Our firm handles legal matters in the following areas: Criminal Law, Personal Injury, Civil Rights, Employment Law, and Family Law. Bill Dawson has had a most active trial practice since 1969, trying thousands of cases in most courts throughout this area. He has tried well over 500 jury trials in the state and federal courts. While many of these jury trials have been the defense of capital murder or other serious felonies, criminal charges of all sorts are defended. These include drug trafficking, sex offenses, public corruption, thefts, assaults and even driving offenses.
In addition to criminal law, civil cases have been tried, both for the plaintiff and on the side of the defense. Several substantial jury verdicts have been obtained in civil rights suits in federal court against municipalities and police officials. Numerous other suits have been brought to enforce constitutional rights or to oppose discrimination in employment, police procedures, prison medical care, voting rights, and to uphold civil service protections. There have been, of course, many cases involving automobile wrecks, personal injury, fraud, legal malpractice, etc.
For thirty years, Dawson has represented teachers and school employees in disciplinary hearings, criminal defense, and in defending damage claims. This has been as retained counsel by the Alabama Education Association, an affiliate of N.E.A. Numerous public employees have been represented in high-profile cases, particularly those involving allegations of sexual misconduct.
Similar trial work for police officers has been as retained counsel for several chapters of the Fraternal Order of Police or the P.B.A. lodges, as they call on this firm for defense when someone in law enforcement is accused of a crime or other misconduct.
While some cases are handled with other lawyers in this office, the firm remains available to assist lawyers from other firms in trying cases. This often occurs when a client of some other lawyer is in trouble and that lawyer wants to remain involved, but does not want the full responsibility of the representation. There is no charge for initial consultation. .
