I'm James, and I'm a lawyer who represents people facing criminal charges and DWI offenses throughout Minnesota.
I've been doing this work for twelve years across four states. I run a small, solo law practice, and that is my biggest strength. My clients all face stress because of what they're facing in court, but they can always rest assured that they can contact me personally when needed, and that I will work diligently on their case without being distracted by the business trappings of a large firm.
Most lawyer webpages are AI-generated slop.
(Or they might as well be.)
You're probably reading this because you are looking for an attorney to represent you or a loved one who's in trouble. If you are frustrated by your search so far, I get it. Most lawyers pay a service to "design" a cookie-cutter site with AI-generated articles about legal issues which are rarely helpful and sometimes just plain wrong. (Lawyers love ChatGPT.)
I bet that you've seen pages with separate subpages for each individual crime they "focus" on, or maybe a separate (identical in content) page for every different city or county they purport to practice in.
They are trying to get Google's attention. I'm trying to get yours.
Take five minutes out of your day and click through the menu above.
You may not know exactly what you are looking for in a lawyer. (That's normal, by the way.) I've tried to narrow it down to the basics: Who I am, What kind of cases I take, Where I will go for court, When you need to hire an attorney, Why you should hire me, and How you get started and set up for a free consultation.
When you're done, give me a call at (651) 321-1064.
I look forward to helping you.
I'm James. I went to law school to help people.
They all say that, don't they? Then they graduate, work in a big law firm, and push paper around and get rich by making other rich people get richer.
I would never. Criminal-defense is the only type of law I've ever practiced and ever wanted to practice. During law school, I volunteered at public defender offices. My first job after law school was as a public defender.
I still think about the people who I had the privilege to meet doing that work: the single mother who walked into court thinking she was just going to pay a few tickets, then got thrown in jail for a year after a sham trial where she was denied a lawyer (I successfully appealed and got her out), the innocent man who sat in pretrial detention for over a year facing a life sentence (whose girlfriend on the outside paid thousands of dollars to a disbarred attorney before I was appointed), the man whose artwork hangs on my office wall today who was homeless for years and probably had dozens of public defenders before me and after me.
It was hard to leave that job when I left Atlanta, but I hung a shingle and continued to practice criminal-defense, with the same care and attention to the difficulties facing my clients and their frustration with the system that was set up to fail them. It's all I've done since.
I do this work because it's what I care about. If I wasn't doing it, I'd be up at night wondering how it was going to get done. I love my clients and understand that the dim, blurry snapshot the criminal court system takes of them in their most vulnerable moments never shows the full picture of who they are. I get mad when the system mistreats people, and I lose sleep over the wrongful convictions of people I've never met (and the people I have met).
If you need a lawyer who does this work so they can pay their country club membership dues and put their kids through private school, then maybe I'm not a good fit for you.
But if you need a lawyer who does this work because they firmly believe that the criminal court system is slanted too far in favor of the government, that it creates more problems than it solves, and that they should use their talents to fight against that at every opportunity, then I would love to talk to you.
If you just need to read my resume, I have a LinkedIn profile for that. But I think you've probably read this far because you are trying to get to know the person behind the attorney you might choose to hire to help you or a loved one. If so, the one thing I want to make sure you know is that every day, from beginning to end, there's one question on my mind:
What more can I do today to help my clients?
Criminal & DWI Defense
I represent people who have been arrested for a felony, misdemeanor, or gross misdemeanor offense. (Or if they have been issued a summons/citation by law enforcement accusing them of any offense that requires them to appear in court.)
Criminal-defense Representation
Some clichés are true: every case really is different. Sometimes, patterns emerge on the court calendar. Domestic assaults where the parties point the finger at each other. Drug charges when "those weren't even my drugs!" Property crimes where they caught the wrong guy.
But it's important to have a lawyer who doesn't lump cases together like they all follow a script. Relationships at the heart of assault cases are all complicated and unique. Cops screw up drug arrests constantly, in brand new and exciting ways every day. Thefts and burglaries all have unique fingerprints, literally and figuratively.
There are certain things I'll do in every case. First, I will file a "discovery demand" with the court, which will entitle me to get a copy of whatever the State has in their file they intend to use against you. (Police reports, video evidence, witness statements, lab reports, you name it.) Alongside my review of the discovery, I'll generally do some investigation of my own in collaboration with my client. I'll assess whether there are "omnibus issues" - legal maneuvers I can make before a case gets scheduled for trial that may result in evidence getting thrown out or charges getting dismissed.
Every case reaches a decision point: do you take a plea agreement, or go to trial?
