With 18 years of exclusive criminal justice experience and numerous trial victories, Attorney Matt Thompson is the ally you need to defend against your criminal charges.
Volusia County Criminal Defense Lawyer
Offices in DELAND & Daytona Beach to Serve the Arrested & Accused
At Thompson Law, P.A., every client is our number one priority. We are a criminal defense firm that focuses solely on our clients’ individual needs to help them achieve the best possible result. After all, good people may find themselves in bad situations, and the period after an arrest, charge, or criminal accusation can be filled with uncertainty and fear. That is why we are responsive and accessible, answering our phones 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We also provide highly personalized representation, partnering with our clients to ensure they have the information they need to make the decisions that can protect their future and their freedom.
Have you been charged with a crime in Central Florida? With offices conveniently located in DeLand and Daytona Beach, our team can defend you against your criminal charges. Contact us onlineor call us at (386) 280-4977
What Does a Criminal Defense Attorney Do?
A criminal defense attorney plays a crucial role in the criminal justice system. They help protect the rights of their clients, ensure fair treatment during trials, and advocate for the best possible outcome. They also advise their clients on legal matters, file motions in court, and negotiate plea bargains when appropriate.
Criminal defense attorneys also investigate the facts of a case, research applicable laws and defenses, and develop strategies to protect their client's rights. In some cases, they may even be able to get charges dismissed or reduced.
The following are the benefits of hiring a defense attorney:
- Advice on the best legal course of action
- Expert knowledge of criminal law
- Explanations of laws that apply to your situation
- Ability to negotiate a plea bargain or dismissal
- Assistance in filing paperwork and other administrative tasks
- Representation in court proceedings, including jury trials
- Preparation of evidence and witness testimony
- Challenge any unconstitutional searches or seizures related to your case
- Access to private investigators, forensic experts, and other resources
- Guidance regarding potential penalties you may face
- Counseling for family members impacted by the case
Our Services
Working Closely With You to Build a Strong Case
Meet Our Team
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Matt ThompsonCriminal Defense AttorneyRead Bio -
Tammy JaquesOf CounselRead Bio -
Larry AvalloneCriminal Defense Attorney- Over 30 years of experience across every side of the criminal justice system — as a Deputy Sheriff, prosecutor, defense attorney, and public defender
- Florida Bar Board Certified Specialist in Criminal Trial Law, a credential held by only a small percentage of Florida attorneys
- Private defense attorney and Public Defender
- Former Chief Assistant Public Defender for Florida's Seventh Judicial Circuit, overseeing an office of ~125 employees and nearly 70 attorneys
- Qualified as first-chair counsel in death penalty cases; former Chief of the High Crimes Unit, leading homicide and capital case work
- Founder of Avallone Law, P.A., representing clients in serious felony matters from investigation through trial
- Appointed by the Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice to the Committee on Standard Jury Instructions in Criminal Cases
- Adjunct instructor in Criminal Law at Daytona State College; teaching criminal justice since 2010
Read Bio
Client-Focused. RESULT-DRIVEN.
Working Closely with You To Build a Strong Case
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Charge Reduced Felony Child Abuse
Attorney Thompson took over for the Defendant’s prior attorney who was unable to obtain an offer of anything other than a felony conviction. Attorney Thompson prepared a sworn Motion to Dismiss and was offered a misdemeanor with no probation or jail.
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Charges Reduced, Guidelines Waived, No Probation Failure to Register as a Career Criminal
The Client was arrested out of State for a warrant for failure to register as a career criminal. This violated his probation out of Miami-Dade County, Florida. Attorney Thompson was able to track the Client’s addresses and discovered that his landlord at the time lied to his probation officer about his renting an apartment because the landlord was not zoned to allow tenants. The State agreed to a time-served sentence for the time he spent in custody being transported to Florida.
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All Charges Reduced Aggravated Assault with a Firearm
Client was accused of shooting a shotgun over the head of two minors. Attorney Thompson did a public records request to discover that officers reported to the scene of the crime the night of the incident and spoke to the victims on the evening the alleged crime occurred and believed the victims to be intoxicated and unreliable. Attorney Thompson conducted depositions of the officers and ultimately all charges were reduced to a misdemeanor and no incarceration.
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All Charges Dismissed Racing on the Highway
Client was arrested after leaving a car show in a fast vehicle. Officers suspected the client of racing another vehicle and police officers pulled him over, drug him out of his vehicle, and arrested him for both racing on the highway and resisting an officer without violence. Upon review of the body camera video, Attorney Matt Thompson raised an excessive use of force complaint against the arresting officer. All charges against the client were dismissed.
