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About Vernon
Biography
Vern McCray’s rule of practice is “Treat others the way you would want to be treated.” We treat our clients like they are family to us & that is how we look after their interests. Our attorneys have good working relationships with virtually every firm in town, & with adjacent professionals. Mr. McCray's thorough approach to helping each client navigate what is often the most difficult time in a person’s life has earned him the reputation of being a fierce advocate to have on their side.
A Clark County native, Vern McCray started his legal career in 1989, under the mentorship of Clark County Superior Court Judge Edwin L. Poyfair. He prosecuted misdeamenors such as DUIs and Assault 4 cases as an Assistant Deputy Prosecutor for the City of Washougal at the same time he worked at Poyfair & English.
When Judge Poyfair took the bench in 1992, Mr. McCray began working for Boyd & Gaffney (now Boyd Gaffney Sowards & Treosti PLLC), where his 2nd great mentor, James Boyd, threw him into the deep end with a felony public defense contract for Clark County & Skamania County. It was through the defense contract where Mr. McCray gained his 3rd great mentor in criminal felonies, the Honorable Judge Robert Lewis. Judge Lewis & Mr. McCray each took approximately 125 felony cases each year between Clark County & Skamania, and split the Juvenile criminal contract and Dependency contract. Mr. McCray kept his felony public defense contract for over 10 years before going into private criminal defense.
Mr. McCray’s working relationships with opposing counsel have inspired resolution in the most convoluted circumstances. In the event trial is not the best course- Mr. McCray has a track record of obtaining dismissals, civil compromises, and reduced charges on criminal cases, and structuring settlements in family law cases, wrongful death lawsuits, and large estates.
In 2012, Mr. McCray branched away from Boyd, Gaffney, McCray, Sowards, & Treosti & took over the firm’s Camas location as his own practice. Today, Mr. McCray’s decision making is relied on by other judges, who call upon him to act as Pro-Tem Judge in their stead, as well as a Special Master of Evidence. For the past decade, Mr. McCray has limited his own practice to criminal defense and family law, two areas of the law he finds most rewarding.
When he is not in the office, Mr. McCray is either serving as a Pro-tem Judge in Skamania Superior Court, or farming on 100 acres of his Goldendale property with his wife, and their many, many animals.
Our firm serves Clark County: Camas, Washougal, Battleground, Brush Prairie, Ridgefield, Vancouver and Skamania County.
Should you find yourself going through the difficulty of a family law matter, or through the nightmare of a criminal prosecution, contact The Vern McCray Law Firm to schedule a free case consultation with Mr. McCray.
Practice Areas
6
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
30%
35 years | 1,500 cases
Domestic Violence
20%
35 years | 500 cases
Family
20%
35 years | 1,500 cases
DUI and DWI
10%
35 years | 400 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Retainer
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Washington for 34 years
State: Washington
Acquired: 1991
No misconduct found
Location
The Vern McCray Law Firm, PLLC
413 NE Everett St., Camas, WA, 98607
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Vernon H. McCray's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
18 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 reviews | Divorce & Separation
Posted by anonymous | November 28, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
Amazing, compassionate attorney
I was blindsided with a protection order, divorce papers, and accused of allegations of both physical and sexual abuse. I began calling attorneys seeking help. After meeting with several and not finding any that could handle my case due to the criminal aspect, I had a local attorney tell me I needed ...
Posted by anonymous | March 11, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
Integrity, experience, and ability
Mr. McCray handled a minor family law matter for me (we decided not to file, but I hired Mr. McCray with the intention of filing a divorce). I was charged a reasonable rate, and the basis for his fees were made more than clear. Mr. McCray has practiced for more than 20 years (I confirmed this...
Vernon H. McCray's Lawyer Endorsements
"Very relatable and a great sense for the courtroom, Vern has been among the top trial court attorneys in Southwest Washington for years. A real pleasure to watch him work his magic before a jury."
"Vernon McCray is a well respected litigation attorney in the Clark County area. Vern's courtroom demeanor is excellent and he genuinely cares about his clients and the legal system."
"I endorse this lawyer. He is one of the most senior attorneys in our community. He is professional, compassionate and a great trial lawyer. He will always promote a fair resolution and understands the emotional impact dissolution has on the client. He is always well prepared and puts the client's interests first. I heartily endorse him."
"Watching Vern McCray put on any trial: felony criminal or family law, is like watching an artist at work. The way he litigates makes all the difference for a client facing heinous accusations. I have never encountered another lawyer apart from Vern, who is as trusted, beloved, and admired- not only by their own clients, but other legal professionals."
"Mr. McCray is a trusted fellow legal professional with an impressive breadth of knowledge of our judicial system, coupled with his experience serving as a Pro-Tem Judge. I often rely upon Mr. McCray’s expertise on an array of specialized matters and find his advice to be well-reasoned, and impactful. I would recommend anyone hire Vern McCray if they are facing a criminal charge."
"Mr. McCray is as accomplished and adept and attorney as a client could wish for. In his decades of experience, he has won countless people their freedom in trials and out of court settlements."
"Working alongside Vern has been a true privilege. Their unmatched dedication to criminal defense law, coupled with an extraordinary ability to craft strategic defenses, sets them apart. Vern possesses an impressive blend of legal prowess and interpersonal finesse, consistently securing favorable outcomes for clients. A collaborative team player, they contribute not only legal expertise but also a positive and supportive atmosphere. I wholeheartedly recommend Vern McCray – an outstanding professional committed to justice."
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Teresa Foster
Family lawyer
Experience
Work Experience
2012 - Present
Managing Partner, The Vern McCray Law Firm PLLC
1992 - 2012
Partner, Boyd, Gaffney, Sowards, McCray & Sundstrom
1989 - 1992
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, City of Washougal
1989 - 1992
Associate Attorney, Poyfair & English
Associations
Clark County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
Member
Sample of Legal Cases
State of Washington v. T.W.
Not Guilty by Jury Verdict
State of Washington v. C.A.
Not Guilty Jury Verdict
Education
1990
Lewis & Clark Law School
JD - Juris Doctor
Speaking Engagements
2010
Clark College
Law Professor
Publications
2012
Washington State Bar Association Family Law Desk Book
Domestic Violence Protection Orders
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
If the custodial parent leaves the state without notifying other parent as per parenting plan, would that be consider kidnapping
02 Jan 2024
Q&A
What is important to the judge when considering a Temporary Protection Order (RCW 7.105.305, .310?
11 Dec 2023
Q&A
What can I do in order to initiate a no contact order lifted if I am only a witness?
07 Dec 2023