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Richard Scott Lawson

DUI and DWI Attorney at Atlanta, GA

5.0   684 reviews
Free consultation
Free consultation
  • Licensed for 28 years
    State GA
    Acquired 1995
    Status
    Active Member in Good Standing No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About Richard

Learn Richard’s areas of practice.

2
Practice areas
  1. DUI and DWI
    75%
    Contested DUI Cases and Marijuana Cases Top-Rated and Most Reviewed DUI Lawyer in Georgia

    28 years, 4,800 cases

  2. Criminal defense
    25%
    Contested Criminal Cases. Top-Rated Criminal Defense Attorney in Georgia

    28 years, 1,000 cases

DON'T TRUST YOUR FUTURE TO A "GENERAL PRACTITIONER." CALL AN EXPERT (24/7) 404-816-4440

My practice is focused on aggressive DUI and Criminal Defense.   Most attorneys are "general practitioners" that take a variety of cases.  I focus my practice on DUI and Criminal Defense.  As a former prosecutor, I am trained by the same people who are prosecuting your case.  I will use my experience to get you the best possible result.  The DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers in our office serve all of greater Metro-Atlanta and all of North Georgia.

Awards

Client's Choice 2023,2022,2021,2020,2019,2018,2017,2016,2015,2014,2013,2012,2011,2010
Client's Choice
2023 2022 2021 + 11 ...
Top Contributor 2012
Top Contributor
2012

Photos and videos

Contact Richard

The Law Offices of Richard S. Lawson
3455 Peachtree Rd NE.
Suite 500
Atlanta, GA, 30326
The Law Offices of Richard S. Lawson
1827 Powers Ferry Road Bldg. 5
Marietta, GA, 30339
The Law Offices of Richard S. Lawson
300 Colonial Center Pkwy, Suite 100
Roswell, GA, 30076
The Law Offices of Richard S. Lawson
1755 North Brown Road
Suite 200
Lawrenceville, GA, 30045
The Law Offices of Richard S. Lawson
487 Morrision Moore Parkway West
Dahlonega, GA, 30533
The Law Offices of Richard S. Lawson
131 Prominence Court, Suite 100
Dawsonville, GA, 30534
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Reviews

