Dedication
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Nearly 30 years of combined courtroom experience, from attorneys who've worked as prosecutors and public defenders before defending clients like you.
Get a Free Case ReviewWe are available 24/7
Nearly 30 years of combined criminal defense experience
A former Oregon prosecutor now fights on your side
More than 60 trials fought in the courtroom
We're a criminal defense law firm serving Vancouver and Clark County, built by attorneys who've stood on both sides of the courtroom. Before founding VanWa Legal, our attorneys worked as prosecutors and public defenders, which means we know exactly how the state builds a case against you, and exactly where those cases tend to fall apart. Whether you're facing a first time misdemeanor or a serious felony, we handle DUI charges, domestic violence charges, drug charges, assault, burglary, robbery, weapon charges, traffic crimes, and more.
We've handled thousands of cases and tried dozens of jury trials, and we bring that same level of preparation to every case, whether it settles quietly or ends up in front of a jury. Every case starts with a free consultation, so you know exactly what you're facing before you decide anything.
Meet the Team
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
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
Guides clients from the first call to resolution, so nothing falls through the cracks between hearings.
About Vanessa CavanaughAwards and ratings
Client Reviews
4.9
Based on 110+ reviews
What Happens Next
Tell us what happened and what court date is coming up. The consultation is free.
The team reviews the charge, court timing, evidence issues, license concerns, and no-contact order problems.
You get a plain-English explanation of risks, defenses, timelines, and next steps in Clark County.
The firm prepares for negotiation, hearings, motions, trial, or another strategy based on the facts of the case.
Contact us
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.
4.9 star reviews based on 110+ reviews
Areas We Serve
VanWa Legal handles criminal defense and DUI matters from our office at 712 W Evergreen Blvd in downtown Vancouver, minutes from the Clark County Courthouse.
FAQ
Most Washington DUIs are gross misdemeanors. A DUI becomes a felony if you have three or more prior offenses within ten years, or a prior conviction for vehicular homicide or vehicular assault while under the influence.
A criminal defense lawyer protects your rights at every stage of a case — reviewing the evidence and how it was gathered, advising you before you speak with police or prosecutors, negotiating with the state, filing motions to suppress or dismiss, and representing you at hearings and trial if the case goes that far.
VanWa Legal quotes a flat fee up front, so you know the full cost before you hire us, and we offer payment plans on most cases. The exact fee depends on the charge and whether the case is resolved through negotiation or goes to trial. The initial consultation is free.
Pleading not guilty preserves your options. It gives your attorney time to review the stop, the testing, and the evidence, file any challenges, and negotiate with the prosecutor. Many cases are later reduced or dismissed, and you can still change your plea if a favorable resolution is reached.
Only the court can lift a no-contact order — the protected person cannot simply waive it. Your attorney can request a hearing to modify or terminate the order and present the relevant circumstances to the judge. It is important not to violate the order while it remains in place.
Public defenders are capable attorneys, but they often carry heavy caseloads. A private attorney can give your case more individual attention, faster communication, and more focused preparation. The right choice depends on your circumstances — we are happy to talk it through during a free consultation.
Contact us
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.