That is ultimately your choice to make. I'll give you honest and candid advice, but I'm going to follow your marching orders. Sometimes people who would have never dreamed of pleading guilty at the start end up with a plea deal that they choose to take, for any number of reasons. Sometimes people who would have never dreamed of going to trial end up doing so because it turns out to be the best option. I've done this work long enough to never assume anything up front. I always put in the work of preparing for trial, because that's usually the only card the Defense has to play against the State's stacked deck. It's also worth it to work to get the best offer on the table I can, because even if you don't take the deal, we learn something about the State's position during the bargaining process.
What about DWI charges?
DWI is a crime, but it's worth mentioning separately because DWI cases have a lot of extra moving parts that make them difficult to defend. They're also, in some ways, a "crime of opinion." A police officer makes a subjective decision about whether someone is not safe to drive based on tests with subjective measurements. DWI can be proven with objective blood-alcohol measurements, but it's still an officer's opinion based on their training and individual experience that gets them there.
The police take specialized training before they make DWI arrests. Good lawyers should do the same before defending a DWI case. That's what I've done - I have completed the same 24-hour National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) training curriculum, taught by a certified instructor with a wealth of law enforcement experience, that the cop who arrested you took. (Except I probably paid more attention in class.) I routinely use my training to surgically cut open my client's DWI charges and expose where the police either administered the field sobriety tests wrong, scored the tests wrong, or ignored other important aspects of their training.
I have also completed Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) training, another NHTSA training program offered to law enforcement to improve their DWI detection skills and expand them beyond alcohol-based offenses, teaching them how to build a case where someone is alleged to be impaired by drugs other than alcohol. Not all officers have completed ARIDE, but the ones that have usually do a better job on the roadside. But they still screw things up too. And I'm there to show a judge or jury what they did wrong.
I strongly believe you should not hire an attorney who only has a casual understanding of the field sobriety tests and the standardized law enforcement training programs for DWI detection. Taking the some courses the cops take has been extremely valuable for the clients I've served. I take my training manuals to court and use them all the time, and I enjoy being the most well-versed person in the courtroom on the topic of DWI enforcement.
There is also the separate issue of working to protect your driver's license with a DWI charge. If you are served with a driver's license suspension based on blowing too high on the machine or refusing to take a test, you need to take separate steps to fight the suspension in a separate case than your criminal case. These "implied consent" hearings have different standards of evidence and different procedures that are not easy to understand. If I represent you on a DWI case, I will break down the steps we have to take to (hopefully) keep you driving legally, and explain how that legal process runs alongside your criminal DWI charge and may or may not interact with what's going on with the criminal case.
Where do you need help?
Where I Practice
My Office is in Hastings, Minnesota, in Dakota County.
I am licensed to practice law in all district courts in Minnesota. Dakota County is where I primarily practice. Dakota County has three courthouses: the main courthouse in Hastings, and two satellite courthouses in Apple Valley and West St. Paul.
I will also take on cases anywhere throughout the Twin Cities Metro Area and elsewhere throughout the state of Minnesota. I am comfortable going to new jurisdictions that I haven't been before - I have moved to a new state twice during my 12+ years as a lawyer, and know how to adapt to new jurisdictions.
Most people seem to be comfortable meeting their attorney through a phone call or a Zoom call these days. I'm fine with that, but I also know that when your freedom is at stake and your rights are in danger, you might rather meet in person. My office is in the Riviera Theatre building, two blocks from the Mississippi River in Hastings, MN. Consultations are free and by appointment.
When should you call a lawyer?
When Should You Hire an Attorney?
I do not like making the "hard sell" to pressure people to make a quick decision to hire me. This is a big decision, and often an expensive one, and I encourage you to take enough time to be thoughtful about it, including whatever time it takes you to consult with as many attorneys as necessary to find the best fit for you.
I also know the value in being represented early on in a case. You should have a sense of urgency about getting someone in your corner.
Do not go to court alone.
The primary warning I have is that if you don't have the benefit of legal representation in court, you may give up rights you didn't know you had. You may not be able to assert challenges to the evidence against you if you don't know how to request certain hearings. You may end up with a rotten outcome in your case that sounded fine at first, but came with consequences you didn't know about. I would not represent myself, and you shouldn't either. Even something simple like a traffic ticket can mess up your driving record or license status in ways the Court does not have to warn you about.
The sooner the better.
I know I said I don't want to pressure you, and I don't. But know that if you're waiting until late in the game to get an attorney, they may not have adequate time to investigate your case, consult with expert witnesses, review all the video and documentary evidence, and prepare for the best possible outcome in the small amount of time they have to work with.
Since I run a small practice and pride myself on providing the best representation I can, I will turn down a case if someone has waited too long and I think I will not have adequate time to devote to it. If trial is tomorrow, I am probably just going to wish you good luck. Some lawyers don't exercise that discretion, and will take on anyone as a client as long as they can get paid. That's something you should think about.
You don't have to wait until you are arrested.
