Managing Partner at Lawson & Berry:
DUI Attorney Richard S. Lawson is dedicated to his clients. The Law Office of Richard S. Lawson 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.
Recent Blog Posts
What is the legal limit in Georgia?
The Inequity of the ALS Process in Georgia
Example of Georgia’s Reckless Conduct Charge
Discussion of Theft Crimes in Georgia
Five Wanted for Death of Woman Discovered in Ellijay Residence
Recommendations
- Richard did a fantastic job representing me in my DUI case. He found a flaw in the evidence and was able to negotiate the charge down to Reckless Driving. He was very knowledgeable and was always responsive to calls and emails. Having a good lawyer allowed me to maintain normalcy in my life while...
- I was recently charged with a hit and run accident. I then contacted Mr. Lawson who spoke to me and treated me with respect. He precedded to get the hit and run charge dismissed to a reduced charge of duty to report an accident, no probation and only a fine that I had to pay. Mr. Lawson is very k...
- I was initially charged with Boating Under the Influence, Endangering a Child While Operating a Boat While Under the Influence and Failure to Display Registration Numbers on Boat. The result of my case was excellent in that I was charged with a reduction to Reckless Boating and Improper Tag. No j...
- Richard Lawson represented me in a DUI case. He was able to keep me from serving supervised probation and incarceration. He has good communication skills and returns calls promptly. I would recommend him to anyone facing a DUI arrest.
- Not only is his previous experience as a DUI prosecutor, educational background and experience in the courtroom a plus, but his promptness in returning my telephone calls and answering my questions helped me through the most difficult time of my life. He restored my faith that anything was possib...
- Mr. Lawson is outstanding. He was professional, attentive to any requests, and got the outcome I wanted but thought was unachievable. I had been arrested for a DUI. The case was very difficult, intricate, and was seemingly without hope, but Mr. Lawson was able to get the charges drastically reduc...
- What can I say about Mr. Lawson that everyone else hasn't already said? He's the best DUI lawyer out there for sure. I was charged with DUI and child endangerment and thought I would be convicted of at least a DUI if not the child endangerment as well. I thought I would lose my job too if I was c...
- I would give Richard the highest recommendation possible. From the beginning, he treated me with firmness and complete professionalism. I knew he had my back and I never doubted once through the whole process that he wasn't working hard to achieve the best outcome. My case was dismissed and thank...
- I am so grateful my DUI charges were not only reduced to reckless driving; I also received no probation. I credit this to the very first meeting with my lawyer where I was given immediate instructions on how to help my self and my case. Through out this entire ordeal I was kept informed; any ques...
- I got my DUI 3 months ago, I can say that Richard Lawson has helped me more than I would expect from any attorney. He kept me driving and got me the minimum outcome. Every time I contacted him, his response time was instantaneous and every question was always clearly answered.
- I contacted Mr. Lawson after being arrested for DUI and no seat belt. From my first conversation forward he was extremely professional and helpful. He was able to have my DUI reduced to a lesser charge and I was able to retain my license. He is an outstanding attorney that I highly recommend.
- I initially contacted Mr. Lawson's firm about a terrible situation I was in. I was charged with DUI (Driving Under the Influence), DUI Child Endangerment and Failure to Maintain Lane. This would have been my 5th life time DUI but with the Child Endangerment DUI this would have been my 5th and 6th...
- Excellent attorney. I have never been in trouble before and never been arrested for anything. I recently got a DUI with several other tickets. I contacted Mr. Lawson's office and that was the best move I made. Richard Lawson not only is an excellent attorney, he is a kind, caring and hard working...
- Richard Lawson is by far the BEST Lawyer in Georgia. I was on my way home from Northern Georgia and heading to Central Florida. I was pulled over by the Georgia Highway Patrol for speeding and was eventually charged with DUI Refusal (2nd Time). After I was released from around 10pm, Richard answe...
- Richard was professional and reassuring through the entire process, explaining my options and calming me down right away on the first phone call. After talking to two other attorneys I was absolutely convinced that Richard was the attorney I trusted to handle my case. He was in touch with me thro...
- IF YOU HAVE RECEIVED A DUI CALL MR. LAWSON!!! I am a former military service member and currently a Federal Employee with a security clearance. I was pulled over in Georgia, arrested refused the breath analyzer, and was charged with DUI. I found Mr. Lawson's website, which had many outstanding re...
- I was charged with DUI, Hit and Run, and Failure to Yield while turning left. The dismissal of the Hit and Run charge has changed my life forever. I now belong to an organization that has helped me both spiritually and emotionally. Mr Lawson helped me get thru this trying time for both me and my ...