5.0 / 5.0
  684 customer reviews
5 Star
 
99%
4 Star
 
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Client's Choice 2023
Client's Choice
Client's Choice is an Avvo award granted to attorneys with a significant number of client reviews over 4 stars in a given year.
Posted by Jacob | May 13, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Professional and gets things done
Mr Lawson was ready to answer any questions I had and knew exactly what needed to be done to get me the best result. He was ready to go to court as many times as it took to get me the desired result. He is very approachable, knowledgeable and generally cares. Mr. Lawson made what could have been a horrible experience a pleasant one. Follow his advice to the T and he will get you there.
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Posted by Heather | July 29, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
A+++
Highly recommend. Richard and his team are the absolute best! They were always available to me and lightening quick to respond to and answer all my questions and concerns . I truly felt I was in the VERY BEST hands as my case was handled discreetly and expertly. The final ruling in my case was a miracle and all credit goes to Richard and his team. If you have gotten a DUI and need high quality representation, Richard is number one in the game. Truly look no further.
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Posted by Melissa | July 24, 2023
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Melissa
I highly recommend this attorney! I called with a question and he responded almost immediately with helpful advice for my situation.
Posted by Joseph | July 7, 2023
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Extremely helpful consultation
We returned from a trip to find a notice in the mail that we had violated a city ordinance we were unaware of. The wording was stern and intimidating. While searching on the web I found Mr. Lawson's firm, and I was impressed with the reviews I read, so I called. His legal assistant responded within minutes to my voicemail, and asked for key details. Later that morning, Mr. Lawson called me back. I knew very little about how worried I should really be, or how to proceed. Through a conversation he managed to make enjoyable, he set my mind greatly at ease, found information on our case that the city had not provided us, and offered very helpful specific advice. He suggested we can probably handle this on our own. But if I ever have a situation that I can't, I'll call Richard Scott Lawson first.
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Posted by Gerald | June 15, 2023
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Extraordinarily Helpful and Considerate
Mr. Lawson listened carefully and empathetically to my circumstances and was extremely helpful and honest with me. I highly recommend him to anyone needing his professional service.
Posted by Sean | June 6, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
The best choice
When you are charged with a serious offense, a poor outcome can destroy your life. Richard Lawson and Kimberly Berry are extremely effective professionals. From beginning to end they and their staff communicated well with me and directed me to all necessary outside resources to prepare me for my court date. Their work on my behalf lead to the best possible outcome for me. I absolutely recommend them.
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Posted by Matt | June 5, 2023
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Honest and Helpful
It’s hard shopping for legal represenation. I was lucky to have found and consult with Richard about my case. I immediately noticed how he is different from other lawyers, he ensured that I was fully informed of my options. His office has went above and beyond in their communications about my case and this made me feel confident I chose the correct attorney. Richard thinks of solutions others might miss, his fees are fair, showing that he's more about helping people than making a fast buck. Richard and his office quoted and provided a fixed fee to resolve my case, there were no suprise or extra billed time. You know exactly what you are going to pay. I believe this to be a rarity in the legal profession. I’m very grateful for Richard and his team.
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Posted by Ralph | June 3, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Hired
Very professional, knowledgeable, and informative. You also get a team, not just one individual
Posted by anonymous | June 1, 2023
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Honest and Highly Informative
Richard was very informative and helpful with a matter of mine. Very honest attorney from legal fees to the advice he provided regarding the case. Loved that- as it is very hard to find now a days. 100% recommend him.
Posted by Julie | May 17, 2023
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
One call put my mind at ease
I needed advice / attorney for a situation I find myself in. I got an immediate response from his office to verify I’m the one who completed the online request. The office personnel said Mr. Lawson would call me shortly, and he did!! I received good advice and a better understanding of the law for my situation. Thank you so much, Lawson & Berry Law Firm.
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Posted by Katherine | May 15, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great Lawyer
Richard is awesome, he took great care of me! Took his time with my case and gave great advice and even years later he’s still helping me kindly if I ever need anything !
Posted by anonymous | May 12, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great outcome
I highly recommend Attorney Richard Lawson. Richard and the rest of his team eased my mind about the entire process. They explained everything in detail and made the process an easier experience for me. Excellent customer service, and professionalism. I am also very pleased with the outcome of my case. If I ever (which I hope that I don’t) get into trouble again, Lawson and Berry will be the ones that I call. Thank you so much for everything! You guys are great!!!
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Posted by Madi | May 8, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Hired/ Great experience
Incredibly grateful for the time and effort put in on my case. Would never consider anyone else to handle anything else for me!
Posted by anonymous | May 8, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Attorney Lawson is amazing!
Mr. Lawson took time to explain each aspect of my case and made himself available whenever I needed him. He helped me through the most stressful year of my life. I would highly recommend him if you are ever facing criminal charges. Thank you, Mr. Lawson!!!
Posted by Anonymous | May 7, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Outstanding Lawyer
I was extremely worried and anxious about charges against me that would threaten my career. Mr Lawson and his firm gave me all the time I needed, and great advice. I followed what he said, and got the best outcome possible. His experience showed.
Posted by anonymous | May 7, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Helpful and knowledgeable
Thank you for giving me helpful legal information about my case. I appreciate you getting back to me quickly, and everyone I spoke with was very professional. It is nice knowing about my legal situation and the best possible resolutions. Thank you and your staff for caring about me and my legal needs and getting me the best outcome for my situation.
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Posted by anonymous | May 7, 2023
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Helpful and honest
He was completely honest with me the entire time. He was super helpful with his information and answered some of my questions about DUI’s. I ended the conversation feeling much more educated on my situation. He also answered my question immediately which I appreciated.
Posted by anonymous | May 7, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Beyond Great outcome
Mr. Lawson was a lifesaver. He informed me of the seriousness of my situation and gave an outcome beyond what I could have expected. Thank you Mr Lawson.
Posted by anonymous | May 3, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Honest and Knowledgeable
I first contacted the firm in 2019 and spoke to Richard, but ultimately Kimberly ended up taking my case. It was a long journey and she was able to get an extremely favorable outcome for my case and I am forever grateful. Everyone that I had contact with at the firm was extremely kind and helpful. In the end, Richard was there for my last appearance so we had a full circle moment. Kimberly, Richard, Christy, Elona, and Caroline, thank you all!
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Posted by Suzanne | May 3, 2023
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Knowledgeable and Empathetic
I called Mr. Lawson's office with a concern about a juvenile traffic offense. He called me back quickly, and was able to dispel my concerns with his broad knowledge of the relevant issue and applicable law. He even looped in another attorney in his office with juvenile expertise. I could not have been more impressed with his thorough handling of my concern, which, thanks to Mr. Lawson's mastery of traffic citations, is now no longer a concern. If I ever have another traffic issue, he will be the first call I make. Thanks so much Lawson Team!
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Cost

