Schwab Law defends criminal and DUI charges in Vancouver, Washington through the firm’s Western Division. Vancouver does not operate its own municipal court — misdemeanor cases are heard in Clark County District Court on East 13th Street, and felonies are filed in Clark County Superior Court on Franklin Street.
How we help Vancouver clients
A great many Vancouver residents work across the river in Oregon, and a Washington charge does not stay neatly on one side of it. A license suspension, a no-contact order or a conviction can reach into an Oregon job, an Oregon license, and an Oregon commute, which is worth factoring in from the start.
Which court hears a Vancouver criminal case?
Clark County District Court, at 210 East 13th Street. Vancouver does not have a municipal court of its own — the city’s misdemeanor cases are handled at the county level, as are Yacolt’s. Battle Ground, Camas and Washougal do operate their own municipal courts.
Felony charges from anywhere in Clark County are filed in Clark County Superior Court at 1200 Franklin Street in Vancouver. The county also runs a separate Family Law Annex, which is not where a criminal matter goes.
What happens to my license if I live in Washington and work in Oregon?
The Washington Department of Licensing action follows your Washington license and begins with the arrest, on a statutory deadline measured from that date rather than from any court outcome. Losing that case by default is the single most common avoidable consequence of a DUI arrest.
States also share driving records, so a Washington action generally will not stay invisible to another state, and an Oregon employer that checks a driving record will see what Washington reports. The practical question is usually whether an ignition interlock license keeps you working, and that is worth answering early.
What charges do we handle in Vancouver?
- DUI and physical control, first offense through felony DUI
- Driving while license suspended or revoked
- Domestic violence allegations and no-contact orders
- Assault, from fourth degree through felony charges
- Theft, shoplifting and property crimes
- Drug possession and distribution charges
- Protection order petitions and responses
Questions from Vancouver clients
Is there a Vancouver Municipal Court?
No. The City of Vancouver does not operate a municipal court. Misdemeanor cases are heard in Clark County District Court at 210 East 13th Street, and felonies in Clark County Superior Court at 1200 Franklin Street.
I was arrested in Vancouver but live in Portland. Which state handles it?
Washington. A charge is prosecuted where the alleged offense occurred, so a Vancouver arrest is a Washington case in a Washington court, whatever state you live in. Where you live can still affect the license consequences, which is worth raising early.
