Peter J. Thompson

Tireless. Focused. Trusted and zealous advocate. Peter aggressively and creatively handles pressing legal matters, as he has for over 24 years. A trial attorney whose sole dedication is representing individuals, he is a recognized specialist is three distinct yet related areas: immigration, criminal law and trial advocacy. A dedicated representative of the people, he also trains other attorneys and judges and future lawyers in these matters. Honors graduate of Temple Law Trial Advocacy program, Professor of Law, Author, NITA faculty member. Even simple criminal and immigration matters are serious; work with someone with time-tested answers.

Temple University Beasley School of Law

LL.M.

2003 - 2004

Honors: First Honors in Trial Advocacy

Villanova University School of Law

J.D.

1995 - 1998

Honors: Wyn Llewellyn Award (Excellence in Client Counseling), University Senator (Law School Elected Representative), Externship – U.S. Attorneys Office, Philadelphia.

Widener University

M.Ed.

1993 - 1994

Honors: Professional Teaching Certification, Graduate Scholarship

Villanova University

B.A.

1988 - 1992

Activities: Honors classes; Peace and Justice Center; University Board of Trustees, Academic Committee

Attorney, Founder

Thompson Law Advocates, P.C.

Current

Since 2014; Private Law Firm Dedicated to the Legal Representation of Individuals in Immigration Court, Hearings before USCIS, and Federal Criminal Court Proceedings, and Select Representation in State Court Proceedings, Federal Investigations and Hague Convention Hearings, and providing Immigration Consequences (Padilla) Advice.

Lecturer

National Academy of Continuing Legal Education

2020 - Current

Teach Lawyers Nationally about: Crimmigration Essentials: What Attorneys Need to Know, Creative Client Representation in Times of Change: How Changing Administrations Change Your Immigration Practice, and Nuts and Bolts of Immigration Law for Criminal Defense Attorneys.(https://www.nacle.com)

Panel Member

Criminal Justice Act Panel (CJA) EDPA

2015 - Current

Court Appointed Representation of Indigent Federal Defendants in District (Trial) Court and Circuit (Appellate) Court.

Associate Professor of Law, Immigration Law Clinic Founder

Charlotte School of Law

2012 - 2013

Director, Defender Immigration Project

Defenders Association of Philadelphia

2008 - 2012

Unit Devoted to Supporting Non-citizens in State Criminal Court Proceedings.

Adjunct Professor, Political Science Dept.

Villanova University

2008 - 2012

Teaching Immigration Law, International Law, International Relations

Trial and Appellate Attorney

Defenders Association of Philadelphia

1998 - 2004

LexisNexis Practice Guide: New Jersey Collateral Consequences, 2015, 16, 17, 18 Ed

Matthew Bender

2015

Collateral Consequences for Pennsylvania Adult Defendants by Criminal Statute

Defender Association of Philadelphia

2011

Guide to Representing Non-Citizen Criminal Defendants in Pennsylvania

Defender Association of Philadelphia

2007

Creative Partnerships: Immigration Law, Business, STEM & the Foreign National, Philly Tech Week

Instructor of Trial Skills for the National Institute of Trial Advocacy

Instructor of Immigration 101 for Lawyers at Rutgers Law Institute of Legal Education

Course Instructor on Immigration and Immigration Consequences for the Association of Defense Lawyers

Lawyer of Distinction

Lawyers of Distinction

2023

Best Immigration Lawyers in Pennsylvania

Expertise.com

2022

10 Best Law Firm - Client Satisfaction

American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys

Philadelphia Bar Association

Member

Current

Activities: Immigration Law Committee

Federal Bar Association

Member

Current

Activities: Criminal Law Committee, Philadelphia Chapter

Philadelphia Criminal Law Inn of Court

Member

2023 - Current

Activities: Professional Association of Esteemed Criminal Law Practitioners

Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (PACDL)

Member

2020 - Current

Activities: Regular presenter of Immigration Consequences seminars.

American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA)

Member

2008 - Current

Activities: Philadelphia Chapter

State Bar of Pennsylvania

Member

1998 - Current

E.D.P.A. and M.D.P.A.

Since 2016

Pennsylvania

Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania

Since 1998

3rd Circuit

Since 2016

5th Circuit

Since 2018

U.S. Supreme Court

Since 2004

• Credit Cards Accepted
• Rates, Retainers and Additional Information
  Payment plans are available upon request.

Immigration Law

Asylum, Citizenship, Deportation Defense, Family Visas, Green Cards, Immigration Appeals, Investment Visas, Marriage & Fiancé(e) Visas, Student Visas, Visitor Visas, Work Visas

Criminal Law

Criminal Appeals, Drug Crimes, Expungement, Fraud, Gun Crimes, Internet Crimes, Sex Crimes, Theft, Violent Crimes

International Law

Human Rights

• Expert services for Lawyers, Immigration Consequences ("Padilla Advice")
• Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction

Q. Hello, Question about visa, green card and crime

May 4, 2023

A: The answer to your question is complicated - I recommend seeking the in-person advice of a skilled and experienced immigration lawyer as your concern is justified. The lawyer should be able to evaluate your husband's "tourist visa" (VWP entry or B2 visa?), evaluate the seriousness of the foreign offenses as they may prove to be hurdles to adjustment (also, were they disclosed in prior applications?), and work with you to complete your husband's adjustment application, if advisable. Our active law practice focuses on clients with the combination of immigration and criminal law issues, and we know how complicated it can be. The fact that you spotted some potential problems with your husband's case now is a good sign - time to get some professional help who can help guide you.

Q. Should I mail the I-751 supporting documents with the I-751? or is it a different address? Its not clear on the website

March 22, 2023

A: Great question -- you will want to mail all of your supporting documents with your Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence (USCIS Form I-751, current edition, ink signed and dated, with correct filing fee, and correctly filed before the all important deadline), but be sure to send copies of your supporting documents (not the originals) as USCIS will keep what you send to them. Save your originals in a file that you will bring with you to your important interview - this is so the interviewing officer will have the opportunity to inspect the original documents if they want to. If you have additional evidence that you want to provide, bring it to your interview and offer it (again, copies) to the interviewer. The I-751 interview is very important - prepare carefully!

View More Answers ›