Licensed for 16 years

State IA

Acquired 2007

Status
Active No misconduct found

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

Thomas Deacon Steven Farnsworth

DUI and DWI Attorney at Iowa City, IA

About
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Resume

Excellent Attorney

Renewal of rights.

About Thomas

Learn Thomas’s areas of practice.

Practice areas

DUI and DWI

70%
Criminal defense

30%

(OWI / DUI) and other related moving violations, Drug charges, License restoration and work permits, White collar crime, Fraud, Identity theft, Embezzling, Vehicular homicide, Manslaughter, Sex offenses, Assault, including domestic assault, Illegal Search and Seizure, Appeals of driver's license sanctions
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TRUSTED BY FELLOW DEFENSE ATTORNEYS, PROSECUTORS, AND LAW ENFORCEMENT TO DEFEND THEIR LOVED ONES.

Thomas D. S. Farnsworth was born and raised in Iowa City, Iowa. Thomas received a Bachelor of Business Administration, in Finance, from the University of Iowa and the Henry B. Tippie College of Business. During Thomas' undergraduate experience he clerked at a local law firm and worked as a pretrial interviewer for the Sixth Judicial District of Iowa. In 2004 Thomas began the accelerated program in at the University of Iowa College of Law and graduated in December of 2006. While in law school Thomas was licensed by the Iowa Supreme Court to work as a prosecuting legal intern. Thomas worked as a prosecuting legal intern from May 2005 through December 2006 in Johnson County, Iowa. As an intern he prosecuted simple misdemeanor cases including traffic violations, alcohol offenses, thefts, and assaults. Thomas also assisted in the prosecution indictable related offenses such as Operating While Intoxicated, thefts, embezzlement, and assaults. Thomas began his criminal defense career after passing the bar in 2007. He opened Farnsworth Law Office in 2018.

Awards

Client's Choice

2022 2020 2019 + 1 ...

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Contact Thomas

Farnsworth Law Office

(319) 250-2371 Office

(319) 688-2754 Fax

103 E. College Suite 209

Iowa City, IA, 52240-4008

www.farnslaw.com

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Reviews

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4.8 / 5.0

51 customer reviews

5 Star

96%

4 Star

3 Star

2 Star

1 Star

Client's Choice

Client's Choice is an Avvo award granted to attorneys with a significant number of client reviews over 4 stars in a given year.

Posted by anonymous | January 9, 2018

Excellent Attorney

Professional, knowledgeable, and strategic. Explains everything clearly and makes sure his client understands each step of the process. He is your advocate from day one, and he knows the law inside and out without hesitation. He handled our OWI case, and I would recommend him to anyone seeking assistance. Absolutely the best!

Posted by anonymous | November 18, 2017

Renewal of rights.

Mr. Farnsworth was extremely helpful in the pursuit of the renewal of my rights. He's down to earth and understands that people sometime go through hard times. Non-judgmental, prompt and courteous.

Posted by anonymous | August 1, 2023

Tom Farnsworth Review

I knew I wanted to be represented by Tom the moment our first phone call ended. He laid everything out for me and was completely honest which made me trust him right away. He talked to me in depth about every question and worry I had throughout the entire process. I could contact him at basically moments notice and he never once left me with an ounce of confusion. He worked with me on every little thing throughout the case and made everything a lot less stressful. Tom embodied every detail that could describe a great lawyer and I am forever grateful for his services.

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Posted by anonymous | December 15, 2022

Professional, Non-Judgmental OWI Legal Support

Farnsworth Law helped me out of a tough spot. While in Iowa City for a football weekend, I was arrested for OWI with a .10 BAC. It was by far one of the worst moments of my life that to this day a year later I am still ashamed about. Thomas answered my call the next day, empathetically listened to my account, and was transparent with me about what the process would be moving forward. I hired him at the end of that call. Over the next three months he patiently navigated me through the legal process, was prompt in getting back to me with any questions I had, and ultimately helped me obtain the best possible outcome. I highly recommend Farnsworth Law for any legal needs you might have in or around Iowa City.

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Posted by Garrett | October 24, 2022

Review of Farnsworth Law

My time working with Farnworth Law was a very pleasant experience. All of the employees were incredibly friendly and certainly helpful throughout my experience. Tom was very flexible with the times that he could meet with you and seemed to be available when you needed him to be. I was very happy with the accommodation that this firm provided to say the least. You could tell that Tom was well informed, speaking with him definitely helped relieve a bit of anxiety around the case and helped my family better understand the situation in all of its aspects. A very smooth process and would absolutely recommend this firm to anyone.

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Posted by Paris | July 29, 2022

Best DUI defense

I was in some legal trouble and I was very confused and about the next steps so I talked to Tom. Tom answered all of my questions and put me at ease. Not only did I get a good outcome but Tom and his team walked me through the entire process and gave me constant updates as well. If you’re looking for a DUI lawyer Tom’s reviews don’t lie. Tom and his team really are the best.

