Dedication
We are available 24/7
4.9 out of 5 stars Based on 110+ reviews
Make Us Your First Call!
When it is time to fight, we fight to win!
We 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
Awards and ratings
Client Reviews
4.9
Based on 110+ reviews
Practice areas
DUI cases move fast. Court dates, license deadlines, and breath or blood test questions all arrive within days of the arrest. Our Vancouver DUI lawyers defend first-offense and repeat charges throughout Clark County.
View DUI DefenseProcess & penalties
Tests & evidence
From domestic violence, assault, and drug charges to theft, burglary, and no-contact order violations, VanWa Legal defends misdemeanors and felonies across Southwest Washington. We also help clients restore firearm rights and clear old convictions.
View Criminal DefenseCharges
Clean your record
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.
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 Cavanaugh4.9 star reviews based on 110+ reviews
Blog
Essential Questions to Ask Before Hiring a DUI Attorney: How to Choose the Right DUI Lawyer for Your Defense Facing a DUI charge can be disorienting, and choosing the right attorney often determines whether your case ends in dismissal, reduced charges, or conviction. This guide gives a practical checklist of essential
Read article
The Key Factors in Finding the Best DUI Lawyer Finding the best DUI lawyer, such as a DUI attorney in Vancouver wa, can be daunting when faced with legal challenges that impact your future. This article outlines the key qualities—including expertise in Priest Criminal Defense—
Read article
When you find yourself looking at the stark walls of a courtroom, the stress and anxiety can be overwhelming. According to the United States Department of Justice, about 95% of people facing a criminal charge in federal court were represented by a defense lawyer in 2019. The
Read articleAreas 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.