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Thomas A. McManus

Criminal defense Attorney at Upper Marlboro, MD

4.7   13 reviews

also known as Tom McManus

  • Licensed for 42 years
    State MD
    Acquired 1980
    Status
    Active No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About Thomas

Learn Thomas’s areas of practice.

Attorney Tom McManus has been practicing law for over twenty years, and for the past ten years he has been a partner at Sasscer, Clagett & Bucher. He began his career as a law clerk for Judge Joseph Mattingly in St. Mary's County Maryland and then worked as a prosecutor in both St. Mary's and Prince George's County.

 

His more noteworthy criminal cases include:

 

* In 1985, Michael John Desasrno was convicted of sexual child abuse for acts committed by the former highschool wrestling coach while acting in the capacity as a wrestling coach.

 

* In 1987, Mr. McManus successfully prosecuted Willie Horton for beating and raping an Oxon Hill woman. The case received national media attention in the 1988 presidential election between George Bush and Michael Dukakis. Willie Horton, serving a life sentence for murder, escaped from a Massachusetts prison furlough program to commit the rape, while Mr. Dukakis was governor of the state.

 

* In 1988, Mr. McManus convicted a trucker for Motor Vehicle manslaughter in the 1986 deaths of two highschool girls in Riverdale. A truck with 18 safety defects carrying hot asphalt stalled at the top of a hill and rolled into a car occupied by three highschool girls. One was severely injured and the other two died when nearly 14,000 pounds of hot asphalt was dumped on the car.

 

Mr. McManus has developed a reputation as one of the premier personal injury attorneys in Southern Maryland. He has successfully represented both plaintiffs and defendants in a number of major truck accident cases, and developed a specialty in negotiating complex personal injury settlements.

 

Mr. McManus has lectured, along side several judges, at multiple personal injury seminars for lawyers. An 'AV' rated attorney, he is a member of the American Bar Foundation, the Maryland State Bar Foundation, the Governor's Trial Courts Nominating Commission, and has chaired or co-chaired the local bar's Tort Law Sub-Committee for the past seven years.

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Reviews

4.7 / 5.0
  13 customer reviews
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Posted by Hina | March 1, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Professional and compassionate service
I hired Mr. McManus regarding a problem with a neighbor. He was very thorough, professional and most importantly compassionate; a very good quality to have along with his expertise. I was very satisfied with him and his staff. I recommend him without hesitation.
Posted by Rebecca | March 4, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent
Mr. McManus was wonderful in helping me. I lost my husband in January and was confused on what to do next. Mr. McManus was very compassionate and understanding, helping me through the myriad of paperwork and legalese. He answered my questions with patience, stating in simple language, so I would be able to understand. I had to open an estate for my husband, fill in a lot of other paperwork and he explained it all. I am so thankful for his understanding and compassion.
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Posted by Mark | February 3, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Totally Professional
A contractor sued me. Mr. McManus's defense of me and my family was tremendous. We won a rather difficult case, proving the contractor did shoddy work. I heartily recommend Mr. McManus to anyone.
Posted by Robin | August 22, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Highly Recommend
Mr McManus handled my case with both compassion and professionalism. And, we Won!
Posted by Luule | April 14, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great results on my case. Thomas McManus is a true professional.
Thomas McManus handled my slip and fall case which achieved a settlement. He kept me informed of the court filings and settlement process in Maryland. He is a people person and dedicated to his clients. I highly recommend him to others!
Posted by Tonya | January 10, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best in the Business!!
Mr. McManus has helped me twice and won both cases. The first case he assisted me on was a few years ago. I was being sued for property that I owned. Mr. McManus represented me and not only won that case on my behalf, but had me awarded sole ownership of the property. The second case and most recently was a Personal Injury case. I was hit from behind, suffered a fracture in my neck, a concussion and contusions. Mr. McManus took over immediately, so I could rest and get the care needed to recuperate. He also won my case resulting in a nice settlement.
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Posted by Shelia | June 25, 2015
The Best Lawyer in Prince Georges County
I found him to be very impressive with his speaking, his actions and his defense. We did win our case and I was very proud of the fact that I picked the best ever attorney. He tells you up front what your up against and goes for the truth and nothing but the truth. Excellent, Excellent, Excellent ATTORNEY.
Posted by anonymous | April 14, 2014
If you want an attorney that will work hard for you, Mr. McManus is the one you want.
I hired Mr. McManus to defend me in an appeal for a 2nd degree assault charge after losing my initial case and having what I felt was very poor representation from my first attorney. Admittedly I was a little distrusting of any attorney at this point but Mr. McManus displayed a level of professionalism and knowledge second to none. It was a hard fought case and Mr. McManus came out victorious despite the state’s best effort to convict with any means possible. During the trial, Mr. McManus showcased his in-depth knowledge of the law and for his services I am forever grateful. If you want a great attorney who is not afraid to fight for you, he is your man. If I ever need an attorney in the future, he is at the top of my list and should be at the top of yours too! Many thanks Mr. McManus!!
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Posted by CHRISTINE | March 22, 2013
Outstanding
I was very pleased with Mr. McManus professionalism in handling my father's estate planning matters. I live out of state and Mr. McManus was able to assist me and finalized my father's documents expeditiously. I would highly recommend his services....
Posted by anonymous | February 13, 2013
Outstanding
Tom far exceeded my expectations. He represented me in an extremely complicated case. His performance was exemplary during the preparation of my case and throughout litigation. His knowledge of and connection to people and resources was invaluable. He handled my case as if I had been a valued, long time client. His services are truly an asset.
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Posted by anonymous | February 11, 2013
Lawyer for Appeals
Tom is very knowledgable in the State Court of Appeals. There was lots for me to learn, but he was going above the call of duty in many ways and very willing to help an emotional woman reason on all the factors involved. Thank you Tom.
Posted by anonymous | May 11, 2009
Saved My Life
Was in a sticky situation with multiple accidents that were my fault and "everyone" was handicapped. Was put at ease swiftly. All calls returned very quickly. Just blew me away how I knew he was going above the call of duty in many ways. I never want anyone to need an attorney, -but if you do, this is your man.
Posted by Ed | July 6, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Did not go to bat for me at all
I looked at the ratings and hired this attorney to represent me in a frightening time of my life. A small business owner who has been robbed at gunpoint on more than one occasion who was charged with not transporting my handgun properly to my home and was charged. I felt at serveral times that I was trying to defend myself to my attorney, who acted more like a prosecutor than my own personal defense lawyer he repeatedly try to get me to plead guilty to jail time, when there was no statute for it, he constantly undermined the evidence that I tried to give him, and then, even though I never had a charge before, or since, then he failed to submit several documents that would allow the judge to reconsider the guilty plea that he said I would have to take. I spoke into several attorneys over the years, and they all agree that this was not common practice. I would definitely not recommend this attorney see anyone not even for a traffic ticket.
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Cost

