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also known as David H. Thomas, Dave Thomas
I represent individuals and companies facing serious state and federal criminal investigations and prosecutions. My practice focuses on complex cases involving racketeering (RICO), fraud, money laundering, drug trafficking, and white-collar investigations, where the consequences may include prison exposure, asset forfeiture, financial penalties, and lasting reputational harm.
I defend business owners, executives, professionals, public officials, and corporations in fraud and financial crime investigations, as well as cases involving alleged criminal organizations, conspiracy charges, and large-scale narcotics activity. Many of these matters involve multiple defendants, confidential informants, wiretaps, and coordinated investigations by federal and state agencies.
For companies, I conduct internal investigations and advise boards, management, and compliance teams when government agencies raise concerns about fraud, financial practices, regulatory compliance, or employee conduct. I help organizations respond strategically while minimizing disruption and exposure.
I represent clients at every stage of a case—from the earliest signs of a government inquiry through trial and appeal when necessary. I work directly with prosecutors, challenge the Government’s evidence, and prepares cases thoroughly when litigation is required.
I am a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, a national, invitation-only organization that recognizes experienced trial lawyers for excellence in advocacy, professionalism, and ethics.
2
Practice Areas
26 years
26 years
We have not found any cost information for this lawyer
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Chat withState: Ohio
Acquired: 1999
No misconduct found
State: Minnesota
Acquired: 2002
No misconduct found
65 East State Street, Suite 1000, Columbus, OH, 43215
94 North Sandusky Street, Suite 101, Delaware, OH, 43015
29 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 29 reviews
Posted by Stephani | January 02, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Amazing representation!
I highly recommend Dave Thomas! My case had many loop holes in it & Dave found them immediately to get my case dismissed. Considering I had never been in trouble, I am a business owner, a member of the community that gives back and my reputation is extremely important to me for those reasons it was i...
Posted by Steve | July 26, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
If your life has taken a turn that you could never anticipate, Dave Thomas is the man to get you through it.
I have never considered myself to be ignorant of the law. But that was exactly the situation that I was in when I had a knock on my front door at 6 AM. On the other side of that door I found 6 FBI Agents in bullet proof vests carrying automatic weapons, and one local police officer dressed in swat ...
Posted by Erica | February 08, 2023 | Criminal Defense
Amazingly gifted attorney
I have known Dave since I was a law clerk (more years ago than I’d care to count). To this day he is who I go to and refer people to for any question involving defending a criminal allegation, especially white collar criminal defense. He is experienced, respected throughout the Ohio and federal court...
Posted by Robert | January 11, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Health Care
Highly Recommended
I am a physician. When I found myself the subject of a healthcare fraud investigation, my personal attorney told me Dave Thomas is the lawyer you want for this, and he was right. Dave's expertise in the field and his knowledge of and experience in the labyrinthine world of fraud investigation prove...
Posted by Jackie | July 06, 2022 | Hired Attorney
Class Act lawyer
My brother and I hired Dave Thomas years ago and he basically saved my brother's life. Through The Years whenever I've needed advice he's always been there to help me and if he couldn't he would refer me to someone that could. I highly recommend Dave Thomas to anyone needing counsel he will not let y...
"Dave has a keen legal mind and a high standard of ethics and professionalism. Throughout the many years of our relationship as a fellow colleague in the criminal defense bar he has always been a zealous advocate for his clients and worked diligently to get favorable outcomes for each client."
"Dave is recognized in this community as one of the smartest and most aggressive trial lawyers in town. His litigation style is razor sharp but friendly and relatable. Every time I watch him, I learn something."
"Dave is an excellent white-collar and criminal defense attorney. I had the opportunity to work with Dave on a matter and saw first-hand why he is so well-regarded by clients, peers and judges. I wholeheartedly recommend him."
"I strongly endorse David Thomas. I had the opportunity to work with him on a very complicated murder case. His attention to detail was remarkable and the effort he put forth successfully defending his client was outstanding. He is a thoughtful and caring attorney who is committed to defending his clients."
"My firm frequently refers our clients with criminal concerns to Mr. Thomas, and we have received nothing but positive feedback. Mr. Thomas evaluates his clients' situations holistically, addressing criminal issues in the context of a client's overall well being. We trust him with the most serious concerns."
"David is widely regarded as a very knowledgeable and hard working appellate attorney who is dedicated to his clients' rights. I interact with him frequently in Court and I consider him to be a very competent attorney. I offer my recommendation of David."
"Dave Thomas is an excellent criminal defense attorney. I have referred numerous clients to him over the years, and all have been extremely satisfied. Dave is a very hard worker, he has intimate knowledge of the law and local practice, and he is a sensitive and practical lawyer. I recommend him wholeheartedly."
"I whole-heartedly endorse this attorney. Consistently provides clients with excellent representation. Excellent reputation."
Criminal defense lawyer
Litigation lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Civil rights lawyer
Business lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Family lawyer
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2021
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2020
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2019
Columbus Lawyer of Year: General Practice Criminal Defense, Best Lawyers in America
2019
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2019
Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers
2019
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2018
Columbus Lawyer of the Year: White Collar Criminal Defense, Best Lawyers in America
2018
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2017
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2016
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2015
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2015
Columbus Lawyer of the Year: White-Collar Criminal Defense, Best Lawyers in America
2014
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2013
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2012
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2011
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
N/A
Top 100 Ohio Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers Magazine
N/A
Criminal Defense: General Practice, Best Lawyers in America
N/A
Criminal Defense: White Collar, Best Lawyers in America
2015 - Present
Partner, Taft, Stettinius & Hollister, LLP
1999 - Present
Attorney, R. William Meeks Co., LPA
2013 - 2015
Partner, Meeks & Thomas Co., LPA
2017 - Present
Columbus Bar AssociationBoard of Governors
1999 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersWhite Collar Crime Committee
2009 - 2017
Columbus Bar Association, Professional Ethics Committee
Not Guilty
Acquitted after a two week jury trial
1999
juris doctor
1996
BA
2019
White Collar Criminal Defense
2019
Jury Nullification
2018
Expert Panel
2018
Ohio Issue 1: Drug and Criminal Justice Policies Initiative
2018
Ethics Review: Issues for Prosecutors and Defense Counsel in Criminal Cases
2017
Preparing for Cross-Examination
2017
Second Amendment
2016
Disparate Treatment in the Criminal Justice System
2016
Economic Crimes
2016
Successful Cross Examination
2015
Criminal Law for the Public Employee
2015
Responding to Government Invitations
2014
Evidentiary Issues at Trial
2013
Cross Examination
2013
Evidentiary Issues at Trial
2011
Opening Statements
2011
Evidentiary Issues at Trial
2008
Presentation of Defense Evidence
2016
English
Legal Answers
Will my nolle prosequi first offense OVI appear on my background check? Can I get it expunged in Ohio?
19 Nov 2014
Can a single person be an "enterprise" in a federal RICO charge ?
04 Jul 2013
Federal Criminal Statute of Limitations (white collar tax matter)
17 Jun 2013