Thomas Marlan Petersen

Thomas Marlan Petersen

5.0
Rating: 8.3

Licensed for 31 years

Criminal defense Lawyer Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI
This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2006
See Details

About Thomas

Practice Areas

2

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 60%

Our practice is devoted to defending the rights of those accused of federal crimes, sex crimes, violent crimes and drug crimes.

25 years | 1,800 cases

60%
DUI and DWI 40%

Drunk driving defense charges can be complicated and come with severe penalties. Choose a lawyer with experience and vigor. Tom Petersen was nominated as one of the top 50 DUI attorneys in Nebraska out of over 5,000 of his peers. Since 1995, his practice has been focused on defending DUI charges in Nebraska.

25 years | 2,000 cases

40%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Hourly Rates

$ 200-200 per hour

Retainer

Sometimes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.

search module image

Search our directory

Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.

chat module image

Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.

Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.

Chat with

Licenses

Licensed in Nebraska for 31 years

State: Nebraska

Acquired: 1995

Active

Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2006

Licensed in Idaho for 31 years

State: Idaho

Acquired: 1994

Former Member - Resigned

Location

No contact information is available for this lawyer

Ad

Transform legal challenges into solutions.

Connect now to review your situation.

The Avvo Rating explained

display-bg

The Avvo Rating explained

Thomas Marlan Petersen's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

11 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (11) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 11 reviews | 5 stars

Posted by Joey | September 19, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Civil Rights

Excellent representation with getting firearm rights restored

We went through a process which had not been done before, and he figured out all the details and helped guide me. After success continued to fight for me while my rights were violated and was successful. I felt he really believes in my rights and is not just in this for money.

Posted by anonymous | April 06, 2015 | Criminal Defense

Best Criminal Defense Lawyer Available

From the first moment I called Tom to help on my case he was very responsive, knowledgeable, confident, respectful, and communicated in a very effective manner. If I needed to get a hold of Tom, I didn't need to leave a message with his receptionist and hope and pray that I would receive a call back..., he answered the phone directly. As a professional communicator, I realized and appreciated Tom's ability to communicate effectively. He kept me in the know on the maze of the legal process, his next steps and any potential hurdles that we may have come across. He was proactive in his communication instead of being reactive to my every request. I do ask many questions and Tom was responsive to my numerous emails almost on a daily basis. I learned after working with Tom for a couple of months that he will go above and beyond, if that is what your situation calls for. He will not fill your mind with hopeless promises, but he sticks to the facts as anyone who has been in a similar situation can attest that the facts and hard evidence are the only things that matters in criminal cases. If you are someone who has been shockingly thrown into this criminal system, then your future is dependent on having the best criminal defense lawyer available. I had a lawyer prior to my meeting Tom, but I quickly realized that having the best criminal defense lawyer on your side will make you sink or swim and I am not the type of person that sinks in any situation that I am thrown into. If you are concerned about your future, then the first step in the entire process is hiring Tom Petersen to defend you. There is no doubt about it, if I am ever accused of anything in the future, I will be sure to hire Tom as he was able to discuss the facts with the prosecutor before I ever had to step foot in a court room and get my entire situation dismissed. There is no doubt in my mind that I would not be where I am today if I had not had Tom in my corner. Do not for a second gamble with your future, hire Tom to help guide you through this trying time in your life.

Posted by anonymous | March 03, 2015 | Lawsuits & Disputes

Great attorney

Tom recently represented me in a case. He was very knowledgeable regarding state law, was responsive to my inquiries, had innovative solutions to the case, and ultimately was successful in obtaining a judgment that I was happy with. His professionalism, dedication, and tenacity are very well establ...ished and I would most certainly recommend his services to others dealing with a similar situation.

Posted by anonymous | December 22, 2014

Just what I needed

Tom was able to help me get through the legal process in my first time dealing with it. He was very knowledgeable and most important to me he was personable. He took the time to explain everything to me and made me feel at ease about my entire case. I knew that after my first consultation with him th...at he was someone that would defend me without judging me and would do everything he could to have my case in a favorable outcome for me. I would absolutely recommend to anyone that needed any legal advice.

Posted by Ryan | December 22, 2014 | DUI & DWI

Honest and down to earth lawyer

I will start by saying Tom is a great lawyer inside and outside of the court room. After contacting many dui lawyers in the Omaha area Tom was the only one to get back with me and get the ball rolling without the hassle of me having to call over and over again. From start to finish of my case he was ...able to provide very successful results and always kept me informed. He is by far a very knowledgeable lawyer who cares about the best interests of his clients. I would recommend him to any of my friends or family needing an attorney. Thanks again Tom for all your hard work keep it up!