Rates
  • Contingency 33%-33%
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Law Clerk
  • Circuit Court for St. Marty's County
  • 1980 - 1981

Education

  • Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1979
  • Tufts University
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 1976

Associations

  • Maryland State Bar Foundation
  • Lifetime Fellow
  • 1996 - Present
  • American Bar Association
  • Fellow
  • 1994 - Present
  • Prince George's County Bar Association
  • Member
  • N/A
  • American Bar Foundation
  • Member
  • N/A
  • Governor's Trial Courts Nominating Commission
  • Member
  • N/A
  • Prince George's County Bar Association, Tort Law Section
  • Chair
  • 1993 - 1999
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • AV Preeminent Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2019
  • Super Lawyer
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2018
  • AV Preeminent Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2018
  • Super Lawyer
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2017
  • Super Lawyer
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2016
  • Super Lawyer
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2015
  • Super Lawyer
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2014
  • Super Lawyer
  • Maryland Super Lawyers
  • 2013
  • AV rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2009
  • Certificate of Appreciation
  • Court of Appeals of Maryland
  • 2005
View all awards

Speaking Engagements

  • State's Attorney's Office Prince George's County Md Training Session
  • Trial Cross Examination Techniques
  • 2017
  • Cross Examination & Trial Techniques
  • Trial Skills
  • 2010
  • Trial Techniques
  • Cross Examination
  • 2008
  • Trial Skills for Prosecutors
  • Evidence and Cross Examination
  • 2006
  • Tort Law Seminar
  • Anatomy of a Civil Trial
  • 2000
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (4)
Given (3)
Endorse Thomas
Lawsuits and disputes Attorney | Jul 25
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Every lawyer in the area knows what a supeb lawyer Tom is. He excels in the courtroom due to his experience, dilligence and passion for the rule of law."
Trucking accident Attorney | Jun 05
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer's work."
Lawsuits and disputes Attorney | Jun 04
Relationship: Supervised lawyer
"I endorse this lawyer's work."
Trucking accident Attorney | May 19
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have watched Mr. McManus try several cases and have attended some of his lectures held at the Prince Georges Courthouse. He is an outstanding lawyer with an excellent reputation in the legal community. He has tried several high profile cases and obtained excellent results for his clients."
Personal injury
Bankruptcy and debt

Avvo Contributions

This attorney hasn't created any legal answers in Q&A or legal guides recently on Avvo.

Upper Marlboro Criminal defense Lawyer Thomas A. McManus
Thomas A. McManus
Criminal defense Attorney
Upper Marlboro, MD
Licensed for 42 years