S. W. Dawson | Attorney

S. W. Dawson

S. W. Dawson

Premium Member Premium Member
Language(s): English | Spanish

Premium Member
Verified Highlights

Premium Badge Contact Information Verified
Premium Badge In Good Standing
Premium Badge No Misconduct Found
Premium Badge Free Consultation
Premium Badge Accepts Credit Cards
Premium Badge Accepts Referrals
Premium Badge Reviews Pro Bono Cases

Main Office

999 Waterside Drive
Suite 2525
Norfolk, VA 23510

Office Hours

Monday - Friday8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Other Locations

Post Office Box 21
Irvington, VA
22480

Dawson, P.L.C.

About S. W.

S. W. Dawson, Esq., is the founder and managing member of Dawson, P.L.C.

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.

Free Consultation. Call today to learn more about my fee structure.

Experience

Managing Attorney

Dawson, P.L.C.

Present

Norfolk, VA

Admission

Verified United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit

2013

Verified United States District Court, Eastern District of Virginia

2012

Verified United States District Court, Western District of Virginia

2012

Verified Virginia

2012

Recognitions & Achievements

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

Notable Work

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.

Questions & Answers

Please describe a case in the last year or two where you made a big difference.

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.

Dawson, P.L.C. Highlights

Criminal, Accident & Injury, Divorce & Family Law, Lawsuit & Dispute, US Courts

Firm Size: 1
Firm Locations: 1
Languages: English, Spanish

Premium Member S. W. Dawson has been a Premium Member since March 11, 2021.

Many of our longest-standing Premium Members have built strong reputations over time. We highlight their experience to help you make informed choices with confidence.