- Mr. Lawson is a very understanding, patient, trustworthy attorney. He always responded to my calls or emails night or day. My case was professionally handled in a timely manner. He got my dui case dismissed.
- Mr. Lawson was definitely an extraordinary attorney. He was very informative and professional. All calls/emails were answered immediately or within the hour. The DUI charge was reduced to reckless driving. Thank you, Mr. Lawson for making a difficult situation a lot less traumatic.
- Richard supported me for 2 cases. One was a DUI in which I was informed of a variety of options based on my case. We chose the best ultimate outcome and Richard helped me get the best deal. The second case was more serious and was related to a marijuana posession case with additional charges. Thi...
- When I totaled my vehicle off the side of a mountain in North Georgia, the last thing I was thinking about was getting a DUI. I was injured severely and spent over a week in the hospital. While in the hospital, I got a call informing me I was facing a DUI charge. If I would have gotten a DUI, I w...
- First Mistake: getting into trouble with the law; Second Mistake: Hiring anyone else other than Richard Lawson as your attorney. For whatever reason you are looking for an attorney you need look no further. I was arrested for a third DUI-Less Safe in 5 years and there WAS NO HOPE FOR MY CASE. I w...
- I got my dui at on november 11th, 2011. I was 19 years old and Richard has helped me more than I would expect any attorney to. He kept me driving the entire time. It was a long haul, but at the end of it Richard had gotten 3 of my charges dropped and still gave me the best possible outcome.
- We used Richard when I received two DUI's, one of which had child endangerment attached because I was arrested with my 1y/o in the car. After lots of work, all on his part, Richard was able to get one of the charges dropped, the child endangerment one, and I was able to keep my drivers license. H...
- Richard was not the first lawyer I spoke with after my DUI charge, but he was the last when searching for representation. This was my very first time encountering any sort of legal dispute so I had no idea what I was doing and I was very scared. Richard was very friendly, down to earth and consol...
- Richard helped us in a way we could never repay. Although my husband was facing his second lifetime DUI per the new GA laws, Richard was able to get the offence treated as a first offence, kept him out of jail, driving and working. The additional marijuana charge was dismissed and Richard kept us...
- Although it was my first in 18 years once I got my DUI there was a ton of uncertainty. I was referred to a few lawyers but after some research it was clear I needed better and that's when I found Richard. I knew Richard would be the caliber of lawyer I needed and wanted to help me through this or...
- WOW! WOW! Richard Lawson is amazing!!!! A few months ago my world was turned upside down when I was pulled over in North GA and arrested for DUI/Less Safe Drug. I'm a RN and having this follow me around could have jeopardized my license. I found Mr. Lawson online read his reviews and hired him. H...
- I have reached out to Richard for Hit & Run and Illegal backing charges. With his professionalism, experience and knowledge got my charges dismissed for illegal backing and reduced hit & run charges. What a relief!! It really means a lot to me. Thank you Richard!! Anytime I had questions during t...
- I was arrested at a DUI checkpoint while visiting the Atlanta area last summer. This would have been my second DUI offense, but Mr. Lawson was able to get the charges reduced to reckless driving and I received no probation or community service. The negative impact to my life had I been convicted ...
- Let's just say this is not my first rodeo with hiring and working with a DUI Attorney. So I speak from experience and Richard is excellent in what he does. Not only is he experienced and honest he is available to take/respond to every call and/or email when needed. Richard was able to get my DUI ...
- Thank you Richard Lawson. I have a prolific job that I travel extensively for, and Richard successfully settled my DUI case to a reckless driving. He was very professional, helpful, and does everything in his power to successfully settle your case. I would strongly recommend Richard to anyone. He...
- In 2006, I was charged with a DUI and was terrified. I didn't know what to do or who to listen too. I got all the brochures in the mail and interviewed four different lawyers. There was something about the way Richard spoke to me. I knew I could trust him. I decided to put the future of my life i...
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Richard did a great job and saved my future - No DUI only Reckless Driving
After speaking with a number of other Attorneys about my case, I was most impressed with Richard and the resources he had at his disposal to work on my case. Through his experts, he was able to successfully have my case resolved and I only received a violation for reckless driving. I recommend Ri... - A year ago i was charged with a 2nd dui. Mr. Lawson was able to get me to keep my license for over a year while all the paper work went through the court system. Anytime a had a question he answered his phone, emails, ect. He is a great guy and will fight for you like he was saving his own life. ...
- I never thought I'd be in this situation again... a second DUI. By the time I got home from my arrest there were already mounds of DVDs and solicitations for attorneys in my mailbox. Luckily for me, a friend recommended me to Richard Lawson. I called him, and he immediately calmed me down and lai...