See All Client Reviews

Thomas Marlan Petersen's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Thomas
Tregg Robert Lunn headshot
Tregg Lunn

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 27

Relationship: Other

"Mr, Petersen is highly respected in the criminal defense bar in Nebraska. I highly recommend him."

R. Jason de Groot headshot
R. Jason de Groot

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 13

Relationship: Other

"For nearly 2 decades this lawyer has been the heavyweight that you want in your corner"

Gregory L. Decker headshot
Gregory Decker

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Petersen worked with my prior to completing law school and I found him to be extremely intelligent and hard working. I practice in another state but I have observed him build a thriving practice and develop respect among the bar. Challenges having been dealt with, I expect nothing but the best from Mr. Petersen."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | May 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Thomas. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

David H Milligan headshot
David Milligan

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Tom is an excellent and experienced defense attorney. His ability to quickly and compassionately learn about the situation and appraise the issues is remarkable. Highly recommended."

Sandra Maurer Kelly headshot
Sandra Kelly

DUI and DWI lawyer | Dec 20

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer."

Tyler James Black headshot
Tyler Black

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 20

Relationship: Other

"I had an opportunity to do some work for Tom some time ago. I found him to be highly competent and thoughtful during our engagement. I would have no problem referring case work to Tom as I know he would be quite thorough and would provide the best possible representation one could receive."

Douglas L Clark headshot
Douglas Clark

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I trust Tom Petersen implicitly. I would highly recommend that anyone with criminal legal issues seek out Mr. Petersen's expertise."

Travis James Burch headshot
Travis Burch

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I highly recommend anyone with a client or loved one facing criminal charges to use Tom. His combines a unique combination of zealous advocacy with compassion and empathy."

James C Forslund headshot
James Forslund

DUI and DWI lawyer | Nov 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. When I have a question about Nebraska law, I contact Tom."

Kurt Donaldson Summers headshot
Kurt Summers

DUI and DWI lawyer | Nov 21

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I am happy to endorse Tom. My view of his professional and personal skills and abilities is based on my personal experience working closely with him on various legal matters. If you find yourself in need of a competent, experienced DUI or defense attorney to protect you, then you would do well to have Tom in your corner."

View All Endorsements
David H Milligan headshot
David Milligan

Intellectual property lawyer

Sandra Maurer Kelly headshot
Sandra Kelly

Personal injury lawyer

Jamie Christine Cooper headshot
Jamie Cooper

Family lawyer

R. Jason de Groot headshot
R. Jason de Groot

Criminal defense lawyer

Kurt Donaldson Summers headshot
Kurt Summers

Business lawyer

Gregory L. Decker headshot
Gregory Decker

Personal injury lawyer

Travis James Burch headshot
Travis Burch

Litigation lawyer

Tyler James Black headshot
Tyler Black

Wills and living wills lawyer

Tregg Robert Lunn headshot
Tregg Lunn

Debt collection lawyer

Samuel Joseph Turco headshot
Samuel Turco

Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer

Douglas L Clark headshot
Douglas Clark

Intellectual property lawyer

Experience

Rating:  8.3 (Excellent)

Professional misconduct

This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2006.

Suspension issued in NE, 2006

updated on 05/01/2015

This means the attorney lost his or her license to practice law for a period of time. The attorney typically returns to practicing law when the suspension expires.

Reciprocal - Suspension issued in NE, 2004

updated on 05/01/2015

This means that the attorney's misconduct in another state, or jurisdiction, also violated the rules for practicing law in Nebraska.

Honors

2014

Top 100 Lawyers, National Advocacy for DUI Defense

2014

Client Choice Award, AVVO

2013

Top 100 Lawyers, National Advocacy for DUI Defense

2013

Lead Counsel in Criminal Law, Lead Counsel

Work Experience

1995 - Present

Lawyer, Petersen Criminal Defense Law

1986 - 1994

Office Manager, Decker Law Office

Associations

2014 - Present

National College of DUI Defense

General Member

2014 - Present

Nebraska Lawyers Assistance Program

Committee Member

2013 - Present

National Advocacy for DUI Defense

Nominee

2013 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

2000 - Present

Nebraska Criminal Defense Attorneys Association

Member

1997 - Present

Omaha Bar Association

Member

1995 - Present

Nebraksa Bar Association

Member

1992 - 1994

Phi Delta Phi

Parliamentarian

Sample of Legal Cases

Use of a Firearm In Commission of a Felony

Not guilty at jury trial.

Defended Freedom of Speech in Omaha, Nebraska

Not guilty at jury trial.

See More Legal Cases

Education

1994

Creighton University School of Law

J.D.

1990

Eastern Washington University

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2005

Wills and Trusts for Gay and Lesbian Couples

Wills and Trust

2004

The Dangers of Drunk Driving

DUI Prevention

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline
    This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2006
    Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution