Jeffrey Thompson | Melbourn Criminal Lawyer

Jeffrey G. Thompson

Jeffrey G. Thompson

DUI-DWI, Adoption, Child Support, Divorce, Child Custody, Homeowners Associations

More than 35 years of experience. Experience can make the difference.

Experience: 42 years
Language(s): English

Top Local Lawyers

About Jeffrey

Effective, efficient legal representation requires experience. I have more than 30 years’ experience practicing law in Brevard County, Florida. My staff and I are dedicated to insuring that your case receives the highest level of professional and personal attention.  We strive to keep fees affordable, and work diligently to get our clients the best results possible. We never forget that we are in the business of helping people by protecting their rights.

Call to schedule your initial consultation to discuss your case today.

Experience

Owner

Law Office of Jeffrey G. Thompson, P.A.

1993 – Present

Melbourne, FL

Admission

Verified Florida

1983

Education

Duke University

Bachelor of Arts

1980

Recognitions & Achievements

Associations
  • Board of Directors, Brevard Police Athletic League, Inc.,
    2007 - Present
  • Member, Rockledge Rotary Club,
    1999 - 2014
  • President, Brevard County Bar Association,
    1996 - 1997
  • President, Central Brevard Sharing Center, Inc.,
    1990 - 1991
  • Board of Directors, Brevard County Bar Association,
    1990 - 1997
  • Board of Directors, Brevard County Legal Aid, Inc.,
    1990 - 1995
  • Board of Directors, Central Brevard Sharing Center, Inc.,
    1989 - 2006
  • Formem Member, Florida Bar, Attorney Grievance Committee
Honors / Awards
  • Kathy King Community Impact Volunteer Award, United Way of Brevard County, Inc.
    2008
  • Community Service Award, Brevard County Bar Association, Inc.
    2004
  • Outstanding Service Award, Cocoa High School Student Government Association
    1993
  • Pro Bono Service Awards (7), Brevard County Legal Aid, Inc.

Questions & Answers

Please describe a case in the last year or two where you made a big difference.

I recently represented a young veteran who suffered with PTSD from his service in Afghanistan. His wife (now his ex-wife) severely limited the amount of time he could spend with his young daughter and wanted his time-sharing to be supervised. I was able to get him unsupervised and equal time-sharing, and his demeanor after the trial changed dramatically. He went from depressed and nearly hopeless to jubilant and excited at the opportunity to be the best father possible to his baby girl.

How did you build a successful practice?

First and foremost, by being honest with my clients. I'm not in the business of raising my clients' expectations, or scaring them, or pursuing unattainable goals that bring in large legal fees but ultimately accomplish nothing. I try always to give my clients practical advice, advice they can use, and advice that lets them evaluate their legal positions and make sound, reasonable decisions. Hiring a lawyer for a criminal case or a family law matter can get expensive, and there is a lot at stake, so I want my clients to feel secure and confidant that their lawyer is genuinely looking out for their best interests.

What should clients look for in a lawyer?

Experience is very important, and perhaps the most important qualification clients should look for in a lawyer. Integrity is also critical, so clients should always check the Florida Bar website (floridabar.org) to find out if the lawyer has been disciplined for unethical conduct in the last 10 years.

How important is local knowledge to the success of your cases?

I only practice in Brevard County because I know all of the judges, most of the prosecutors, and almost all of the other family law attorneys. I also know all the family law mediators and magistrates. Lawyers who venture outside the counties where they normally practice are often at a disadvantage.

What information can you provide in a free phone consultation?

I normally discuss the basics in terms of the law and how it applies to the client's case, I try to determine the client's goals and objectives, and I offer possible strategies for attaining those goals. If a client has goals that are unrealistic or, conversely, too narrow, I will talk about other possibilities the client may not have considered. In a criminal case, I discuss defenses and evidentiary motions that may be available, potential and likely penalties, and overall defense strategies. In all cases, I discuss attorney's fees and costs and provide the client with a written fee agreement.

What information do you need in a free phone consultation?

I need the client's contact information, of course, and I need to have a brief description of the client's case, the names of the parties involved (to avoid any conflict of interest), and what the client is looking for from a lawyer.

What differentiates you from other lawyers in your community?

My experience, my honesty, and my integrity. That's not to say there aren't many excellent lawyers in Brevard County with experience, honestly and integrity, but those are my core qualifications.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

Helping people get through one of the scariest, most difficult ordeals they'll ever face. Any time a person finds himself or herself in court, whether to answer a criminal charge, dissolve their marriage, or get custody of a child, the stakes are high and the anxiety can be even higher. Guiding clients through the process, letting them see there's light at the end of the tunnel, and helping them realize their goals, continues to make the practice of law very rewarding to me.

What are your other interests in addition to law?

My family, my hobbies, traveling, Duke basketball and Florida football (with apologies to Florida State fans!).

Are you involved in your community?

Throughout my career, I have been very active in both the legal community and in the community at large. I am a past-president of the Brevard County Bar Association, a former board member of Brevard County Legal Aid, and a former member of the local attorney Grievance Committee. I'm also a past-president of the Central Brevard Sharing Center and I volunteered for many years with the United Way of Brevard. In recent years I have cut back some on my volunteer hours, but I still accept cases from Brevard County Legal Aid and, most recently, I joined a lodge of the Loyal Order of the Moose!

Law Office of Jeffrey G. Thompson, P.A. Highlights

Accident & Injury, Criminal, Divorce & Family Law, Litigation, Homeowners' Associations

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