- Richard Lawson is an amazing lawyer. I am under 21, made a serious mistake one evening, was in an accident and charged with a DUI and several other citations. Beginning early the next morning, Richard was there for me offering advice. I completed DUI School, drug and alcohol counseling and severa...
- Got a 3rd lifetime DUI and facing some pretty nasty charges. Called Richard Saturday night and he answered. Got through the formalities and hired him to represent me. Charges reduced to wreckless driving and no loss of license. Could have been so much worse. Highly recommended.
- Richard is everything you read in his reviews and endorsements - maybe more. I was comfortable with Richard's demeanor and interpersonal skills from the first phone conversation. His background, skills and compassion make him an excellent lawyer. Richard understands the fear and anxiety that his ...
- My son was arrested recently for DUI. Whereas he failed the sobriety test in the field (not admissible), a follow-up sobriety test (admissible) was never conducted. Mr. Lawson's keen legal eye and knowledge identified this discrepancy and lack of following proper procedure and used it to convince...
- I would like to thank Richard Lawson for the excellent job he did representing me in my recent DUI case. To my great relief, Richard was able to get the DUI charge I was facing reduced to reckless driving. Richard was responsive, professional and forthright throughout the entire process. I could ...
- Mr. Lawson recently represented my 17 year old daughter. When I first contacted him, he called personally called back (instead of a receptionist), within a few hours. It only took that long as he was on a plane, and called as soon as he landed! Thru a lot of patience and hard work, he got the DUI...
- Richard Lawson is a friendly and personable guy, but that's not the reason you should hire him when you really need a good lawyer -- Mr. Lawson is a VERY competent attorney, and truly knows his stuff. If you've been charged with a DUI, you already know the deck seems to be stacked against you, an...
- Richard Lawson is a very good attorney and did a fantastic job on my DUI case. Anytime I called he made time to speak with me about my case. The results of my case were truly miraculous. I was charged with a DUI (my 2nd DUI in the last 5 years) and also a marijuana possession charge. Mr. Lawson t...
- In July of 2011, I was charged with my first DUI. Mr Lawson was able to have that charge completely dismissed. My blood test took 4 months to come back: and was .118; well over the limit. Having a valid drivers license is a requirement for my job. Losing the license would mean losing my job. Mr L...
- I was devastated and scared to death when I received a DUI in Lawrenceville. I refused the breath test at the jail, so not only faced the DUI charge, but my license was revoked for a year. How could I work without a driver's license? We released our first attorney because he would not return phon...
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If you want peace of mind during your unfortunate situation...
A DUI can turn your world upside down. There is no better repesentation than Richard Lawson. He got my DUI reduced to reckless driving and NO loss of driving privilege even though the officer said I refused the breath test, which can result in an automatic 1yr suspension. I couldn't be more pleas... -
If you want the best outcome for your case you need to hire Richard Lawson!
The first word that comes to mind with Richard Lawson is AWESOME! Not only did Mr. Lawson get my case dismissed but also found a statute that helped keep my ex-husband from interfering in my case. What's more, every call I made to him he either picked up immediately or called me back immediately.... - In February of this year I was arrested for DUI. This was the 2nd DUI I have received. The day after I was arrested my mother contacted Mr. Richard Lawson. He spoke with my mother for a long time about my driving issues but was also concerned about me in general. He was able to get my 2nd and hop...
- After receiving a DUI Less Safe citation, I scoured the net searching for the best possible attorney knowing the “world of hurt” a DUI conviction would mean to my future. Richard Lawson wasn't one of the best; instead, he stood head and shoulders above ALL other Atlanta area attorneys in the Metr...
- I hired Richard on a very complicated case in North Georgia. I have had several other DUI's and was very worried about going to jail. Richard was able to completely keep me out of jail. Even with multiple prior DUIs I did not have to go back to jail!! He always returns calls and emails and is alw...
- Calling Richard Lawson after my marijuana DUI and possession arrest was the best decision I could have made. In June of 2012 I was arrested for marijuana DUI as well as marijuana possession under 1 ounce when I was stopped at a police roadblock in Kennesaw, GA. I had no idea what to expect from t...
- Richard never wavered or showed any lack in self-confidence. I was treated with respect and professionalism (start to finish) regardless of what I viewed as a very embarrassing mess I found myself in. I felt valued and appreciated. Richard explained the process step by step as well as any options...
- Richard answered my initial call on a Sunday and was there from that point on to answer questions regarding my case. He is trustworthy and dedicated. I would highly recommend his service.
- I am an out of state resident and received a DUI while visiting Georgia. I hired Richard Lawson based on his reviews and he proved them all to be true. It has only been three months and my case is already settled. Richard got the DUI reduced to reckless driving, despite that it was my second offe...
