Gordon Thompson Attorney Vision, Mission Statement & Values

About Gordon Thompson, Attorney

My name is Gordon Thompson, and I am a sole practitioner DUI & criminal defense attorney practicing in Phoenix, Arizona.

What expertise do you have practicing DUI in Maricopa and Pinal Counties?

I have spent 47 years as a criminal defense attorney protecting the rights of over 6000 people accused of DUI and other crimes, and helping my clients and their families minimize the impact on their lives.

Where do you practice DUI & criminal defense in Arizona?

I represent clients charged with DUI and other criminal offenses in Arizona, primarily in Municipal and Justice Courts throughout the Valley in Maricopa County (Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Paradise Valley, Glendale, Peoria, Avondale, El Mirage, Surprise, Goodyear, Litchfield Park, Buckeye), Pinal County (Apache Junction, Maricopa and Casa Grande), and a few courts in Northern Arizona.

Where did you attend college and law school?

I received a bachelor’s degree in Economics in 1974 at Harpur College in Binghamton, New York, and my law degree in 1978 at Syracuse University College of Law in Syracuse, New York.

When and where were you admitted to the bar to practice as an attorney?

I was admitted to the New York State Bar, and the United States District Court for the Northern District of New York, in 1979.  I was admitted to the Arizona State Bar in 1982 (Arizona Bar #007164), and the United Stated District Court for the District of Arizona in 1983.  I was admitted to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York in 1992.

Recent Representative Case

State v. Boisvert,  Maricopa County Superior Court
State v. Boisvert,  Arizona Court of Appeals, Division One

Important Questions and Answers

How many DUI cases have you handled?

Over 47 years I have handled 6000+ DUI cases

Are you trained in field sobriety testing?

Police Officers are trained in Field Sobriety Tests (FSTs), not Lawyers.  Instructing people on how to do FSTs and what to look for is not complicated & so lawyers being trained does not add anything. How to tell a jury of everyday people what the results mean is a skill lawyers, like me, need.

Do you appear in Phoenix Municipal Court?

Yes, and I did my first jury trial in Phoenix in 1984. I believe I have done more jury trials in Phoenix than any other lawyer currently practicing there.

Will I go to jail for a DUI?

If guilty of DUI a defendant must serve at least part of 1 day in jail. Depending on the court and circumstances, that day can be as little as 5 hours.

Is there a diversion program for first-time DUI offenders?

Arizona does not have a diversion program for DUI cases. Some states such as Illinois and Washington do, but not Arizona.

Should I plead guilty to DUI

The decision to plead guilty or set to a jury depends on the facts of the case and what the offer is. There are no hard rules of when to plead guilty or set to trial. If the prosecutors offer a plea to a less serious charge, like Reckless Driving, then a plea may be a good idea. If the offer is to plead to the most serious charge, such as a .15% Extreme then there may be no real benefit to a plea because often the jail time does not increase if guilty after a trial. Which is better, plea or trial, depends on the facts of your case and should be fully discussed with your lawyer

What are your fees and payment plans for DUI

My flat fee for misdemeanor DUI in Maricopa County is $2800 or $3100 outside Maricopa County.  I do not require a down payment, and monthly payment depends on the client’s income.

What is included in the fee for DUI?

My representation starts with anything with the MVD arising from the arrest. Next, it includes everything in the trial court, including a jury trial. If guilty I will help my clients with all of the court and MVD obligations. I consider it my responsibility to make sure my clients successfully complete all of their legal obligations.

Can you help me keep my driver’s license?

Yes. MVD licensing matters can be complicated however in many cases I can make sure an Arizona licensed client keeps their ability to drive without restrictions.  For clients not licensed in Arizona it is more difficult but depending on the circumstances it can be done as well.

In Arizona is there a hardship or work-restricted license?

In a couple of situations hardship licenses are available however in many cases hardship licenses are no longer needed because many drivers can get a restricted license with the only limitation being driving a vehicle with an interlock installed. With that a driver can drive anywhere and at any time.

Will you be the lawyer handling my case?

Yes. I am a sole practitioner, which means I am the only attorney in my firm

Is there anything I can do to help with my DUI case?

Maybe, but it is important not to do anything without talking with a lawyer about the facts and circumstances of your case. It is possible to do things which can hurt the case and so do not act without talking with your lawyer

How often will I receive status updates from you?

My clients receive texts and emails from me whenever something happens in the case. I give my clients all information I get about the case, including body camera videos, as soon as I receive them. I encourage my clients to call me whenever they have a question. Communication is a #1 priority for me.

How long will a DUI stay on my record?

A conviction for DUI remains on a record forever, however, the defendant can have the records sealed from public view 3 years after all court obligations have been completed.

“Is it worth hiring a lawyer if I was over the limit?”

If you want to try to get the charges reduced or dismissed completely or you are concerned about making sure that you get the least amount of damage if guilty then you need a lawyer. Prosecutors, judges and MVD clerks may be friendly, but they are not there to help you. Prosecutors are not required to tell you how you can get the charge reduced or dismissed. Judges do not give you advice about minimizing the sentencing requirements. MVD clerks often give out wrong information. Exploring possible defenses, minimizing sentencing requirements and making sure you get your license fully reinstated is a lawyer’s job.

“Potential for reduced charges?”

In any case, it may be possible to get the charges reduced or dismissed. This possibility depends upon the facts of the case and particular DUI the charges. For example, is it a .15% Extreme DUI with test results of a .16%? That case may in a reduced plea offer of a regular DUI. If the case is a THC marijuana DUI getting the charges reduced to reckless driving may also be very possible. Other factors could be did the officers make mistakes in the investigation. For misdemeanor DUI’s you should never rule out the possibility of a reduced or dismissed charges until all the facts and circumstances are known.

Vision, Mission Statement & Values

Vision

To continue developing new ways of helping my clients and their families to avoid or mitigate the devastating, life-altering consequences of a criminal conviction.

Mission Statement

To use my values and knowledge acquired through 47 years of criminal law experience  to get the best possible result for each of my uniquely different clients.

My Values

• Responsibility

  Being a sole practitioner means I alone am responsible for all aspects of each client’s case.  No associate attorneys who know little about each client’s case.

• Knowledge

  Knowledge obtained from 47 years’ experience is very important.  Often I remember something which may have happened many years ago which could help or hurt a current client’s case.  It also means knowing the legal world is constantly changing and I must keep up with the change as well.

• Viewing the Case Through My Client’s Eyes

  Each client is unique and so the starting point of every case is listening to my client. Their description of their circumstances and thoughts are the starting point of any case.  It also means keeping my clients constantly informed about the status of their case. It further promptly and courteously responding to their questions.

• Keeping Legal Fees Affordable

  People charged with crimes often suffer unanticipated financial losses.  I do not want to add my client’s to their financial burden. My fees are below average.

My Legal Assistant Mykell E. Wright

I have been fortunate to have worked with one Legal Assistant, Ms. Mykell Wright for over 26 years.  Mykell graduated from Elgin Community College in Illinois with a Degree in Paralegal Studies.  Mykell’s knowledge acquired through long experience guarantees steady service, consistent with my values.

My Recent Good Results and Client Reviews demonstrate success in accomplishing my mission.

I am happy to provide a free initial consultation either over the phone, by video conference, or in my office.  Call or contact me online right now.