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Richard Scott Lawson
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About Richard
Biography
DUI Attorney Richard S. Lawson is dedicated to his clients. Lawson & Berry is Georgia's premier DUI defense and criminal practice and is solely focused on the defense of drivers in DUI case and in criminal cases. Mr. Lawson is not a “general practitioner.” He has devoted his career to defending those wrongly accused of DUI and to ensuring that even in cases where people are guilty of DUI, they are treated fairly. For over 25 years, Attorney Lawson has successfully resolved over 5000 cases and has been lead counsel at jury trials and motions of hundreds of Georgia DUI cases. Additionally, he has successfully resolved hundreds of DUI charges with dismissals, reductions to reckless driving and reductions to lesser offenses. In his practice he has helped more than 5000 Georgians keep their driver's licenses and privileges to drive despite the DUI or traffic charges they were facing.
Richard Lawson began his career as a DUI prosecutor. After receiving his law degree from Emory University's School of Law where he was an award-winning mock trial student attorney, he was selected as an Assistant District Attorney where he prosecuted DUI cases for the State of Georgia. He was trained as a DUI prosecutor by instructors using the same methods used today to teach DUI prosecutors and judges. With this knowledge and training, Richard Lawson left the prosecutor's office and opened his DUI defense practice.
Richard Lawson has handled cases throughout Georgia and has developed a reputation as a skilled trial attorney and negotiator. He is licensed to practice in all trial courts in the Atlanta metropolitan area and North Georgia. See some of his impressive recent results by clicking here. Richard Lawson is an instructor at the Institute for Continuing Legal Education where he has trained other DUI attorneys on winning a DUI case and getting clients the best possible results. He has spoken on a variety of DUI topics at legal seminars including cross-examination techniques in DUI trials and how to do a thorough investigation in a DUI case. Mr. Lawson has also completed in-depth coursework on field sobriety evaluations and DUI detection. He has been certified as a DUI standardized field sobriety testing instructor since the year 2000. This qualification allows Mr. Lawson to teach police officers how to conduct field sobriety evaluations on those suspected of DUI. As a DUI defense specialist, Mr. Lawson has spent the past 18 years mastering the intricacies of Georgia DUI law and keeping up-to-date with all the latest defense techniques.
Mr. Lawson has published numerous works regarding DUI defense including “Investigations in DUI Cases” at the Georgia Association of Private Investigators in 2007, “Opening Statement and Voir Dire” in the Defense of Drinking Driver's Institute in 2006, "It's Only a DUI" in the Defense of Drinking Drivers Institute in 2004 and “Legal Ethics” in the Defense of Drinking Drivers Institute in 2002. In 2000, he taught a seminar on cross-examination techniques to the Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. In 2012 he published a chapter on DUI Drugs and Prescription Drug DUI in the publication Navigating DUI Drug Cases.
Richard S. Lawson effectively defends clients in their DUI cases including felony DUI prosecutions for repeat offenders, habitual violators, serious accident and injury by vehicle DUIs, hit and run offenses, fleeing and eluding, obstruction of law enforcement, DUI – drug cases, DUI child endangerment cases, marijuana and drug cases, prescription drug DUI cases, underage consumption, minor in possession, and furnishing alcohol to minors cases, as well as BUI (boating under the influence), violations of probation and vehicular homicide.
Additionally, Mr. Lawson represents individuals in the Georgia Department of Driver Services license suspension hearings that are the precursor to nearly all DUI cases. Mr. Lawson's efforts have led to thousands of his clients keeping their Georgia license during the pendency of their DUI case as well as after their cases are resolved.
If you want to get the best results in your upcoming DUI case, call Richard S. Lawson today for a case consultation. While his office is committed to results, it is also committed to customer service. Mr. Lawson keeps his clients up-to-date on the developments of their case and maintains a 24 hour line so his clients can reach him in the evenings and on weekends to discuss their case and ask questions. It is important to remember an arrest for DUI does not mean that you are guilty.
Don't Trust Your Future To A "General Practitioner." Call an Expert (24/7) 404-816-4440
Don't Trust Your Future To A "General Practitioner." Call (24/7) THE DUI ONLY LAWYER. 404-939-7947
Don't Trust Your Future To A "General Practitioner." Call an expert 24/7. 404-939-7947
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
DUI and DWI
75%
31 years | 4,800 cases
Criminal Defense
25%
31 years | 1,000 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2024 2023 2022
...
