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Criminal defense attorneys serving Vancouver, WA

4.9 out of 5 stars Based on 110+ reviews

Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Vancouver, 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

Vancouver Criminal Defense Built Around Your Case

A DUI arrest, domestic-violence allegation, or other criminal charge in Vancouver can affect liberty, driving, work, housing, and family contact. The first hearing and release conditions may arrive before the person accused has seen the government's evidence. Speaking with a defense lawyer early can clarify immediate obligations and begin a careful review of the case.

VanWa Legal is based at its verified downtown Vancouver office. Its lawyers bring prosecution and public-defense experience, substantial courtroom preparation, and a commitment to explaining risks and options directly. The team reviews stops, searches, statements, tests, witnesses, recordings, and charging decisions, then prepares for negotiation, motions, hearings, or trial as needed.

Vancouver city adult misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors are adjudicated through Clark County District Court, while Superior Court is the felony trial court and preliminary felony proceedings may occur in limited jurisdiction. The office and courthouses are separate downtown locations. Schedule a free consultation and bring the latest papers for a defense-focused review.

Why VanWa Legal

Why Vancouver Clients Choose VanWa Legal

VanWa offers Vancouver clients a local, accessible defense team with experience on both sides of criminal cases and the preparation to keep fighting when a case requires it.

01

Former Prosecution and Public Defense

The team uses that combined perspective to evaluate the charge, anticipate evidentiary disputes, and explain the government's position.

02

Substantive Courtroom Preparation

VanWa prepares for negotiations, motions, hearings, and trial based on the evidence instead of offering guarantees or a preset outcome.

03

A Clear Client Experience

The initial consultation is free, the fee is quoted as a flat amount up front, and payment plans are available on most cases.

Practice areas

DUI and Criminal Defense Services in Vancouver

DUI Defense

VanWa Legal defends Vancouver DUI cases involving first and repeat allegations, refusals, breath or blood testing, traffic stops, reckless driving, and related license concerns. The lawyers examine the evidence and prepare for the District Court or other proceeding identified on the current citation and docket.

View DUI Defense

Criminal Defense

From its Vancouver office, VanWa represents clients accused of misdemeanors and felonies including domestic violence, assault, theft, drugs, burglary, harassment, orders, and other linked charges. The team prepares the factual and legal issues for District or Superior Court while recognizing that preliminary felony proceedings may occur in limited jurisdiction.

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 Vancouver 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 Based in Vancouver

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

District Court, Superior Court, and the Vancouver Office

Clark County District Court is at 210 E 13th St and handles limited-jurisdiction matters, including Vancouver city adult misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors. Clark County Superior Court, the felony trial court, is at 1200 Franklin St.

VanWa Legal's office is at 712 W Evergreen Blvd. All three addresses are downtown, but only the court named on the current case record is the place for a required court appearance.

Limited-jurisdiction court

Clark County District Court

210 E 13th St, Vancouver, WA

District Court adjudicates Vancouver city adult misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors as well as other limited-jurisdiction matters. It is the court name to look for, not 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. Preliminary proceedings can occur in a court of limited jurisdiction, so the docket or hearing notice identifies the assigned court, department, and instructions.

Official information

Your paperwork controls

Follow the court named on the citation, summons, release paperwork, docket, or hearing notice. Do not search for a Vancouver Municipal Court, and do not substitute VanWa Legal's West Evergreen Boulevard office for District Court on East 13th Street or Superior Court on Franklin Street.

Meeting With VanWa Legal

Finding the VanWa Legal Office in Downtown Vancouver

Use current local downtown streets to reach West Evergreen Boulevard. Before the trip, confirm whether you are attending an office meeting, District Court on East 13th Street, or Superior Court on Franklin Street; the three destinations are not interchangeable.

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 in Vancouver and Clark County

Local DUI and criminal defense from VanWa Legal's downtown Vancouver office.

View All Areas Served

FAQ

Vancouver Criminal Defense and Fee Questions

Where are Vancouver adult misdemeanor cases adjudicated?

They are adjudicated through Clark County District Court at 210 E 13th St. There is no separate Vancouver Municipal Court for these adult criminal matters.

How can I tell VanWa's Vancouver office from the courthouse?

VanWa's office is at 712 W Evergreen Blvd. District Court is at 210 E 13th St, and Superior Court is at 1200 Franklin St. Use the office address for consultations and the current court notice for required appearances.

Which Vancouver criminal charges does VanWa Legal defend?

VanWa's services include DUI defense and a broad range of misdemeanor and felony allegations, such as domestic violence, assault, theft, drugs, burglary, harassment, no-contact orders, and record-related matters.

How does VanWa's former prosecution and public-defense experience help?

It gives the team experience evaluating how charges are investigated and presented as well as how defenses are developed. The lawyers still base advice on the evidence and circumstances of the individual case.

Are Vancouver criminal-defense consultations free, and how are fees set?

The initial consultation is free. If the firm accepts the matter and the client hires VanWa, it quotes a flat fee up front based on the case scope and offers payment plans on most representations.

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