Peter Thompson

Peter Thompson, Esq., is an unwavering, determined, and reliable immigration and criminal law attorney known for his tireless efforts in handling critical legal issues. A trial attorney with over 25 years of trial and appellate experience, Peter actively represents individual clients in both the immigration and criminal courts. He is passionate about his work and clients and, through careful and rigorous preparation, confident in his representation. He is devoted to the success of his clients and their protection within our legal system.

In 1999, Peter joined the Defender Association of Philadelphia. A public defender, he represented children and adults in criminal court. Peter then joined the appellate unit, all the while actively working with clients in the criminal trial courts. In 2008, he was chosen for and accepted the Director of the Defender’s Immigration Project position. An industry leader, this unique collaboration between immigration specialists and criminal trial attorneys works tirelessly to advise non-citizen (immigrant) clients of the immigration consequences of criminal charges and convictions. In 2010, Peter and his team joined in an amicus brief for the (ultimately successful) Supreme Court case Padilla v. Kentucky. This important case granted to non-citizen (immigrant) defendants the right to accurate immigration consequences advice from their criminal defense attorneys. Since then, Peter, in addition to direct representation of private clients, is sought after by fellow criminal trial attorneys across the nation for advice and guidance regarding the immigration consequences their clients with criminal convictions face. He has co-authored legal guides, taught in both University and Law Schools, and regularly teaches both lawyers and judges regarding his legal specialties or immigration and criminal law. He is a recognized member of the Criminal Justice Act Panel for the EDPA, where he serves as a court appointed immigration expert. Most important for Peter is his crafting of the individualized, creative and comprehensive legal services he provides his clients with immigration and criminal matters.

In addition to his robust immigration and federal criminal defense practice, Peter actively defends parents and their children facing allegations of improper removal under the International Child Abduction cases (Hague Convention). Combining his unique and comprehensive skill set – a federal trial attorney well versed in both immigration and criminal law with international law experience – Peter supports parents and children who flee abusive relationships and seek protections in the United States. Peter is first and foremost a trial attorney – when others concede, Peter and his team fight to protect his clients in federal court. The U.S. judicial and court system provides a unique opportunity to shed light upon and challenge allegations of child and spousal abuse. Accessing the protections of the courts through creativity and tenacity is the hallmark of Peters practice in this specialized and demanding area of the immigration, criminal and international law.

Peter, a devoted lawyer for his clients, also serves an essential role in training other attorneys, judges, and aspiring lawyers in the areas of immigration and criminal defense law. He frequently lectures locally and nationally on immigration consequences, Criminal Defense, and Trial Advocacy. He is an Honors graduate of the Temple Law Trial Advocacy program, a respected law school clinician in immigration law, a published author, and a valued legal colleague in the Philadelphia area.

It is critical to collaborate with an attorney and legal team who have the knowledge and experience to provide accurate and lasting legal solutions to your immigration, criminal defense, and international law needs.