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Criminal defense attorneys serving Washougal, WA

4.9 out of 5 stars Based on 110+ reviews

Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Washougal, 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

Defense Help After a Washougal Arrest or Charge

A DUI citation or criminal accusation in Washougal can bring release conditions, driving concerns, family restrictions, and a court date before the evidence has been fully reviewed. The early stage is not the time to guess about what a report says or what the charge means. A defense consultation can identify immediate obligations and begin testing the government's allegations.

VanWa Legal's lawyers bring prosecution and public-defense experience to the case review. They examine stops, searches, statements, recordings, test evidence, witnesses, and charging decisions, then prepare for negotiation, motions, hearings, or trial. Clients receive direct explanations and a defense plan built around the evidence rather than broad promises.

Washougal hosts the shared Camas-Washougal Municipal Court, while some matters use Clark County courts in Vancouver. VanWa's only office is also in Vancouver but is not a courthouse. Schedule a free consultation, bring the current papers, and let the team focus on the defense while confirming the assigned court.

Why VanWa Legal

Why Washougal Clients Call VanWa Legal

VanWa provides Washougal clients with experienced criminal-defense analysis, consistent communication, and the preparation to take a case beyond the first proposed resolution.

01

Experience Evaluating Both Sides

Prosecution and public-defense work helps the team assess the government's evidence, the defense issues, and the decisions ahead.

02

Prepared for Litigation

The lawyers develop issues for negotiation, motions, hearings, and trial according to the facts rather than promising a shortcut.

03

Clear Communication and Pricing

A free consultation starts the conversation; retained matters receive an up-front flat-fee quote and payment-plan options on most cases.

Practice areas

DUI and Criminal Defense Services for Washougal

DUI Defense

VanWa Legal defends Washougal DUI clients against first and repeat allegations, refusals, test evidence, reckless-driving charges, and related license issues. The team scrutinizes the stop, observations, video, statements, field tests, and breath or blood evidence before preparing for the municipal or county filing shown on the citation.

View DUI Defense

Criminal Defense

Washougal clients can seek VanWa's representation for misdemeanors and felonies involving domestic violence, assault, theft, drugs, burglary, harassment, orders, and other linked charges. The lawyers evaluate evidence and restrictions, then prepare for the shared municipal or Clark County court process actually assigned.

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 Washougal 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 Washougal

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

Washougal's Shared Municipal Court and County Alternatives

The Camas-Washougal Municipal Court is at 89 C St in Washougal and serves both cities. Clark County District Court at 210 E 13th St handles limited-jurisdiction county matters, and Clark County Superior Court at 1200 Franklin St is the felony trial court. Preliminary proceedings can occur in a court of limited jurisdiction.

The citation or charging document distinguishes the shared municipal filing from a county filing. Confirm the full court name even when the incident and the municipal court are both in Washougal.

Shared municipal court

Camas-Washougal Municipal Court

89 C St, Washougal, WA

The shared municipal court is located in Washougal and serves both Washougal and Camas. Its official page provides current court information.

Official information

Limited-jurisdiction court

Clark County District Court

210 E 13th St, Vancouver, WA

District Court handles limited-jurisdiction county matters. The court name on the record shows whether a Washougal matter was filed there instead of 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 use the current docket or hearing notice for the assigned court and appearance details.

Official information

Your paperwork controls

Follow the court named on the citation, summons, release paperwork, docket, or hearing notice. Do not assume 89 C St is the correct destination merely because the matter occurred in Washougal; a county-court notice may direct you to Vancouver.

Meeting With VanWa Legal

From Washougal to the Downtown Vancouver Office

Travel to VanWa Legal's office is generally oriented west on SR 14 before entering downtown Vancouver. The shared municipal court is on C Street in Washougal, so use separate current directions and the official notice for a court 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 Washougal

DUI and criminal defense for Washougal clients, with clear advice about evidence and local filing.

View All Areas Served

FAQ

Washougal Criminal Defense and Consultation Questions

Which court may receive a Washougal criminal filing?

The shared Camas-Washougal Municipal Court is at 89 C St in Washougal, while other matters may use Clark County District or Superior Court. Follow the current citation, docket, or hearing notice.

How do Washougal clients reach VanWa's office?

The office is at 712 W Evergreen Blvd in downtown Vancouver, generally west from Washougal along SR 14. It is separate from the court on C Street and the Clark County courthouses, so check the address for the appointment or appearance.

What defense work can VanWa provide after a Washougal DUI?

VanWa can review the stop, officer observations, field tests, video, statements, breath or blood evidence, refusal allegations, citation, and release terms, then prepare the issues for the assigned court.

Does VanWa handle non-DUI criminal cases from Washougal?

Yes. The firm's practice links cover misdemeanors and felonies such as domestic violence, assault, theft, drugs, burglary, harassment, order violations, and record-related matters. The case review determines the exact scope.

What should I bring to a free Washougal defense consultation?

Bring the citation or charging papers, release conditions, hearing notices, orders, and relevant original messages, photos, or video. If representation begins, 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