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S. W. Dawson, Esq., is the managing member of Dawson, P.L.C., with offices in Norfolk and Kilmarnock. 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, 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 hundreds of Virginia residents who have faced felony or misdemeanor charges in both state and federal courts. He has successfully defended clients facing the most serious allegations imaginable, to include: homicide, money laundering, fraud, rape, narcotics violations, driving under the influence (DUI/DWI) and more. Mr. Dawson has also represented clients all over the United States in asset forfeiture cases (cases 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 Assocation, and he has lectured on legal topics for several organizations. He sits on the board of Norfolk Festevents, Ltd., and GraceInside, a prison ministry founded over 100 years ago.
In recognition of his accomplishments, Mr. Dawson has been listed for many years in peer-to-peer review publications such as Virginia Super Lawyer Magazine ("Super Lawyer Rising Star"), Virginia Business Magazine ("Legal Elite"), and Coastal Virginia Magazine ("Top Lawyer"), among others.
Mr. Dawson holds a license to practice law before all Virginia state courts, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern and Western Districts of Virginia, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit and the Supreme Court of Virginia.
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State: Virginia
Acquired: 2012
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Showing 1 - 5 of 9 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | February 18, 2023 | Hired Attorney
I live out of state. Mr. Dawson represented me for my case not only were my charges dismissed, but ultimately expunged from the record books-- all without even making an appearance in court from out of state. Thank you Mr. Dawson.
Posted by anonymous | February 28, 2019 | Hired Attorney
If you are in search of needing an attorney to defend you in court, look no further. Mr. Dawson has provided exceptional defense for me on multiple occasions. He has gone as far as traveling to northern Virginia to represent me. He is able to provide an insightful strategy, while adequately preparin...
Posted by Kelsey | November 29, 2018 | Hired Attorney
I had to go to court for reckless driving and I was in full panic mode because my driving record is not so great and I was facing possible jail time. That was not something I was taking lightly and my friend referred me to Mr. Dawson. He was straight forward, nice, professional, and best news of all ...
Posted by Melissa | October 1, 2018 | Hired Attorney
We hired SW Dawson to help with a legal issue that happened on the navy base. Working with him from Florida, he helped make this issue as smooth as possible. And then was very helpful when we had to get a couple of exceptions for travel. I would highly recommend him!
Posted by Paul | June 11, 2018 | Consulted Attorney
I've had a great experience with Dawson. He has helped me immensely with direction on my case and I would absolutely trust him to represent me in court! If you're reading this Dawson, thank you for your help and your time!
"Mr. Dawson is an outstanding criminal defense attorney, and I'm happy to give him my endorsement. He is hardworking and knows how to fight for his clients."
"I endorse SW Dawson as a leading attorney in the field of civl rights law. Many attorneys shy away from the difficulty surrounding lawsuits against the government for civil rights violations, but SW has done it with great success."
Personal injury lawyer
2024
Legal Elite, Virginia Business Magazine
2024
Top Lawyer, Coastal Virginia Magazine
2023
Legal Elite, Virginia Business Magazine
2023
Top Lawyer, Coastal Virginia Magazine
2023
Super Lawyer, Virginia Super Lawyers
2022
Legal Elite, Virginia Business Magazine
2022
Top Lawyer, Coastal Virginia Magazine
2022
Rising Star, Virginia Super Lawyers
2021
Top Lawyer, Coastal Virginia Magazine
2021
Rising Star, Virginia Super Lawyers
2020
Top Lawyer, Coastal Virginia Magazine
2020
Rising Star, Virginia Super Lawyers
2019
Rising Star, Virginia Super Lawyers
2018
Legal Elite, Virginia Business Magazine
2018
Rising Star, Virginia Super Lawyers
2017
Rising Star, Virginia Super Lawyers
2016
Rising Star, Virginia Super Lawyers
2016
Top 10 Under 40, National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys
2012 - Present
Managing Member, Dawson, P.L.C.
2025 - Present
Lancaster By the Bay Chamber of CommerceBoard of Directors
2023 - Present
GraceInsideBoard of Trustees
2023 - Present
Northern Neck Bar AssociationMember
2022 - Present
Northern Neck AssemblyMember
2019 - Present
Norfolk FestEventsBoard Member
2019 - Present
Norfolk AssemblyMember
2014 - Present
Virginia Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2012 - Present
Norfolk and Portsmouth Bar AssociationMember
2012 - Present
Virginia State BarMember
2018 - 2020
Virginia NORMLBoard of Directors
Victory for Client
First degree murder charges dropped in Norfolk
Charges dismissed at trial
Murder charges dropped
Case settled out of court
Charges either dropped or dismissed at trial
Innocent man Released from Prison
Charges reduced
Client will likely live in comfort for the rest of his life
Client was spared a mandatory minimum life sentence in federal prison
2019
Collateral Consequences of Marijuana Conviction in Virginia
2018
2017
Criminal Justice Reform
2016
Criminal Justice System
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