Rates
  • Free Consultation 30 minutes
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Speaker
  • Institute of Continuing Legal Education
  • 2002 - Present
  • Attorney / Owner
  • Law Office of Richard S. Lawson
  • 1997 - Present
  • Court Appointed "A" rated Attorney
  • Gwinnett County Court Appointed "A" List
  • 1997 - 2001
  • Associate
  • Law Office of Turner and Willis
  • 1997 - 1997
  • Court Appointed Felony Defense Attorney
  • Enotah Judicial Circuit
  • 1997 - 2004
  • Assistant District Attorney
  • Enotah Judicial Circuit District Attorney
  • 1995 - 1997
  • Court Appointed Public Defender
  • City of Roswell Georgia
  • 1995 - 2003
  • Court Appointed Public Defender
  • City of Alpharetta Georgia
  • 1995 - 2000
  • Assistant Solicitor General
  • Gwinnett County Solicitor General's Office
  • 1995 - 1995
  • Summer Associate
  • Friedman and Montalto
  • 1994 - 1994
  • Summer Associate
  • Wayne County Michigan Prosecutor
  • 1993 - 1993
View all work experience

Education

  • National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
  • Certified DUI / DWI Field Sobriety Instructor
  • 2000
  • Emory University School of Law
  • Law
  • 1995
  • University of Michigan
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 1992
  • Northwestern Michigan College
  • Associate of Arts
  • 1990
  • American Red Cross
  • Small Craft Instructor Certification
  • 1988
  • Wayne County School of Law
  • N/A
View all education

Legal Cases

  • State v. DS
  • No Jail!
  • State v. BC
  • Reckless Driving on 2nd DUI
  • State v. SH
  • Case Reduced to Reckless Driving
View all legal cases

Associations

  • United State District Court Northern District Georgia
  • Admitted
  • 2001 - Present
  • Georgia DODD Group
  • Member
  • 1997 - Present
  • Georgia Defense of Drinking Drivers
  • Member
  • 1997 - Present
  • State Bar of Georgia
  • Active Member
  • 1995 - Present
  • Georgia Court of Appeals
  • Admitted
  • 1995 - Present
  • Georgia Supreme Court
  • Admitted
  • 1995 - Present
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Featured Speaker
  • DUI Investigations LLC
  • 2013
  • Mentor Volunteer
  • Supreme Court of Georgia
  • 2012
  • Fee Arbitration Judge
  • State Bar of Georgia
  • 2009
  • Investigations in DUI Cases Highlighted Speaker
  • Georgia Association of Private Investigators
  • 2007
  • ICLE Speaker- Teaching Lawyers DUI Defense
  • ICLE
  • 2006
  • ICLE Teaching Lawyers DUI Defense
  • ICLE
  • 2004
  • US District Court Northern District of Georgia Admission
  • United States District Court Northern District of Geogia
  • 2001
  • Instructor Defending a DUI Case
  • Georgia Indigent Defense Council
  • 2000
  • DUI / DWI NHTSA Field Sobriety Instructor
  • National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
  • 2000
  • NHTSA Standardized Field Sobriety Instructor
  • NHTSA
  • 2000
  • Speaker
  • Georgia Indigent Defense Council
  • 2000
  • DUI and Vehicular Homicide Course
  • Prosecuting Attorneys Council of Georgia
  • 1996
  • Supreme Court of Georgia Admission
  • Georgia Supreme Court
  • 1995
  • Georgia Court of Appeals Admission
  • Georgia Court of Appeals
  • 1995
  • Emory Mock Trial Program Winning Attorney
  • Emory University Law School
  • 1994
  • Phi Theta Kappa Award
  • Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society
  • 1990
  • Canoe / Small Craft Instructor
  • American Red Cross
  • 1988
  • Advanced Lifesavor
  • American Red Cross
  • 1986
View all awards

Publications

  • DUI Super Symposium
  • Plea Negotiations Powerpoint
  • 2013
  • Navigating DUI Drug Cases
  • The Inside Minds
  • 2012
  • Georgia Association of Private Investigators
  • Investigations in DUI CASES
  • 2007
  • Defense of Drinking Driver's Institute
  • Opening Statement and Voir Dire
  • 2006
  • Institute of Continuing Legal Education (ICLE Georgia)
  • Voir Dire and Opening Statements
  • 2006
  • Georgia Association of Private Investigators
  • DUI Investigations
  • 2005
  • Defense of Drinking Drivers Institute
  • "It's Only a DUI"
  • 2004
  • Institute of Continuing Legal Education (ICLE Georgia)
  • Only a DUI
  • 2004
  • Defense of Drinking Drivers Institute
  • Legal Ethics
  • 2002
  • Institute of Continuing Legal Education (ICLE Georgia)
  • Ethics
  • 2002
  • Institute of Continuing Legal Education (Georgia)
  • Client Intake Form
  • 2001
  • Institute of Continuing Legal Education (ICLE Georgia)
  • Fee Agreements
  • 2001
View all publications

