James Thomas

I have spent my entire legal career defending people who have been accused of crimes. My office is in Hastings, Minnesota, and I will take cases throughout the state.

Emory University School of Law

J.D., with Honors (2012)

2009 - 2012

Honors: Dean's Award in Legal Writing, Research, Appellate Advocacy

Activities: Moot Court Society, Mock Trial Society

Kansas State University

M.A. (2009) | English

2007 - 2009

University of West Georgia

B.A. (2005) | English

2001 - 2005

Activities: CEDA/NDT Debate

Attorney

James C. Thomas, Attorney at Law

2016 - Current

Associate Attorney

Groshek Law

2025 - 2025

Adjunct Faculty

University of South Carolina Upstate

2017 - 2017

Assistant Public Defender

Law Office of the DeKalb County Public Defender

2012 - 2016

Argumentation and Debate, University of South Carolina--Upstate

November 10, 2020

Invited guest lecturer on legal argumentation.

Strategic Storytelling, University of South Carolina--Upstate

April 2, 2020

Invited guest lecturer on storytelling and the law.

Argumentation and Debate, University of South Carolina--Upstate

April 2, 2019

Invited guest lecturer on legal argumentation.

Media, Culture, and Society, Georgia State University

November 12, 2012

Invited guest lecturer on media law.

Argumentation and Debate, University of South Carolina--Upstate

October 31, 2016

Invited guest lecturer on legal argumentation.

NHTSA Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement

Impaired Driving Specialists

2022

NHTSA DUI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing

Impaired Driving Specialists

2017

Pro Bono Publico Medal

Emory University School of Law

2012

Awarded to graduates for commitment to public service.

Dean's Award

Emory University School of Law

2010

Awarded for receiving the highest grade (in my section) for Legal Writing.

Dean's Award

Emory University School of Law

2009

Awarded for receiving the highest grade (in my section) for Legal Writing.

MINNESOTA ASSOCIATION OF CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYERS

2024 - Current

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

2020 - Current

South Carolina State Bar

2017 - Current

South Carolina Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

2017 - Current

Georgia State Bar

2012 - Current

DUI Defense Lawyers Association

Member

2022 - 2025

Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

2012 - 2019

Georgia

Since 2012

Minnesota

Minnesota Supreme Court

ID Number: 0505825

Since 2024

North Carolina

North Carolina State Bar

ID Number: Inactive Status as of January 2025

Since 2017

South Carolina

Since 2017

• Free Consultation
• Credit Cards Accepted
• Rates, Retainers and Additional Information
  Flat fees determined on a case-by-case basis.

Q. I've had pending charges for possession of class 1and 2 for over a year with no Court date scheduled.

September 6, 2022

A: The delay - not likely. With COVID backlogs still being worked through, a delay of over a year is pretty par for the course. If they haven't given your lawyer discovery - maybe, that's a question you should ask them.

Q. How long can the police hold a fire arm that was confiscated out my vehicle

September 6, 2022

A: If the firearm is evidence in the case for some reason (it doesn't sound like it, but for example, someone might also be charged with unlawful carry in addition to DUI), then they'll hang on to it for at least as long as the case stays pending in court. But if not, then they should be ready to give it back. In smaller jurisdictions, this can be arranged with a phone call. In bigger jurisdictions, your lawyer might need to get the prosecutor to agree to a release, or they might need to file a motion in court to get it back.

Q. Hello, I was recently pulled over and charged with dus 3rd offense. My ticket says $2000, but I thought max was $1,000?

September 6, 2022

A: The max fine is $1000, but court costs and surcharges often double the amount of the fine. And be careful, because for a third offense jail time is definitely a possibility too.

View More Answers ›