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Criminal defense attorneys serving Ridgefield, WA

4.9 out of 5 stars Based on 110+ reviews

Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Ridgefield, 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 Ridgefield Criminal Case Needs More Than Paperwork Help

A Ridgefield DUI arrest or criminal charge can bring a hearing, release conditions, and difficult personal decisions before the full evidence is available. Waiting for the case to explain itself can leave important questions unanswered. A defense review provides a structured way to address the accusation, the restrictions, and what the government has collected.

VanWa Legal's lawyers use prosecution and public-defense experience to evaluate reports, traffic stops, searches, statements, witnesses, recordings, and test evidence. They explain the options clearly and prepare for negotiation, motions, hearings, or trial as the facts demand. The focus stays on building a defense, not simply moving paperwork from one date to the next.

Ridgefield contracts municipal court services with Battle Ground Municipal Court, while county filings can use courts in Vancouver. The current case documents control. Contact VanWa for a free consultation at its Vancouver office and bring the latest papers so the team can connect the local assignment to a practical defense strategy.

Why VanWa Legal

Why Ridgefield Clients Choose to Start With VanWa

VanWa gives Ridgefield clients experienced analysis, direct access to the defense team, and preparation designed to hold up beyond the first hearing.

01

Two-Sided Criminal-Law Experience

Experience from prosecution and public defense helps the team evaluate both the government's theory and the evidence available to challenge it.

02

A Defense Built to Be Tested

The lawyers prepare for motions, negotiation, hearings, and trial so strategy can respond to the case as it develops.

03

Clarity About Next Steps and Fees

VanWa offers a free consultation, direct communication, flat-fee quotes up front, and payment plans on most retained cases.

Practice areas

DUI and Criminal Defense Services for Ridgefield

DUI Defense

VanWa Legal defends Ridgefield DUI clients by challenging the stop, roadside observations, field tests, video, statements, and breath or blood evidence where the record supports it. The lawyers also prepare around the Battle Ground municipal-service arrangement or Clark County filing identified on the citation.

View DUI Defense

Criminal Defense

For Ridgefield misdemeanors and felonies, VanWa reviews the filed allegations, police evidence, searches, witness accounts, messages, and release conditions. The team handles the full linked range of criminal practice areas and prepares for municipal, District, or Superior Court stages without assuming an outcome.

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 Ridgefield 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 Ridgefield

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

Ridgefield's Contracted Court Services and County Court Paths

Battle Ground Municipal Court provides contracted court services for Ridgefield and is located at 109 SW 1st St, Suite 272. Clark County District Court is at 210 E 13th St in Vancouver, and Clark County Superior Court is at the county courthouse on Franklin Street.

Ridgefield Police may investigate a matter, but the citation, charging document, and docket establish the court assignment. Read both the agency information and court caption without assuming they must use the same city name.

Contracted municipal court

Battle Ground Municipal Court

109 SW 1st St, Suite 272, Battle Ground, WA

Ridgefield contracts municipal court services with Battle Ground. Confirm that the case documents actually identify this court before using its address.

Official information

Limited-jurisdiction court

Clark County District Court

210 E 13th St, Vancouver, WA

District Court handles limited-jurisdiction county matters. The citation or charging papers distinguish a District Court filing from contracted municipal services.

Official information

Felony trial court

Clark County Superior Court

Clark County Courthouse, 1200 Franklin St, Vancouver, WA

Superior Court is the felony trial court. Preliminary proceedings can occur in a court of limited jurisdiction, so the docket and hearing notice provide the current court and appearance instructions.

Official information

Your paperwork controls

Follow the court named on the current citation, summons, release paperwork, docket, or hearing notice. Ridgefield's contract with Battle Ground Municipal Court does not override a document that assigns the case to a Clark County court.

Meeting With VanWa Legal

From Ridgefield to the Downtown Vancouver Office

Travel from Ridgefield to the VanWa Legal office is generally oriented south on I-5 before entering downtown Vancouver. Battle Ground Municipal Court is in a different city and direction, so use the case notice—not the office address—to plan a required appearance.

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 Services Near Ridgefield

DUI and criminal defense for Ridgefield clients, with practical guidance about the local court process.

View All Areas Served

FAQ

Ridgefield Criminal Defense and Hiring Questions

Which court may appear on Ridgefield case paperwork?

Ridgefield contracts municipal court services with Battle Ground Municipal Court, but county filings may use Clark County District or Superior Court. The latest citation, docket, or hearing notice controls the actual assignment.

Where is VanWa's meeting location for Ridgefield clients?

VanWa's only office is at 712 W Evergreen Blvd in downtown Vancouver, generally south from Ridgefield along I-5. A court appearance may instead require Battle Ground or another Vancouver address, so check which destination applies.

What can VanWa do after a Ridgefield DUI arrest?

The team can review the stop, observations, tests, video, statements, citation, and release conditions; explain the allegations; and prepare the defense for the assigned court. The exact strategy depends on the evidence.

Why contact VanWa before a Ridgefield case progresses further?

Earlier contact gives the lawyers more time to understand the charge, identify restrictions, preserve relevant material, and prepare for the next proceeding. It also gives the client a direct explanation before making major decisions.

How does a free Ridgefield consultation with VanWa work?

Bring the charging papers, citation, release order, and hearing notices. The team will discuss the allegations and possible representation. If hired, VanWa quotes a flat fee up front and offers payment plans 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