David H. "Dave" Thomas, Criminal Defense Attorney in Columbus, Ohio
focused on Criminal Defense and White Collar
Columbus, OH
Trusted criminal defense attorney serving Columbus.
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
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Quick answer
David H. "Dave" Thomas is an attorney based in Columbus, OHIO. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and White Collar.
- Based in
- Columbus, OHIO
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · White Collar
- Handles Criminal Defense and White Collar matters from Columbus, OHIO.
- Recognized with Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: White-Collar, Columbus (OH) (2021).
About David H. "Dave" Thomas: David H. "Dave" Thomas is an attorney based in Columbus, OHIO. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and White Collar.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by David H. "Dave" Thomas
David concentrates on criminal defense and white collar. Each area below outlines the kind of case David handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense cases in Columbus, Ohio
David takes criminal defense matters in Columbus, Ohio. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.
White Collar cases in Columbus, Ohio
David takes white collar matters in Columbus, Ohio. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before David agrees to represent you.
Biography
About David H. "Dave" Thomas — Attorney of Ohio criminal defense experience
David H. "Dave" Thomas is an attorney based in Columbus, OHIO. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and White Collar.
Dave Thomas is a partner in Taft’s Compliance, Investigations, and White Collar Defense practice. He advises and represents companies, executives, public officials, health care providers, and other professionals who are the subject of state and federal investigations and prosecutions involving the United States Department of Justice and the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, as well as county prosecutors throughout the state. He has defended clients in complex matters involving federal agencies like the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Drug Enforcement Administration and state agencies such as the Ohio Auditor’s Office, Ohio Ethics Commission, and Ohio Inspector General.
Dave brings a broad range of experience to Taft’s criminal defense practice. He is a Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers and has tried more than sixty cases in state and federal courts, in matters ranging from aggravated murder to corporate fraud and federal conspiracy. Dave has also argued in state and federal appeals courts and the Supreme Court of Ohio. He has served as lead counsel defending white collar cases ranging from ethics and public corruption to health care fraud, banking violations, Government contract fraud, tax fraud, money laundering, and environmental crime. He is the Litigation Chair for Taft's Columbus office and previously served on Taft's Executive Committee.
Working with David on a criminal defense matter
Dave Thomas is a partner in Taft’s Compliance, Investigations, and White Collar Defense practice. He advises and represents companies, executives, public officials, health care providers, and other professionals who are the subject of state and federal investigations and prosecutions involving the United States Department of Justice and the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, as well as county…
Clients David works with
David reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense and white collar matters in Columbus and the surrounding Ohio area.
Credentials
David H. "Dave" Thomas's legal education and bar admissions
The Ohio State University
J.D. · 1999
Wittenberg University
BA · 1996
Jurisdictions
David's state bar admissions
Minnesota, Minnesota
ACTIVE
Ohio, Ohio State Bar
ACTIVE
David studied at J.D. in The Ohio State University and BA in Wittenberg University.
Law school and academic background
David completed J.D. in The Ohio State University and BA in Wittenberg University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice David runs in Ohio is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of David H. "Dave" Thomas
David has received 6 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: White-Collar, Columbus (OH)
2021
Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: General Practice, Columbus (OH)
2019
Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: White-Collar, Columbus (OH)
2018
Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: White-Collar, Columbus (OH)
2015
Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: General Practice
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar
2026
Legal awards and honors
Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: White-Collar, Columbus (OH) (2021). Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: General Practice, Columbus (OH) (2019). Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: White-Collar, Columbus (OH) (2018). Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: White-Collar, Columbus (OH) (2015). Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: General Practice (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar (2026).
Locations
David H. "Dave" Thomas's office in Columbus
David's primary office is at 41 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio, 43215-6106. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of David H. "Dave" Thomas
David has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire David H. "Dave" Thomas — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new criminal defense attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with David usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
David charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain David's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; David will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Columbus, Ohio
A short list to run through before you commit: How many criminal defense matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for David
David discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in criminal defense practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every criminal defense matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. David confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
David's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many criminal defense practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about David H. "Dave" Thomas
How much does it cost to hire David for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. David walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does David offer a free consultation?
David charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain David's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check David's current terms during booking.
How long do criminal defense cases in Ohio typically take?
Simple criminal defense matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. David gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can David take my case if I'm outside Columbus?
David is licensed in Ohio. Matters governed by Ohio law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — David will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with David?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. David will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is David accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
David's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Criminal Defense attorneys serving Columbus, Cleveland and Cincinnati in Ohio
David handles criminal defense matters throughout Ohio. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified criminal defense attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated criminal defense attorneys in Ohio
If David's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Columbus handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





