South Florida Criminal Defense Attorney

Scott E. Simmons is a co-founder and founding partner of Lawson and Simmons, PLLC, where he focuses exclusively on criminal defense throughout South Florida. A lifelong South Florida native, Scott has dedicated his career to defending individuals facing serious and high-stakes criminal allegations.
Before founding Lawson and Simmons, Scott spent more than three years practicing at another premier South Florida criminal defense firm. While well regarded, he chose to leave to build a practice centered on thoughtful strategy, individualized representation, and long-term consequences rather than case volume.
Scott is a trial-tested criminal defense attorney with experience handling cases ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies, including offenses punishable by life imprisonment. He has tried numerous cases to verdict across Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties. He has received multiple Broward Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Hat Trick Awards for achieving consecutive not guilty verdicts, including a Double Hat Trick Award for six not guilty verdicts in a single year.
In addition to trial advocacy, Scott is known for sophisticated pretrial motion practice, including successful motions to suppress evidence and statements that have resolved serious cases before trial. He personally conducts Strategy Sessions and remains actively involved in every case he handles, ensuring clients receive clear guidance and direct partner-level representation throughout the process.

Education

• Nova Southeastern University - Shepard Broad College of Law, J.D.
• Florida Atlantic University, B.A.

Bar Associations

• Florida Bar Associations

Associations

• Order of Barristers, Member

Practice Areas

• Criminal Defense

HONORS & AWARDS

• Hat Trick Award, Broward Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, 2022
• Triple Crown Award, Law Office of the Public Defender, 2021

LOCATIONS