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Posted by Tony | July 25, 2022

A second chance

Following an unfortunate mistake, I was referred to Tom Farnsworth to represent my case. In a time of fear and uncertainty Tom provided me with a clear roadmap of how the legal process would work. He kept the situation realistic and provided me with a sense of tranquility. I was confident that I was in good hands. Tom always offered great communication, taking calls, texts and emails whenever I had questions. I can confidently say that I wouldn’t have the professional opportunities I currently have if it wasn’t for Tom’s help. A lawyer who truly cares about the person and their future is hard to come by and Tom is just that.

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Posted by anonymous | July 13, 2022

Highly Recommend!!!

Tom and his staff were phenomenal to work with. Professional and responsive. I highly recommend this firm!

Posted by anonymous | March 4, 2022

Great service

When me and my family hired Tom we instantly felt that he was a trustworthy and loyal lawyer. He handled everything with great care and provided assurance to me and my family throughout our situation.

Posted by Morgan | November 9, 2021

Highly Recommended!!

Working with Farnsworth Law & Tom was a great experience. He was knowledgeable, professional, and even answered questions a year after my case was resolved. I highly recommend working with him as he made an unpleasant event in my life much more manageable. Thanks Tom!

Posted by anonymous | September 12, 2021

Best experience possible!

Tom helped me through a terrible situation better than I could have been expected. He explained anything I couldn’t understand, reassured me when I was feeling overwhelmed, and handled the whole situation almost single-handedly. Tom also made himself available to me on weekends- which was completely unexpected to me! He's the best person to help you through your legal troubles. Highly recommend!

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Posted by jim | January 22, 2021

Tom Was Awesome!!!

My freshman at Iowa got arrested in the early moning on a Friday. He appeared in Court at 8am and was released on his own recognizance. I made several calls to different attorney's in Iowa City. Tom was the ONLY one who called me back. Plus, unfortunately, he was recommended by a few friends who had kids with legal issues in Iowa City. Tom explained what he thought could be done and how the process in Johnson County would work with the pandemic. He indicated a trial not in the best interest of my son. I hired Tom and throughout the process he ans his firm were professional, responsive, and helpful. It took the county forever to work out the plea arrangement for deferred pros. This is the best putcome that was available and Tom was able to make sure it happened.

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Posted by Sergio | October 23, 2020

Very satisfied client

So my son made a bad decision and was arrested out of state , Our family is not from the midwest and we didn't have resources to direct us to any good and reputable lawyers. We did have family that were lawyers and never had to worry. After some phone calls we were very fortunate to find Farnsworth law! I knew in the first few minutes I wanted Thomas to represent my son. Here's why. After explaining the situation he let me know the possible outcomes and what he was going to present to the court to reach those outcomes. Most lawyers or the good lawyers often explain this the previous ones in Iowa did not. He also made me feel very comfortable, he really put my worries at ease. I knew I found the right guy a few minutes in, and we never even discussed money. Once that was discussed which was more than reasonable and easy to pay I was 100% at ease. In all no surprises (which I expected) complete transparency ,always answered emails in a timely matter no matter the question. He kept us up to date with everything. Never traveled out of state ( he told me he would try to keep it that way.) He did exactly what he said he was going to do in our original call.He made me feel like my uncle did back home and he was a federal defense lawyer . I hope this helps someone like our family who is out of state and needs to find representation. Even if your in Iowa I strongly recommend in talking to Thomas. We were not disappointed, Thank You Thomas for everything.

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Posted by anonymous | October 8, 2020

Extremely satisfied

Mr Farnsworth has successfully represented both of my sons on 2 different cases in Iowa City. The following day after my first sons arrest I called 3 different attorneys. Tom & his team were the first ones to call me back. After talking to all 3 my gut feeling was that Tom was the best choice. He explained the complete process and made an intimidating situation very comforting. Since I live in Chicago I did not know any Iowa attorneys nor did I know anyone who has used any in the past. Both cases ending in favorable judgments. He made the complete process easy. This is especially important because I live 4 hours away. Almost everything was electronic & on line. The communication during the various court dates was timely & well informed making my family comfortable during this normally uneasy process. We had an extremely positive experience with Mr. Farnsworth. I highly recommend him for the simplest case to the more serious felony cases. He is an honest straightforward family man who could have taken advantage of me during this vulnerable uncertain time & was very fair. Thank you Jim Buonavolanta

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Posted by Julie | August 27, 2020

HIGHLY RECOMMEND

I highly recommend Farnsworth Law!!! My daughter was charged with an OWI and from the first time I made a call into the law office, I was extremely happy with how both my daughter and I were treated by Tom and Tim. I never had to wait long to get a response to any question that I had (either by phone call or e-mail) even when the law office was closed. Tom was excellent at explaining details and was ALWAYS available to answer any questions that we had. That was so reassuring to me during a time that I was so unsure! We were extremely pleased with the outcome of her case. She was able to plead to a lesser charge, thanks to Tom!!!!!!

