About Roger
Roger Priest earned his J.D. from Florida Coastal School of Law in 2008. He moved from the classroom into practice at a time when the legal landscape was shifting. Early decisions shaped the kind of advocate he would become.
He began practicing in 2009 at Priest Criminal Defense. That role put him in courtrooms frequently. He worked directly on criminal matters and learned to manage the pressure of trials and tight deadlines. Those formative years provided practical experience that informed later work across state lines.
Priest is licensed to practice in both Washington and Oregon. Those admissions allow him to take cases on either side of the Columbia River and to advise clients about regional differences in procedure and sentencing. He has navigated matters in municipal and state courts in both jurisdictions and understands how local prosecutorial practices can affect case strategy.
Over time his work moved from a single-practice setting to a broader office environment. He is currently associated with VanWa Legal PLLC. There he consults on criminal matters and represents clients facing a range of charges. The office setting has given him opportunities to coordinate with other attorneys and to handle cases that require a mix of trial preparation, motion practice, and negotiation.
Peers and clients describe him as practical and direct in court. He prepares for hearings with attention to evidence and procedure. Cross-examination and case investigation occupy a large part of his day-to-day work. He also advises clients on plea options, pretrial motions, and post-conviction remedies when those paths apply.
Outside the courtroom he keeps current on developments in criminal law that affect Washington and Oregon practitioners. He pays attention to changes in sentencing rules and appellate decisions that might create new defense opportunities. The work remains procedural and detail-oriented, and he emphasizes clear communication about risks and realistic outcomes.
In 2026 he continues practicing at VanWa Legal PLLC, representing clients in criminal matters across Washington and Oregon.
