Chris Lawson - Associate Attorney at Sevens Legal

Chris Lawson - Associate Attorney at Sevens Legal

Chris Lawson is a criminal defense attorney at Sevens Legal Criminal Lawyers, providing legal representation for individuals facing charges in San Diego, California. His work includes a wide range of criminal cases, including DUI charges, domestic violence allegations, economic crimes, and other misdemeanor and felony offenses across San Diego County.

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FAQs About Attorney Chris Lawson

What is Chris Lawson’s background in criminal defense law?

Chris Lawson began his career in criminal defense after being admitted to the State Bar of California in 2020. Before becoming an attorney, he worked as a law clerk for the San Diego Public Defender’s Office, gaining early exposure to criminal proceedings and courtroom practice, and as a certified legal intern for Think Dignity, a nonprofit organization providing legal services to individuals experiencing homelessness.

What types of cases does attorney Chris Lawson handle?

Chris Lawson represents clients facing a range of criminal charges in San Diego County. His work includes cases involving DUI charges, domestic violence allegations, economic crimes such as fraud, theft, and embezzlement, and other criminal offenses.

Chris Lawson became an associate attorney at Sevens Legal in early 2024. Prior to joining the firm, he worked under criminal defense attorney Dan Greene at the Law Offices of Kerry L. Armstrong. Chris’s experience working alongside Dan played an important role in his decision to continue his criminal defense career at Sevens Legal, where he now represents clients facing misdemeanor and felony charges throughout San Diego County.

What can clients expect when working with attorney Chris Lawson?

Clients working with San Diego criminal defense attorney Chris Lawson can expect regular communication regarding case developments, court proceedings, and next steps in the legal process. He works with clients to discuss their rights, legal options, and the procedural aspects of their cases as they move through the criminal justice system.

Attorney Chris Lawson’s Background & Achievements

Criminal defense attorney Chris Lawson earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from San Diego State University. He then pursued his Juris Doctor at California Western School of Law, where he was a member of the Criminal Law Association (CLA), a student-run organization focused on criminal law and professional development. Chris also worked as a law clerk for the San Diego Public Defender’s Office, gaining early exposure to criminal proceedings and courtroom practice, and as a certified legal intern for Think Dignity, a nonprofit organization providing legal services to individuals experiencing homelessness.

After being admitted to the State Bar of California, Chris Lawson began his career as a San Diego criminal defense attorney, drawing on both his education and personal experiences to shape his approach to criminal law. Before joining the Sevens Legal team, Chris worked under criminal defense attorney Dan Greene at the Law Offices of Kerry L. Armstrong, where he continued developing his courtroom and case management experience. His professional relationship with Dan ultimately contributed to his decision to join Sevens Legal as an associate attorney in 2024.

How Personal Experience Shaped Chris Lawson’s Career Path

Chris Lawson’s decision to become a criminal defense attorney is shaped in part by personal experiences with the legal system. As a teenager, he witnessed family members and loved ones navigate difficult criminal proceedings, including the conviction and life sentence of his older brother when Chris was just 15 years old. This early exposure to the justice system fueled Chris’s desire to pursue a career in criminal defense law.

Today, Chris Lawson continues to draw on those experiences in his work as a criminal defense attorney at Sevens Legal. Understanding the profound impact criminal charges can have on an individual’s life, Chris is committed to representing clients facing misdemeanor and felony matters in San Diego County.

Most Notable Cases and Highlighted Outcomes

“I enjoy helping clients find solutions and resolve issues that may have life-altering consequences.” - Chris Lawson

Felony Gun Charges Dismissed: Illegal Search Leads to Case Dismissal

Chris Lawson represented a client facing felony gun charges arising from a vehicle search conducted after a traffic stop. Police impounded the client’s legally parked vehicle after learning the driver had a suspended license. Officers later conducted what they described as an inventory search of the vehicle.

Chris argued that the impoundment was not justified because the client had arranged for another individual nearby to retrieve the vehicle. The court ruled that the firearm evidence obtained during the search was inadmissible, and the case was later dismissed.