If you know you are being investigated or that you might be arrested, there's not always a lot that can be done prior to charges being filed. But sometimes there is. Sometimes a lawyer can help gather evidence, witness statements, and make a persuasive case to the police that they should decline to charge you. Even if the police charge you, the prosecuting attorney might decline to after seeing what your lawyer provides to them about your defense. And even if those pre-charge efforts are not successful, it is better to have someone you trust ahead of time arrive at your First Appearance hearing so that you can be released from jail without unreasonable conditions or bail.
I will provide "pre-charge" representation on a case-by-case basis. I am happy to discuss with you what you might be able to do as part of a free consultation. You do not have to wait to call me from jail.
Why should you hire me?
Why Hire Me?
I'll let my clients answer that before I chime in:
"Attorney James Thomas is the best lawyer I have ever had! He stayed in communication with me at all times and helped me clear my situation. He explained everything and did everything he could to help me. I would recommend him 110% to anyone needing a great lawyer who actually cares about his clients! I cannot thank him enough for what he has done for me, my family and my FUTURE!"
"I contacted James about a car accident accusing my partner of DUI. We have never been through a jury trial and it certainly looked hopeless, but James was magnificent in his defense. He truly knows the law and presents a very precise argument that can't be disputed. He does his homework and cares about his clients. I highly recommend James if you are ever in a similar situation. Thank you James for a NOT GUILTY verdict."
"I don't know where to start. Attorney Thomas has been worth every penny. He is currently representing me on two cases and has been extremely knowledgeable and professional. I'm on the west coast currently but James makes time out of his schedule to work around the time difference, a lot of Saturdays put in!! If you are in need of someone, don't think twice, hire James. I've been represented before and nobody compares to Mr. Thomas. You won't find better representation. He is upfront, honest and works his a** off, period! A good human being and an EXCELLENT attorney."
"Life happens and stupid things happen. I am very thankful for this attorney that took care of everything for me. Mr. James Thomas has been the only attorney that has ever been so responsive! Thank you!"
"I was arrested for an armed robbery that I was 100% guilty for and was facing 10-30 years. I hired James and he worked out a plea for 5 years even with all the evidence and my codefendant agreeing to testify against me if we went to [trial]. I was in prison with people who had the same charges and less prior convictions who had 15-20 year sentences on average, ten is the least I ever heard of for an armed robbery. He also kept in touch through the years even after I was in prison and would look up and send anything I needed for my charges here and even helped get information about my out of state charges, which I didn't hire him or pay him for. He's a great guy and a great lawyer to have on your side. I would recommend him to any one. I have no complaints and was 100% satisfied"
DISCLAIMER:
The above testimonials are actual reviews left for me online by former clients. I'm grateful for my clients and their willingness to share their experiences. I know it isn't easy to do. Please keep in mind that the success of any legal matter depends on the unique circumstances of each case, and that I (nor any lawyer) cannot guarantee any particular results in any particular case.
The bottom line: a smaller law practice means a bigger impact.
I run a boutique law practice, not a volume business. Honestly, I hate to think of this as a "business" at all. The law is a profession, and it's supposed to be an honorable one. If I don't think I'm the lawyer best suited to help you, I'll tell you. If you want recommendations for other lawyers, I'll give them to you. If I don't think I have the time to take on your case, I won't take it, and I'll still try to point you in the right direction if I can't help you.
I do not need a flurry of clients whose names I can't remember just to keep the lights on or to pay a couple secretaries to check my mail, straighten my tie, and keep my calendar for me.
All of my clients get my cell phone number, and they can call, text, or email me whenever they have a question about the status of their case.
Criminal courts do move slowly, so there won't always be much news to share. But that doesn't mean a lawyer should be inaccessible or unreachable. If you need to reach me, you'll be able to reach me.
Look, you already know I'm a little different if you've read this far. I don't outsource my website copy to ChatGPT, and I don't put up blocks of desperate gibberish just to catch Google's attention so I can get more potential clients to call me so I can pay the bills. I'm direct. I'm honest. I'm not full of myself. If you're not happy with how things are going, you can tell me. I want you to be satisfied, and if you're not, I'm going to work to make it right.
Are you ready to get started?
Here's How to Begin a Free Consultation:
First, gather up any paperwork you have from court. Find the Court File Number (case number) and have it handy.
Then, you can just call me: (651) 321-1064.
I will answer, or if I can't, you can leave a voicemail. I return voicemails promptly (usually same day or next day).
Or you can email me: jt@attorneyjamesthomas.com. Include the File Number in your email if you have it, and make sure you remember to tell me your name and how you would like me to get back with you (replying to the email, calling you between certain hours, texting you, whatever).
Attorney-client confidentiality applies to all consultations, even if you do not end up hiring me.