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Posted by Riley | August 26, 2020

OVER THE TOP SERVICE

Farnsworth Law office provided me with over the top service in helping me through such difficult times. Tom and Tim were both very helpful and understanding of the situation I was put in. Both were quick to respond, showed they cared about me, all while doing so in a very professional manner. I was extremely pleased with the outcome we were able to work out. I strongly recommend Farnsworth Law to anyone who is looking for their help!

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Posted by Austin | August 25, 2020

Gold medal!!

This law firm is above outstanding. I was in some serious trouble and they calmed me down and explained everything to me very well. I never once felt like I was being talked down to. I felt like I was talking to an old college friend and sometimes while talking about nature I even forget for a second he was my lawyer. Great, great guy. Highly recommend. Highly professional, non judgemental. Gold medal service.

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Posted by Michael | August 8, 2020

Beyond Expectations

Tom Farnsworth assisted me with three different charges stemming from the same incident. During our initial meeting, Mr. Farnsworth asked us our expectations and what we would like the results of the incident to be. We outlined various expectations and admittedly felt a little naive in doing so, but Tom’s response was one of the utmost confidence. He was realistic and told us there were no guarantees, but his demeanor reflected passion and excitement so it was very comforting. As our case proceeded, Tom not only met but exceeded our expectations and it was an absolute pleasure to have him as my lawyer. Throughout the process, Tom’s availability and quick responses were something that I became very used to. He also was more than willing to help out with the University’s reaction to the incident. Another attribute of Mr. Farnsworth was his general wisdom and advice. He provided me with a personal anecdote and his ability to connect and understand my situation was truly spectacular. Thank you!

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Posted by anonymous | August 2, 2020

Extremely Helpful Lawyer

Mr. Farnsworth was extremely helpful and knowledgeable. He went above and beyond and kept us informed every step of the way. Any parents needing representation for their children who attend the University of Iowa or are in the Iowa City area, Mr. Farnsworth should be your lawyer.

Posted by anonymous | July 30, 2020

Grateful

Having had multiple interactions with Fansworth Law PLC in my life I can say honestly that he is the best around. He is honest, knowledgeable and straight forward when it comes to dealing with the law and what steps one should take to improve not just their legal situations, but life in general. He takes the time to assess each individual situation, identify possible outcomes and provide sound feedback to help individuals move forward. Anyone who is lucky enough to have him as representation and follow is guidance will have no surprises as his recommendations have always been exactly what plays out in the legal system. I would highly encourage anyone who needs his services to seek him out, I am extremely grateful that I did!

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Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

Owner/Attorney
Farnsworth Law PLC
2018 - Present

Attorney
Eastern Iowa Criminal Defense
2007 - 2018

Prosecuting Legal Intern licensed by the Iowa Supreme Court
Johnson County Attorney's Office, State of Iowa
2005 - 2006

Pretrial Interviewer
Sixth Judicial District of Iowa
2003 - 2004

View all work experience

Education

University of Iowa College of Law
JD
2006

University of Iowa and the Henry B. Tippie College of Business
BBA - Bachelor of Business Administration
N/A

Legal Cases

State v. Ke...
Felon in possession of firearm- Dismissed

Associations

Iowa Association for Justice
Chair of Criminal Core Group
2018 - Present

6th Judicial Nominating Commission
Elected Attorney Member
2018 - Present

National College of DUI Defense
member
2016 - Present

Johnson County 6th Judicial Magistrate and District Assoication Judge Appointing Commission
Elected attorney member
2015 - Present

Board of Govenor of the Iowa Association for Justice
At large
2013 - Present

Iowa Association of Justice
Criminal Core Group
2013 - Present

Iowa State Bar Association
member
2007 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys
member
2007 - Present

Johnson County Iowa Bar Association
member
2007 - Present

View all associations

Languages Spoken

English

Honors and Awards

Certificate of Completion- Standardized Field Sobriety Testing
Platt and Associates
2016

Certificate of Competency, DataMaster DMT & Breath Alcohol
Mary Catherine McMurry and Charles J. Rathburn
2011

Publications

Iowa Association for Justice Annual Family Law Seminar
Intersection of Criminal Law and Family Law
2016

Iowa Association of Justice Annual Convention
The True Cost of an OWI: Liberty, Wheels and Money
2013

Speaking Engagements

Midwest Regional Confernece of Student Legal Services
Cross-Examing Police Officers in Drunk Driving Cases
2019