+
12
2012
Licenses
Licensed in Georgia for 30 years
State: Georgia
Acquired: 1995
No misconduct found
Location
Lawson & Berry
(404) 939-7947
Mobile
300 Colonial Center Pkwy, Suite 100, Roswell, GA, 30076
dui.infoLawson & Berry
(404) 939-7947
Mobile
1755 North Brown Road, Suite 200, Lawrenceville, GA, 30045
dui.infoLawson & Berry
(404) 939-7947
Mobile
487 Morrision Moore Parkway West, Dahlonega, GA, 30533
dui.infoLawson & Berry
(404) 939-7947
Mobile
131 Prominence Court, Suite 100, Dawsonville, GA, 30534
dui.infoGallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Richard online.
Richard Scott Lawson's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
696 Client Reviews
Client Insights
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Practice Areas
Criminal Defense (472)
DUI & DWI (450)
Speeding & Traffic Ticket (88)
Lawsuits & Disputes (55)
Drug Crime (19)
Car Accidents (7)
Administrative Law (5)
Employment & Labor (4)
Expungement (4)
Immigration (4)
Military Law (4)
Juvenile (3)
Litigation (3)
State, Local And Municipal Law (2)
Aviation (1)
Cannabis Law (1)
Child Abuse (1)
Family (1)
Transportation (1)
Violent Crime (1)
What Clients Mention
Case Results (569)
Advocacy (336)
Recommendation (311)
Responsiveness (290)
Professionalism (218)
Practice Area Knowledge (204)
Communication Style (190)
General Knowledge (129)
Character & Conduct (102)
Staff & Support (92)
Trustworthiness (84)
Compassion (79)
Cost of Services (57)
Punctuality (12)
Free Consultations (5)
Payment Plans (2)
Showing 1 - 5 of 79 reviews | Compassion
Posted by anonymous | August 12, 2025 | DUI & DWI
Best attorney, best outcome and best communication
I called his office for the first time on a Saturday morning, he got back to me alI called his office for the first time on a Saturday morning, and he got back to me almost immediately. From then on, he always answered any question within minutes in a way that was clear. The time from my underage DUI...
Posted by Thomas J. | November 11, 2023 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
Thomas J.
Thank you Richard Lawson and Kimberly Berry!! If I could give them more than five stars I would. Within the blink of an eye my life got turned upside down. Just a normal day boating on the lake with friends and family. I was pulled over by a DNR officer related to an issue with the boat and next thin...
Posted by Matt | June 05, 2023 | Lawsuits & Disputes
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...
Posted by anonymous | May 07, 2023 | 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 ne...
Posted by S. Rothstein | May 01, 2023 | Hired Attorney
There when you needed him!
Mr. Lawson helped us greatly with top notch legal representation. Answered our multitude of questions and eased our anxiousness with step by step recommendations. Our outcome was exactly what we hoped for.
Richard Scott Lawson's Lawyer Endorsements
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. One of the absolute best for DUIs."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. He really knows his stuff."
"I endorse this lawyer. Highly respected in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer. Excellent job and a very good result."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer. This lawyer knows his stuff."
"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!"
"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"
"This lawyer has my endorsement."
"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."
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Experience
Honors
2013
Featured Speaker, DUI Investigations LLC
2012
Mentor Volunteer, Supreme Court of Georgia
2009
Fee Arbitration Judge, State Bar of Georgia
2007
Investigations in DUI Cases Highlighted Speaker, Georgia Association of Private Investigators
2006
ICLE Speaker- Teaching Lawyers DUI Defense, ICLE
2004
ICLE Teaching Lawyers DUI Defense, ICLE
2001
US District Court Northern District of Georgia Admission, United States District Court Northern District of Geogia
2000
Instructor Defending a DUI Case, Georgia Indigent Defense Council
2000
DUI / DWI NHTSA Field Sobriety Instructor, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
2000
Speaker, Georgia Indigent Defense Council
2000
NHTSA Standardized Field Sobriety Instructor, NHTSA
1996
DUI and Vehicular Homicide Course, Prosecuting Attorneys Council of Georgia
1995
Supreme Court of Georgia Admission, Georgia Supreme Court
1995
Georgia Court of Appeals Admission, Georgia Court of Appeals
1994
Emory Mock Trial Program Winning Attorney, Emory University Law School
1990
Phi Theta Kappa Award, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society
1988
Canoe / Small Craft Instructor, American Red Cross
1986
Advanced Lifesavor, American Red Cross
Work Experience
2002 - Present
Speaker, Institute of Continuing Legal Education
1997 - Present
Attorney / Owner, Law Office of Richard S. Lawson
1997 - 2004
Court Appointed Felony Defense Attorney, Enotah Judicial Circuit
1997 - 2001
Court Appointed "A" rated Attorney, Gwinnett County Court Appointed "A" List
1997 - 1997
Associate, Law Office of Turner and Willis
1995 - 1997
Assistant District Attorney, Enotah Judicial Circuit District Attorney
1995 - 1995
Assistant Solicitor General, Gwinnett County Solicitor General's Office
1995 - 2003
Court Appointed Public Defender, City of Roswell Georgia
1995 - 2000
Court Appointed Public Defender, City of Alpharetta Georgia
1994 - 1994
Summer Associate, Friedman and Montalto
1993 - 1993
Summer Associate, Wayne County Michigan Prosecutor
Associations
2001 - Present
United State District Court Northern District GeorgiaAdmitted
1997 - Present
Georgia DODD GroupMember
1997 - Present
Georgia Defense of Drinking DriversMember
1995 - Present
State Bar of GeorgiaActive Member
1995 - Present
Georgia Court of AppealsAdmitted
1995 - Present
Georgia Supreme CourtAdmitted
Sample of Legal Cases
State v. DS
No Jail!
State v. BC
Reckless Driving on 2nd DUI
State v. SH
Case Reduced to Reckless Driving
State v. YS
Case Reduced to Reckless Driving
State v. RA
Case Reduced to Reckless Driving
State v. FF
Case Reduced to Reckless Driving
State v AB
Case Reduced to Reckless Driving
State v. KD
DUI reduced to Reckless Driving
State v. AZ
Case Reduced to Reckless Driving
Contested Cherokee County DUI JURY TRIAL
"Not Guilty"
State v. CC
Reduced Sentence
State v. JP
Case Reduced to Reckless Driving
State v. MW
Case Reduced to Reckless Driving
Education
2000
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Certified DUI / DWI Field Sobriety Instructor
1995
Emory University School of Law
Law
1992
University of Michigan
BA - Bachelor of Arts
1990
Northwestern Michigan College
Associate of Arts
1988
American Red Cross
Small Craft Instructor Certification
N/A
Wayne County School of Law
Speaking Engagements
2013
DUI Super Symposium
Plea Negotiations
2007
Georgia Private Investigators Association
Investigations in DUI Cases
2006
Institute for Continuing Legal Education
ICLE
2005
Georgia Association of Private Investigators
DUI Investigations
2004
Institute for Continuing Legal Education
DUI Defense
2004
Georgia Private Investigators Association
Investigations in DUI Cases
2002
ICLE Defense of Drinking Drivers Institute
Legal Ethics in a DUI Case
2002
Defense of Drinking Drivers Group
Using an Investigator in DUI Cases
2000
Defending at DUI Case
Cross Examination
1999
Forsyth County Sheriff's Reserve
DUI Investigations
Publications
2013
DUI Super Symposium
Plea Negotiations Powerpoint
2012
www.dui.info
Georgia DUI Information Website
2012
Georgia DUI Attorney
Georgia DUI Lawyer
2012
Atlanta DUI Lawyer
Atlanta DUI Attorney
2012
Navigating DUI Drug Cases
The Inside Minds
2012
Thomson Reuters
Navigating DUI Drug Cases
2007
Georgia Association of Private Investigators
Investigations in DUI CASES
2006
Institute of Continuing Legal Education (ICLE Georgia)
Voir Dire and Opening Statements
2006
Defense of Drinking Driver's Institute
Opening Statement and Voir Dire
2005
Georgia Association of Private Investigators
DUI Investigations
2004
Institute of Continuing Legal Education (ICLE Georgia)
Only a DUI
2004
Defense of Drinking Drivers Institute
"It's Only a DUI"
2002
Institute of Continuing Legal Education (ICLE Georgia)
Ethics
2002
Defense of Drinking Drivers Institute
Legal Ethics
2001
Institute of Continuing Legal Education (ICLE Georgia)
Fee Agreements
2001
Institute of Continuing Legal Education (Georgia)
Client Intake Form
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Top Contributor
Richard earned significant contribution points in 2012.
Legal Answers
Q&A
What can happen if me and my girlfriend get into a fight weeks ago & she is threatening to call the cops cause I don’t want her?
27 Feb 2025
Q&A
Driver License in Georgia
05 Mar 2021
Q&A
What should I do if my lawyer took $1200 from me without helping me?
31 Jan 2020
Legal Guides
Legal Guide
The Legal Consequences of Refusing a Chemical Test
10 Oct 2011
Legal Guide
Explaining Vehicular Homicide in Georgia
10 Oct 2011
Legal Guide
DUI Accidents and Serious Injuries
06 Oct 2011