Thomas Blair Swanson

I was released on bond. On my first court date I was given a month to hire an attorney. I hired Mr Swanson 1 week later. He spoke of his 36 years of experience and his ability to "investigate." I told him the honest story of what happened and my goal for his services. He seemed capable and his rates... where lower because he taught law. He was recommended by a friend so I felt I was making a good decision. On my second court date he got a reset so he could go over the case more. I also took an urinalysis in the bond building and later that day he told me I could get the charge dismissed if I attended a certain program, but, my current job may be a conflict of interest. I was emotional and distraught about the news. I told him losing my job was not an option and asked was there anything I could do to prove my job would not be an obstacle in completing the program. His initial comments were reminding me of his experience and how he knew the law. I understood that, but it sounded as if he had his mind made up. He told me that he would let me know the stipulations of the program when he knew and that I should not worry. There would be some time before that choice had to be made and "it was his job to worry." I told my boss my situation, with tears in my eyes. She said help any way she could. I contacted him the Saturday a week prior to my 3rd court date concerning the results of my piss test. He didn't answer so I texted him the Monday. On that Tuesday he told me he would find out on the next court date and there was something he wanted to discuss at 10am the morning of Good Friday. It had to do with what I should expect in the court room on my 3rd court date. I asked if it was something we could talk over the phone about since my vehicle was schedule to be fixed that morning. He said, we needed to speak in person, he would think of something. Thursday I was asked to call him after work, which I did. He tells me that my next court date is the day to decide if I want to enter the program, or deferred adjudication, or go to trial. I have a weekend to decide, Easter Weekend. I asked him why he did not tell me this when he knew it. Referring to our previous conversation a month ago, he says he did. Here begins our disagreement. I asked him when he found this out. No straight answer. I asked why he didn't tell me this information on the day he tried to schedule a meeting? Had he then, I could have spoken to my boss or my family before going into a 3 day weekend to worry about my livelihood. He asked me what good would that have done me. I asked for another reset he told me he would but they would say know. He reminded me of his experience. I became irate and we exchanged rants. Mine about how he robbed me of time and opportunity to consult my job, family and finances during the work week. Instead of me telling my boss on a Tuesday, I would have to call her during her family time to let her know I may not be able to work there. His rant was about how I cant handle what I don't want to hear, I don't accept responsibilities for my actions and "Did I think I was going to get away with what I did...'' While he was telling me to call him back when was more sensible, I remembered that he was my employee. We got off the phone. I waited a couple of hours and called him. No answer. I texted him apologizing and also reminding him he should have told me when he knew and not waited. I could have changed departments or filed for a leave of absence for the duration of the program, but now with my office closed on Good Friday none of that was possible. He did not respond. Good Friday 830 am I called him and asked he he still wanted to meet. I appreciated his work so far and I would like to know more about the program. No response but an email at 11. I hit the phones, friends, and internet and researched a lawyer on this site. Hired him 2pm. He called Mr. Swanson for 2 days only to get an email the day before court. Got a reset. I wish him the best.