2018 Iowa Association for Justice Criminal Law Seminar
Intersection of Criminal Law and Family Law
2018

Rotary Club of Iowa City
A Birds Eye View of the Criminal Justice System in Johnson County
2016

Iowa Association For Justice Family Law Seminar
Intersection of Family Law and Criminal Law
2016

Iowa Association of Justice 40th Annual Convention
The True Cost an OWI: Liberty; Money; and Wheels.
2014

View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (13)

Given (19)

Endorse Thomas

Benjamin Hayek

DUI and DWI Attorney | Jul 03
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Tom Farnsworth is a careful and intelligent attorney who cares about his clients and is passionate about obtaining fair, just and reasonable results. In my early career I considered Tom a mentor, but only after I became an OWI prosector myself did I recognize the true depth and breadth of his talents. I unhesitatingly recommend Tom to those in need of someone they can trust to obtain the best result possible in the circumstances."

Joel Fenton

Criminal defense Attorney | May 29
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Tom Farnsworth is easily in the top tier of criminal defense lawyers in the eastern half of the state. I have known him for several years and he is a respected and effective advocate for his clients. If I knew anyone in criminal trouble in his area, I would refer them to him without hesitation."

Ward Rouse

DUI and DWI Attorney | Apr 23
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Tom Farnsworth is a terrific lawyer and an acknowledged OWI/Drunk Driving expert within the legal community."

Grant Gangestad

DUI and DWI Attorney | Apr 18
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Tom for several years. He is extremely knowledgeable in the area of DUI/OWI practice and criminal defense generally. He is routinely my go-to for referrals in Eastern Iowa. I would recommend his services to anyone with a criminal charge without hesitation."

Mark Thiessen

Criminal defense Attorney | Apr 17
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Farnsworth is far and away the best attorney around Iowa City and Cedar Rapids. He is very well respected by the Judges, fellow lawyers, and the District Attorneys. He knows his stuff and fights hard for his clients. You would be lucky to have him as your lawyer. My go to guy in all of Iowa."

Colin Murphy

DUI and DWI Attorney | Apr 17
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I count Tom among a select few attorneys in the state to whom I would refer a friend or family member accused of OWI for representation. These cases demand zealous advocacy across a range of disciplines - search and seizure, field sobriety and chemical testing. I know Tom to be an expert in these areas. I know he gets results. Every referral I make to him comes back and thanks me for the connection. That says so much about him. If you or anyone you care about is accused of OWI or any other criminal matter in the Cedar Rapids and Iowa City areas, then you would be hard pressed to find a better attorney. I would recommend him without hesitation."

Mary Spellman

Criminal defense Attorney | Apr 16
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Tom is well known and widely respected by fellow criminal defense attorneys across the state of Iowa. His breadth of knowledge, tenacity, experience, and trial skills truly set Tom apart. I value his legal opinions. I am happy I have had the opportunity to become acquainted with Tom, both as a colleague and as a friend, over the course of several years of criminal defense conferences. I highly recommend Tom Farnsworth and would not hesitate to refer a friend or a family member to him."

Eashaan Vajpeyi

Criminal defense Attorney | Apr 16
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Tom possesses the most important characteristics in a great lawyer: work ethic; intelligence; and character. I would refer him a criminal or DUI matter in the blink of an eye."

Shawn Fitzgerald

Criminal defense Attorney | Mar 13
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Tom and I have worked together on matters. He is the first person I contact to work together on a major case, to ask questions, and discuss legal issues. He is one of the best criminal defense attorneys in Eastern Iowa."

Gerald Feuerhelm

Criminal defense Attorney | Oct 31
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. I have been practicing criminal defense law for 35 years. I became acquainted with Tom through a criminal defense lawyer association and served on a board with him. Developing out of that relationship we began to refer clients to each other as we practice about 125 miles apart. I am very careful about referring clients to other attorneys and rarely do so but I do not hesitate to refer to Tom. I have gotten nothing but glowing reports back from those that I have referred to him. I rely on him for his advise and experience with criminal defense issues I encounter. He gets to the point on legal issues, has a great sense of humor and a dedicated family person. Without reservation, I recommend Tom."

Anthony Olson

Criminal defense Attorney | Nov 18
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Tom is well known in the corridor area as one of the go-to guys for OWI and criminal defense. I'd recommend Tom any day."

Daniel Vondra

Criminal defense Attorney | Nov 17
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Tom is a zealous advocate for his clients. When it comes to knowledge of Iowa's OWI laws, he is second to none!"

Nicholas Sarcone

Criminal defense Attorney | Apr 29
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Tom is thorough, detailed and intelligent. He is the one of the best (if not the best) OWI/DUI practitioners in Eastern Iowa. When I have clients who need criminal defense help in Eastern Iowa I always send them to Tom!"

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Shawn Fitzgerald

Criminal defense