Speaking Engagements

  • Georgia Private Investigators Association
  • Investigations in DUI Cases
  • 2007
  • Institute for Continuing Legal Education
  • ICLE
  • 2006
  • Georgia Association of Private Investigators
  • DUI Investigations
  • 2005
  • Institute for Continuing Legal Education
  • DUI Defense
  • 2004
  • Georgia Private Investigators Association
  • Investigations in DUI Cases
  • 2004
  • ICLE Defense of Drinking Drivers Institute
  • Legal Ethics in a DUI Case
  • 2002
  • Defense of Drinking Drivers Group
  • Using an Investigator in DUI Cases
  • 2002
  • Defending at DUI Case
  • Cross Examination
  • 2000
  • Forsyth County Sheriff's Reserve
  • DUI Investigations
  • 1999
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (116)
Given (164)
Endorse Richard
DUI and DWI Attorney | Jan 24
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Richard is an awesome trial attorney that gets the job done in court and behind the scenes for his clients.He has a tremendous dedication for the practice of law and cares deeply about providing zealous representation to his clients. I constantly contact Richard to get his perspective about my cases and various legal issues pertaining to DUI law. I cannot think of a finer person of good ethical character than Richard Lawson to be your attorney if you need help with a criminal matter."
Criminal defense Attorney | Aug 13
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"As a fellow attorney in the Atlanta/Athens area, I have known Richard Lawson for a long time. He has a fantastic presence in the courtroom. He defends and is behind his client 110%. I have seen him conduct hearings and trials in DUI cases, with great confidence. He is extremely knowledgeable and keeps up with current law."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Feb 13
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
"I endorse this lawyer. Richard is not only the best DUI attorney in Georgia - the way he treats his clients is second to none. If you're looking for the best possible outcome and client experience - then you need Richard Lawson."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Jan 27
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Richard is professional, patient, and unmatched in the courtroom. He has tried an enormous number of cases, and he has the wisdom to prove it! He is a fantastic mentor and leader within the attorney community. If you or a loved one find themselves in a bind with a DUI or other criminal case, look no further than this exceptional attorney – he has my full endorsement."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Dec 21
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I had a chance to speak with Richard Lawson and I can tell you he is an expert on DUI cases. He cares about his clients and is on top of the latest developments in DUI law. If stopped for a DUI in the Atlanta area you would be wise to call him and get the facts about your case."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Apr 25
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Richard Lawson is not only a superb attorney, but a superb case manager and the ultimate leader. Not only does he handle his own cases with precision and perfect strategy, but he grooms other attorneys to do the same. Richard was instrumental in my early career and I can never repay him for the experience he gave me. It is with the utmost respect and admiration that I endorse Mr. Lawson."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Aug 10
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Apr 27
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. One of the absolute best for DUIs."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Feb 19
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Unknown Attorney | Feb 12
Relationship: Other
"I endorse this lawyer."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Feb 07
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. He really knows his stuff."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Feb 06
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Highly respected in the legal community."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Jan 21
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Excellent job and a very good result."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Jan 06
Relationship: Other
"I endorse this lawyer."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Oct 28
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. He is dedicated to his practice and to his clients, and the fact that over 100 lawyers have already endorsed him says a lot. Excellent client reviews as well."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Oct 16
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. This lawyer knows his stuff."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Oct 14
Relationship: Other
"I whole-hardheartedly endorse Richard Scott Lawson. His knowledge in the area of DUI is clearly unparalleled in Atlanta, and probably in all of Georgia. Anyone with him on their side has a fighter!"
DUI and DWI Attorney | Sep 24
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Richard is a respected Georgia DUI Lawyer, whose publications are extremely helpful to DUI Defense Attorneys throughout the country. Check out his DUI news blog here: http://www.dui.info/blog"
Unknown Attorney | Sep 11
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"This lawyer has my endorsement."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Sep 08
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Richard Lawson is the premier DUI/DWI defense attorney in Georgia. He has dedicated his career to ensuring that the rights of those accused of a DUI/DWI are protected. Mr. Lawson possesses vast experience in handling all aspects of DUI cases. The depth of his experience ensures that his clients are provided an even playing field when competing with the resources of the prosecution. Mr. Lawson remains at the forefront of trends and new developments within the areas of criminal law and DUI defense in order to best serve the needs of his clients. His dedication to the profession is unmatched. If you find yourself struggling with the uncertainty that accompanies receiving a DUI, Richard Lawson is the attorney you need to demystify the process and protect your rights. I endorse this lawyer."
View more endorsements
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Avvo Contributions

Top Contributor 2012
Top Contributor

Richard earned significant contribution points in 2012.

156 Legal Answers 5 Legal Guides
Atlanta DUI and DWI Lawyer Richard Scott Lawson
Richard Scott Lawson
DUI and DWI Attorney
Atlanta, GA
Licensed for 28 years
Free Consultation