About
Michael Thompson is a former federal prosecutor turned defense attorney with 30 years of courtroom experience. He has tried over 200 cases to verdict in state and federal courts.
Hourly Rate
$600 - $900 / hour
Consultation
Confidential consultation by appointment
Practice Areas
- Criminal Defense35%
- DUI23%
- Federal Crimes17%
- Appeals14%
- White Collar11%
Languages
Experience
30+ years
Founder & Lead Counsel at Thompson Defense. Admitted to practice in New York, 1995. Focus areas include Criminal Defense, DUI, Federal Crimes.
Licenses & Bar Admissions
New York
Bar #NY-226704 · Admitted 1995
New Jersey
Bar #NJ-226835 · Admitted 1996
U.S. Supreme Court
Bar #US-226966 · Admitted 2005
Schools & Education
Columbia Law School
Juris Doctor (J.D.) · 1995
Yale University
B.A., Philosophy · 1992
Sample Legal Cases
Confidential Criminal Defense Matter
2025
Michael represented the client in a complex criminal defense matter, negotiating a favorable resolution that protected the client's long-term interests without the cost and exposure of trial.
DUI — Trial Verdict
2024
Lead counsel in a contested dui case tried to verdict. Secured a result that exceeded the client's expectations after opposing counsel rejected pre-trial offers.
Federal Crimes Dispute Resolution
2023
Successfully moved for dismissal of meritless claims through targeted motion practice, sparing the client years of litigation and substantial expense.
Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Client details have been anonymized.
Reviews (301)
4.8
Based on 301 verified reviews
Anonymous
May 2026Got my federal charges reduced significantly. Worth every penny.
Patricia R.
March 2026Michael saved my son's future. Cannot recommend highly enough.
Michael Thompson's Lawyer Endorsements
“I have worked alongside Michael on several matters and can speak to Michael's preparation, judgment, and integrity. If you need a criminal defense attorney who will fight for you and tell you the truth, Michael Thompson is an excellent choice.”
“Michael is the kind of criminal defense lawyer young attorneys hope to emulate — fierce in the face of difficult opponents, empathetic with clients, and genuinely persuasive before a judge or jury. I highly recommend consulting with Michael.”
“Michael Thompson has built a strong reputation in criminal defense for good reason. Sharp legal analysis, responsive communication, and a real commitment to clients. I endorse Michael wholeheartedly.”
“Michael is the kind of criminal defense lawyer young attorneys hope to emulate — fierce in the face of difficult opponents, empathetic with clients, and genuinely persuasive before a judge or jury. I highly recommend consulting with Michael.”
“I fully endorse Michael Thompson. Michael is a highly skilled criminal defense attorney who is respected throughout the legal community. More importantly, Michael cares deeply about clients and consistently delivers strong results. I refer matters to Michael without hesitation.”
“I have worked alongside Michael on several matters and can speak to Michael's preparation, judgment, and integrity. If you need a criminal defense attorney who will fight for you and tell you the truth, Michael Thompson is an excellent choice.”
“Michael is the kind of criminal defense lawyer young attorneys hope to emulate — fierce in the face of difficult opponents, empathetic with clients, and genuinely persuasive before a judge or jury. I highly recommend consulting with Michael.”
“Michael Thompson has built a strong reputation in criminal defense for good reason. Sharp legal analysis, responsive communication, and a real commitment to clients. I endorse Michael wholeheartedly.”
“Michael is the kind of criminal defense lawyer young attorneys hope to emulate — fierce in the face of difficult opponents, empathetic with clients, and genuinely persuasive before a judge or jury. I highly recommend consulting with Michael.”
“I fully endorse Michael Thompson. Michael is a highly skilled criminal defense attorney who is respected throughout the legal community. More importantly, Michael cares deeply about clients and consistently delivers strong results. I refer matters to Michael without hesitation.”
“I have worked alongside Michael on several matters and can speak to Michael's preparation, judgment, and integrity. If you need a criminal defense attorney who will fight for you and tell you the truth, Michael Thompson is an excellent choice.”
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