- When I was charged with DUI and Drug possession I knew I was in jeopardy of losing everything I valued in life. My job, family and life was on the lines of destruction. Mr. Lawson came to my aid. He gave me his personal cell number. He returned every voice mail, text message and answered the phon...
- I am so glad that Richard was my lawyer when I got my DUI. He is honest and has integrity. He knows everything about the court system, and explains each way he is going to tremendously help you. He referred me to an assistant who was very smart and easy to talk to. It was a very re-assuring feeli...
- I was stupid enough to think I could drink and drive and not get caught or hurt myself or someone else, again! I received my 4th lifetime DUI. I talked to a few other attorney's who made promises of what they could do. I then contacted and hired Richard Lawson to represent me in my case. I did no...
- I recommend Mr. Lawson to anyone faced with a DUI. He is knowledgeable and kind. I was extremely concerned by this terrible situation I put myself in. Richard was understanding and he relieved my worries. Every phone call/email was returned quickly. Every question was answered. Having him stand b...
- Richard Lawson was able to have my DUI charge reduced to Reckless Driving! I am beyond pleased with his work and he truly does work 24/7. All my calls were returned promptly and I was kept advised throughout the process. In addition to being an excellent attorney, Richard has a team of experts co...
- I was charged with 2nd degree vehicular homicide when Richard was recommended to me. I will say that with my type of case Richard knew exactly what to do and where to start. Richard was always quick to respond to any question I may have had and was always very straight forward and honest with me....
- I was stopped at a DUI Check Point/Road Block and was arrested for DUI. I contact Mr. Lawson's office immediately. He helped me with all of my questions. Mr. Lawson got me in touch with one of his associates with no hesitation. He made me feel I was in good hands as he was very knowledgeable and ...
- Richard Lawson was my initial point of contact for my case. He got me in touch with one of his associates immediately with no hesitation. I contacted him late in my case process and the response time in consulting with me was instantaneous. He was very thorough and helpful. I am extremely pleased...
- Mr. Lawson provided expedient professional counseling with a better than expected outcome as the case moved through the court system.
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You will not find a better attorney than Richard Lawson...he is the BEST!
If you are looking for a real professional attorney that knows his craft, all of the ins and outs of how to navigate your case - look no further than Richard Lawson. Extremely professional, extremely honest and straight forward and will answer your call any time of the day or night - even on week... - I was charged with public drunkenness when I decided to walk home from a bar. As I was in the military and studying for the bar exam, it could have had a serious impact on my future. Richard was my initial contact with his law firm, called me before any of the other attorneys I'd queried for assi...
- This man got my potentially Life altering case changed from a DUI to creating a hazardous condition which is a city ordinance that doesn't get reported on my criminal record or MVR. Being a truck driver, this incident could have ended my career and instead is a minor hiccup. The final result was ...
- Richard represented me on a DUI case and did an outstanding job. I cant speak highly enough of him. My emails and phone calls were always returned promptly. He worked diligently representing me and got the charges reduced to reckless driving on the day of trial. Going through this all was no fun ...
- Richard provided advise/consult for a out of state driving incident for my teen. He spent time with me explaining the process, ramifactions and guided me to an out of state attorney who could assist me. He was honest, helpful and am glad I connected with him , due to the out of state jurisdiction...
- I was very anxious and stressed out about my DUI case from the beginning. Unfortunately, my case involved an accident, thankfully with no serious injuries. From the get-go, Richard provided me with wonderful customer service and peace-of-mind. He responded to each and every question I had in a qu...
- Richard answered my initial call on a Sunday and was there from that point on to answer questions regarding my case. He is trustworthy and dedicated. I would highly recommend his service.
- After receiving a DUI Less Safe citation, I scoured the net searching for the best possible attorney knowing the “world of hurt” a DUI conviction would mean to my future. Richard Lawson wasn't one of the best; instead, he stood head and shoulders above ALL other Atlanta area attorneys in the Metr...
- Richard never wavered or showed any lack in self-confidence. I was treated with respect and professionalism (start to finish) regardless of what I viewed as a very embarrassing mess I found myself in. I felt valued and appreciated. Richard explained the process step by step as well as any options...
- Richard was my initial contact, he got me in touch with one of his associates immediately with no hesitation, the response time in consulting with you was instantaneous, he was pretty knowledgeable about my officer and the judge. He referred me to Kevin Fisher who made it happen for me. I would r...
- Calling Richard Lawson after my marijuana DUI and possession arrest was the best decision I could have made. In June of 2012 I was arrested for marijuana DUI as well as marijuana possession under 1 ounce when I was stopped at a police roadblock in Kennesaw, GA. I had no idea what to expect from t...
