S. W. Dawson, Attorney
S. W. Dawson
Criminal, Accident & Injury, Divorce & Family Law, Lawsuit & Dispute, US Courts, White Collar Crime
- Law Office: Dawson, P.L.C.
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introduction
Mr. Dawson specializes in bespoke litigation strategies, particularly in the realm of state and federal criminal defense. Mr. Dawson regularly represents clients throughout the entire Commonwealth of Virginia, but maintains his most active presence in the Hampton Roads and Northern Neck regions of Virginia.
Over the course of his career, Mr. Dawson has successfully defended countless Virginians and visitors who have faced serious felony or misdemeanor charges in either state or federal court. He has successfully defended clients facing the most serious allegations imaginable, to include: homicide, money laundering, fraud, narcotics violations, rape, driving under the influence (DUI/DWI) and more. Mr. Dawson has also represented clients all over the United States in asset forfeiture cases (which are matters in which the Government attempts to seize and keep a citizen's property).
Mr. Dawson also helps clients both in prosecuting and defending claims for monetary damages. Mr. Dawson particularly enjoys collecting debts owed to businesses and individuals.
Active in his professional community, Mr. Dawson is a member of the Virginia State Bar, the Virginia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the Northern Neck Bar Association, and he has lectured on legal topics for several organizations. He sits on the board of directors of Norfolk Festevents, Ltd., and GraceInside, a prison ministry founded in 1920.
In recognition of his accomplishments, Mr. Dawson has been recognized for many years in peer-to-peer review publications such as Virginia Super Lawyer Magazine, Virginia Business Magazine, and Coastal Virginia Magazine, among others.
Mr. Dawson holds a license to practice law before all Virginia state courts, the United States District Courts for the Eastern District and Western District of Virginia, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit and the Supreme Court of Virginia.
QUESTIONNAIRE
I regularly represent clients who need to have a clean record in order to stay in school or maintain employment. I am always happy to learn that a client of mine has been able to maintain his or her lifestyle as a result of my successful representation.
How did you build a successful practice?By obtaining successful results for my clients and gaining their trust.
What should clients look for in a lawyer?Results. A prospective client should always review a lawyer's history in news-making cases.
How important is local knowledge to the success of your cases?Imperative. A trial lawyer cannot obtain great results unless he/or she maintains an active trial practice in a particular jurisdiction's courts.
What information can you provide in a free phone consultation?Options about how to move forward.
What information do you need in a free phone consultation?A basic understanding of the facts of the case.
What differentiates you from other lawyers in your community?Results.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?Helping people get their lives back.
What are your other interests in addition to law?Activities outdoors.
Are you involved in your community?Yes. Many of my referrals come from my involvement in various community activities.
Experience
| Position | Organization | Location | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Managing Attorney | Dawson, P.L.C. | Norfolk, VA | Present |
Education
| School | Degree | Major | Graduation |
|---|
Admission
| State / Court | Date |
|---|---|
| United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit | 2013 |
| United States District Court, Eastern District of Virginia | 2012 |
| United States District Court, Western District of Virginia | 2012 |
| Virginia | 2012 |
Associations
- Norfolk FestEvents | Board Member | 2019 - Present
Virginia NORML | Board of Directors | 2018 - 2020
Virginia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers | Member | 2014 - Present
Norfolk and Portsmouth Bar Association | Member | 2012 - Present
Virginia State Bar | Member | 2012 - Present
Grace Inside -- Board Member -- 2023 - Present
Northern Neck Bar Association -- 2024 - Present
Honors & Awards
- Rising Star | Virginia Super Lawyers | 2016 - 2022
Top Lawyer | Coastal Virginia Magazine | 2020 - 2024
Legal Elite | Virginia Business Magazine | 2018, 2022, 2023
Top 10 Under 40 | National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys | 2016
Cases
Innocent Man Freed from Prison After 21 Years
Innocent man Released from Prison.Innocent Man Cleared of Murder
First-degree murder charges dropped in Norfolk.Dawson Represents Teen Victim in Case of Police Excessive Force
Charges dismissed at trial.
Publications
- Dawson is consistently recognized in peer-to-peer review publications such as Virginia Super Lawyer Magazine, Virginia Business Magazine, and Coastal Virginia Magazine, among others.
Office Hours
| Sun. | Mon. | Tue. | Wed. | Thu. | Fri. | Sat. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:30 am - 5:00 pm | 8:30 am - 5:00 pm | 8:30 am - 5:00 pm | 8:30 am - 5:00 pm | 8:30 am - 5:00 pm |
After Hours By Appt.
Verified Credentials
S. W. Dawson has been a Premium Member since March 11, 2021.
Lawyers with longer memberships tend to have more experience so we use the Membership date to help prioritize lawyer listings on search pages.
| Verified Credentials | Date Verified |
|---|---|
| (2012) Licensed as Attorney in Virginia. Verified with Virginia State Bar. | March 12, 2021 |
Above credentials have been verified independently by Lawyer.com.
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Legal Articles
Peer Endorsements
Additional Info
VA State Lawyer Additional Information: Class: A
Fee: Free Consultation. Call today to learn more about my fee structure.
Service Type: Private
Language: English | Spanish
Update Date: 2016-05-19
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Change History
999 Waterside Drive
Suite 2525
Norfolk, VA 23510
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