route is for an office meeting only; a Cowlitz County hearing may be in Kelso, Longview, or another location stated on the notice.

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 Help in Cowlitz County and Nearby Areas

DUI and criminal defense for Cowlitz County clients, with direct advice and practical local guidance.

View All Areas Served

FAQ

Cowlitz County Defense, Fees, and Court Questions

How do I know whether a Cowlitz County hearing is in Kelso or Longview?

Read the newest hearing notice or docket rather than relying on a clerk address. District Court is in Room 207 at 312 SW 1st Ave in Kelso, while some proceedings may use Longview or another stated appearance method.

Where can a Cowlitz County client consult with VanWa Legal?

VanWa meets clients at 712 W Evergreen Blvd in downtown Vancouver, generally south from Cowlitz County along I-5. The office is not a court location, and a meeting there does not replace a Kelso, Longview, or remote appearance listed on the case notice.

Which Cowlitz County criminal matters does VanWa accept?

The firm handles DUI cases and a broad range of misdemeanor and felony accusations, including domestic violence, assault, property offenses, drugs, harassment, no-contact-order issues, and related record matters. Acceptance and scope depend on the facts of the case.

How does VanWa prepare a Cowlitz County case for court?

The lawyers review the filed charge, reports, recordings, statements, searches, witnesses, test evidence, and restrictions. They then prepare the issues for negotiation, motions, hearings, or trial without promising a particular result.

What should I expect when discussing Cowlitz County defense fees?

The initial case review is free. If VanWa is retained, the firm quotes a flat fee up front based on the charge and anticipated scope, and payment plans are offered on most cases.

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