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Charges Reduced Aggravated Battery on Law Enforcement Officer
Attorney Thompson provided the State with an extensive mitigation packet outlining the Defendant’s military service record and disability based on PTSD. Defendant was offered a minor jail sanction (60) days followed by probation in lieu of a 5-year minimum prison sentence as was originally offered by the State.
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Charges Reduced Domestic Battery
Attorney Thompson provided a letter outlining defenses in case. State reviewed letter and spoke to the witnesses and offered to reduce the charges to a non-violent disorderly conduct with no jail and no probation.
Matt Thompson
Experienced Trial Attorney
As a former prosecutor with over 16 years of trial experience, Attorney Matt Thompson knows the ins and outs both sides of a criminal case. He has tried high-profile cases involving homicides and sex offenses, and he uses this breadth of knowledge to aggressively represent his clients. His experience, professionalism, and commitment to his clients has earned Attorney Thompson a number of professional accolades, including:
- Voted Best Volusia County Criminal Defense Lawyer by readers of the Daytona Beach New Journal in Best of the West 2013
- Selected to SuperLawyers Magazine Rising Stars for his litigation skills in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017, an award received by less than 2% if the legal community
- Earned a 10 out of 10 rating from Avvo as well as the Client’s Choice Award for 2017
- Selected to the Top 40 Under 40 for Criminal Defense Lawyers by National Trial Lawyers in 2017
Every Client Matters
Helping People Protect THeir Freedom and Reputation
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“Top Class Attorney My experience with Matt as nothing short of fantastic...he was excellent to work with and I would have no hesitation in hiring him to represent me or my company again.”- Gerard
Excellent to work!
"Top Class Attorney My experience with Matt as nothing short of fantastic...he was excellent to work with and I would have no hesitation in hiring him to represent me or my company again."- Gerard -
“I would highly recommend Thompson Law to anyone looking for a true and honest lawyer. He has been a big help to our family, and goes above and beyond to do what is needed in any situation.”- Donna
He goes above and beyond!
"I would highly recommend Thompson Law to anyone looking for a true and honest lawyer. He has been a big help to our family, and goes above and beyond to do what is needed in any situation."- Donna -
“Matt is very professional courteous, and knows the law inside and out. He is a great person to have in your corner. He is very personalized in individual attention to his clients and their struggles.”- Aaron
Matt Thompson is a champion for the peoples rights.
"Great lawyer Matt Thompson runs a small local law firm, which has minimal staff; however, don't be fooled this is on purpose. Matt is very professional courteous, and knows the law inside and out. He is a great person to have in your corner. He is very personalized in individual attention to his clients and their struggles. Matt Thompson is a champion for the peoples rights. I couldn't have had a better lawyer during my time of need, and I highly recommend him for all issues involving the law."- Aaron -
“The last meeting prior to the hearing, Matt said, “I hate to lose.” This is exactly what you want in a lawyer.”- Danny
Profoundly grateful for the excellent job he did.
"Matt represented our son in a criminal case, never a pleasant circumstance for a parent to face. He was not only competent and professional, he was also compassionate at what was obviously a very difficult time. We knew it was a long shot, but thanks to his expertise we got the best possible outcome and now our son has the opportunity for treatment and rehabilitation rather than prison. The last meeting prior to the hearing, Matt said, “I hate to lose.” This is exactly what you want in a lawyer. We are profoundly grateful for the excellent job he did and would highly recommend him to anyone in need of legal representation."- Danny -
“Thompson Law I've known Matt for several years. He is very knowledgeable, professional and trust worthy. I used him in a legal matter and he provided excellent legal advice.”- Austin
He is very knowledgeable, professional and trust worthy.
"Thompson Law I've known Matt for several years. He is very knowledgeable, professional and trust worthy. I used him in a legal matter and he provided excellent legal advice."- Austin
Put a Proven Trial Lawyer on Your Side
Our Volusia County criminal defense attorney possesses a unique combination of skills that include the ability to connect with clients on a personal level to understand their issue, the experience to fully educate clients on the legal system, and the knowledge to aggressively defend clients’ cases at trial. From serious felonies to more minor misdemeanors, having a proven and effective legal advocate to speak up for your side of the story and fight for your rights in a courtroom is invaluable to safeguarding your future.
No matter what type of criminal charges you may face, Attorney Thompson has helped many clients facing such charges get the best possible results in their cases, either by getting all cases thrown out or their charges reduced to avoid serving any time behind bars.