Felony Vandalism Dismissed: Insufficient Evidence of Property Damage

Chris Lawson represented a client accused of felony vandalism involving alleged damage to an outdoor basketball court. Reports initially described a vehicle performing donuts on the court, but the description provided did not match the client’s vehicle.

During the preliminary hearing, Chris argued that evidence suggested at least one additional vehicle may have been involved. He also challenged whether there was sufficient evidence to establish that the tire marks were newly caused or directly connected to the alleged incident. The court dismissed the case.

Disclaimer: Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Each case is unique and should be evaluated by a qualified attorney. For legal advice, please contact our office directly.

Top Awards and Accolades

Chris Lawson’s involvement in criminal defense law extends beyond his work in the courtroom. As a criminal defense attorney in San Diego, he maintains membership in several professional organizations, including the Criminal Defense Bar Association of San Diego, the San Diego County Bar Association, and the California Lawyers Association. During his time at California Western School of Law, Chris also received the Academic Excellence Award in Trial Practice in 2017, “granted to the highest-performing third-year student on the basis of academic achievement.”

Practice Areas

As an associate attorney at Sevens Legal Criminal Lawyers, Chris Lawson provides legal representation across a range of felony and misdemeanor cases in San Diego County. His areas of focus include:

  • DUIs - Representing clients facing misdemeanor and felony DUI charges, including cases involving accidents or elevated BAC levels

  • Domestic Violence - Representing individuals facing domestic violence-related charges

  • Economic Crimes - Working on cases involving fraud, theft, and embezzlement

Education & Credentials

  • Juris Doctor Degree: California Western School of Law, 2018

  • Bachelor of Arts Degree: San Diego State University, 2013

Professional Associations

  • The State Bar of California: Admitted 2020

  • Criminal Defense Bar Association of San Diego: Member since 2020

  • San Diego County Bar Association: Member since 2020

  • California Lawyers Association: Member since 2020

Client Testimonials

I cannot thank the team at Sevens Legal, and especially Chris Lawson, enough for their incredible support during one of the most stressful times in my life. After being let down by another law firm, I was racing against time to find competent and compassionate representation for my domestic violence case. From the moment I reached out, the Sevens Legal team was professional, caring, and reassuring, promising me that I was in good hands—and they absolutely delivered.

Chris Lawson, in particular, was a game-changer. He took a painful and overwhelming situation and made it as manageable as possible. Chris patiently explained every step of the legal process, answered all my questions, and put my mind at ease before, during, and after court appearances. His ability to break down complex legal matters and outline realistic outcomes while keeping my best interests at heart was truly remarkable.

  • Eric M.

I was blessed to find this law firm. Chris went above and beyond to help me. Explained everything in great detail and was upfront with full honesty about my legal situation. I will recommend family friends and anyone who needs help to use this firm.

  • Kali K.

Sevens Legal is by far the best criminal law firm in San Diego. I have personally worked with attorneys Dan Greene, Jay Monico, and Chris Lawson, and they have been astounding! They truly care about their clients and will fight tooth and nail for you. If you have ANY legal issues, from a simple misdemeanor to a serious felony in state or federal court, CALL THEM!! You will be very pleased.

  • Lindsay C.

Chris Lawson Social Media Profiles

Courthouses in San Diego County

General Information

https://www.sdcourt.ca.gov/sdcourt/generalinformation/courtlocations

North County Courthouse

325 South Melrose Drive, Vista, CA 92081
https://www.sdcourt.ca.gov/sdcourt/generalinformation/courtlocations/northcountycourthouse

East County

250 East Main Street, El Cajon, CA 92020
https://www.sdcourt.ca.gov/sdcourt/generalinformation/courtlocations/eastcountyregional

South County

500 Third Avenue, Chula Vista, CA 91910
https://www.sdcourt.ca.gov/sdcourt/generalinformation/courtlocations/southcountyregional

Central Courthouse

1100 Union Street, San Diego, CA 92101
https://www.sdcourt.ca.gov/sdcourt/generalinformation/courtlocations/centralcourthouse2

Juvenile Court

2851 Meadow Lark Drive, San Diego, CA 92123
https://www.sdcourt.ca.gov/sdcourt/generalinformation/courtlocations/juvenilecourt