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Brent Thompson

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Practice Areas:

  • Criminal Defense
  • Expungement/Firearm Rights
  • Family Law & Divorce

Biography

Brent Thompson has been a member of the firm for over a decade, rising through the ranks during that time, from summer intern to named partner. He grew up on Whidbey Island and graduated from Oak Harbor High School in 2002, earning the distinction of Male Athlete of the Year. Brent then attended Skagit Valley College where he was named as the English/Communications Student of the Year before receiving his Associate's Degree. After receiving his Bachelor's Degree, from Western Washington University, with a major in History/Social Studies and minor in Economics. Brent then enrolled in Liberty University School of Law after being offered a scholarship there. During law school Brent was placed on the Dean's List for his academic performance and also began working as a Legal Intern at our firm upon receiving a limited license to practice law. In 2011, he received his Juris Doctor cum laude upon graduation from law school. Brent has been with us ever since. Brent is admitted to practice law in the State of Washington, the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington, and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Brent's practice emphasizes criminal defense. He provides zealous and diligent representation for those accused of Felony and Misdemeanor level offenses including but not limited to Driving Under the Influence (DUI), Felony DUI, Vehicular Assault, Reckless and Negligent Driving, Domestic Violence, Drug Offenses, and Assault. He has worked on many serious felony cases during his career, including First Degree Murder, felony sex offenses, and a complex trial in federal court that involved an international drug smuggling conspiracy, among others.

Our firm's general philosophy is that "less evidence is more" for the accused in criminal matters (given that the prosecution has the burden of proving its allegations). We seek to get unfavorable evidence suppressed and excluded (i.e. "thrown out of court") in an attempt to make it hard for the prosecution to prove its charges. Brent is instrumental in this process. He places police reports, witness statements, and other evidence under a "microscope" to identify legal and factual problems. His knowledge of search and seizure law, the rules of evidence, criminal procedure, statutory law, and his exceptional legal research and writing skills have caused significant problems for prosecutors. For example, legal memoranda Brent filed in a famous First Degree Murder case that received national media attention (48 Hours, Dateline, and where Craig was Lead Counsel) helped lead the prosecutor to publicly admit that the targeted evidence would "probably never see the light of day" because of Brent's work. Brent has also successfully convinced Courts to suppress problematic blood and breath test results, incriminating statements, and unfavorable video recordings. His legal memoranda have also resulted in the dismissal of criminal charges in multiple prosecutions Brent has also prevailed at trial and is prepared to argue zealously for our clients before juries.

Brent's practice also emphasizes post-conviction relief, including firearm rights restorations, vacation of prior felony and misdemeanor convictions, and sealing juvenile records. He has in depth knowledge concerning state and federal firearm laws, has restored firearm rights for individuals in courts throughout the state, has had success on administrative appeal before the FBI National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), and has successfully sued and obtained a judgement against the United States government in federal court following a client's firearm transaction denial. He also teaches the legal portion of NRA courses offered locally and other attorneys oftentimes contact Brent to obtain advice and guidance on firearm related issues.

Beyond criminal matters, Brent also provides passionate representation in Protection Order proceedings and Family Law cases, especially where there are related criminal cases. He recognizes that divorce and other family law cases are stressful and emotional and he strives to provide zealous representation and honest advice. Brent also accepts some personal injury and other civil claims, but is selective.

Brent has represented hundreds of clients, has substantial experience, and is dedicated to providing clients with zealous advocacy and diligent representation. He looks forward to working with clients who need his help.

Education

  • Liberty University School of Law, Lynchburg, Virginia
    • J.D. - 2011
    • Honors: cum laude
    • Honors: Dean's List
  • Western Washington University, Bellingham, Washington
    • B.A. - 2007
    • Major: History / Social Studies

Bar Admissions

  • Washington, 2012
  • U.S. District Court Western District of Washington, 2013
  • U.S. Court of Appeals 9th Circuit, 2017

Current Employment Position

  • Partner

Professional Associations

  • Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Member, 2012 to Present

Classes & Seminars

  • NRA Personal Protection Outside the Home, NRA, 2016 to Present
  • NRA Personal Protection Inside the Home, NRA, 2016 to Present
  • Legal Forgiveness, Volunteer Lawyer Program of Island County, 2013
  • Legal Forgiveness II, Volunteer Lawyer Program of Island County, 2014
  • Washington Civil Rights, Pacific Indoor Tactical, LLC, 2016 to 2018

Past Positions

  • Platt & Buescher, Legal Intern, 2010 to 2012
  • Platt & Buescher, Attorney, 2012 to 2021