Top Rated Criminal Defense Attorney in Norfolk, VA

Attorney S.W. Dawson is the managing member of Dawson, P.L.C., in Norfolk, Virginia. Mr. Dawson practices in the areas of civil rights litigation and criminal defense, serving clients throughout the Norfolk area.

Over the course of his career, Mr. Dawson has successfully defended hundreds of Virginia residents who faced felony or misdemeanor charges. He has defended people against charges, including homicide, money laundering, fraud, drug crimes, traffic violations and more, and has experience with both state and federal charges. He has also helped clients in cases involving asset forfeiture and other issues.

Mr. Dawson also helps clients in civil actions and family law, and has a passion for civil rights litigation. He provides committed and aggressive representation to clients who have had their civil rights violated, zealously pursuing justice on their behalf. 

Active in his professional community, Mr. Dawson is a member of the Norfolk & Portsmouth Bar Association, the Virginia State Bar and the Virginia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and he has lectured on legal topics for several organizations. He sits on the board of Norfolk Festevents, Ltd., and Virginia NORML.

In recognition of his accomplishments, the National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys included Mr. Dawson in its list of “top 10 under 40.” In 2018, Virginia Business magazine included him on its list of the “legal elite” and Coastal Virginia magazine included him on its “top lawyer” listing.

Mr. Dawson holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia. He holds a license to practice law before all Virginia state courts, the U.S. district courts for the eastern and western districts of Virginia, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit and the Supreme Court of Virginia.