How much does it cost to hire Ray for a criminal defense case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Ray walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does Ray offer a free consultation?

Ray charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Ray's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Ray's current terms during booking.

How long do criminal defense cases in South Carolina 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. Ray gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Ray take my case if I'm outside Spartanburg?

Ray is licensed in South Carolina. Matters governed by South Carolina law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Ray 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 Ray?

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. Ray will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Ray accepting new criminal defense clients right now?

Ray's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Ray E Thompson, Jr., Criminal Defense Attorney in Spartanburg, South Carolina

Over 44 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, and DUI/DWI · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

MemberatThe Thompson Law Firm, LLC

Spartanburg, SC

Practicing criminal defense in Spartanburg since 1982.

44+: Years practicing
5.0 ★: 1 client review
2: Bar admissions

Practices in

Criminal Defense Drug Crimes DUI/DWI Expungement Federal Crimes Personal Injury +1 more →

Are you Ray E Thompson, Jr.?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

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Quick answer

Ray E Thompson, Jr. is a member based in Spartanburg, SC. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, and DUI/DWI. Ray has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at The Thompson Law Firm, LLC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Spartanburg, SC
Experience: over 44 years
Known for: Criminal Defense · Drug Crimes · DUI/DWI

Handles Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, and DUI/DWI matters from Spartanburg, SC.
Over 44 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Ray's practice areas in Spartanburg

Ray concentrates on criminal defense, drug crimes, dui/dwi, expungement, and federal crimes. Each area below outlines the kind of case Ray handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Criminal Defense cases in Spartanburg, South Carolina

Ray takes criminal defense matters in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Ray agrees to represent you.

Drug Crimes cases in Spartanburg, South Carolina

Ray takes drug crimes matters in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Ray agrees to represent you.

DUI/DWI cases in Spartanburg, South Carolina

Ray takes dui/dwi matters in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Ray agrees to represent you.

Expungement cases in Spartanburg, South Carolina

Ray takes expungement matters in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Ray agrees to represent you.

Federal Crimes cases in Spartanburg, South Carolina

Ray takes federal crimes matters in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Ray agrees to represent you.

Biography

Ray E Thompson, Jr., criminal defense attorney serving Spartanburg

Mr. Ray E Thompson, Jr. is a lawyer practicing criminal law, personal injury, workers compensation and 6 other areas of law. Ray received a A.A. degree from Spartanburg Methodist College in 1977, and has been licensed for 44 years. Ray practices at The Thompson Law Firm, LLC in Spartanburg, SC.

Working with Ray on a criminal defense matter

Clients Ray works with

Ray reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, drug crimes, and dui/dwi matters in Spartanburg and the surrounding South Carolina area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Ray studied and practices

University of South Carolina
J.D. · 1982
Spartanburg Methodist College
A.A. Business · 1977

Jurisdictions

Ray's state bar admissions

South Carolina
1982 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1982 · ACTIVE

Ray studied at J.D. in University of South Carolina and A.A. Business in Spartanburg Methodist College.

Law school and academic background

Ray completed J.D. in University of South Carolina and A.A. Business in Spartanburg Methodist College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Ray runs in South Carolina is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Ray's legal honors and published work

Ray has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

Ray's professional memberships and bar associations

Spartanburg County Bar Association South Carolina Bar American Bar Association Southern Police Benevolent Assn
membership
Inc
membership

Locations

Ray E Thompson, Jr.'s office in Spartanburg

Ray's primary office is at 183 Connecticut Avenue, Spartanburg, SC, 29302. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

The Thompson Law Firm, LLC

183 Connecticut Avenue

Spartanburg, SC 29302

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Ray E Thompson, Jr. — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Ray. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing criminal defense attorneys in Spartanburg.

5.0

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Ray E Thompson, Jr. claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Ray E Thompson, Jr. — 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 Ray usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Ray charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Ray'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; Ray will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Spartanburg, South Carolina

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 Ray

Ray 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. Ray confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Ray'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 Ray E Thompson, Jr.

How much does it cost to hire Ray for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Ray walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Ray offer a free consultation?
Ray charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Ray's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Ray's current terms during booking.
How long do criminal defense cases in South Carolina 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. Ray gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Ray take my case if I'm outside Spartanburg?
Ray is licensed in South Carolina. Matters governed by South Carolina law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Ray 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 Ray?
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. Ray will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Ray accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
Ray's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by South Carolina residents in the last few months, answered by criminal defense attorneys like Ray E Thompson, Jr.. Each link opens the full answer thread.

Can I avoid jail time for a first-time drug offense in South Carolina?
I got caught with a small amount of marijuana in Charleston, SC, and this is my first offense. I’ve read that there are programs for first-time offenders. What are my options to av
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · South Carolina
How can I appeal a conviction for a DUI in Michigan?
I was convicted of a DUI in Detroit, MI, last year and am unhappy with the outcome. I feel like my attorney didn’t represent me well, and I’d like to know if there’s a way to appea
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Michigan
What can I do if I’m wrongfully accused of robbery in Pennsylvania?
I was wrongly accused of robbery in Philadelphia, PA, after an incident at a store where I was simply shopping. The security footage proves my innocence, but the police arrested me
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Pennsylvania
What should I know about plea deals for misdemeanor charges in Hawaii?
I received a misdemeanor charge for disorderly conduct in Honolulu, HI, and the court suggested a plea deal. I’m unsure if I should accept it or fight the charge. What should I con
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Hawaii
What are the penalties for a DUI in Colorado after a second offense?
I received my second DUI in Denver, CO, last month, and I'm worried about facing harsher penalties this time around. My first offense resulted in a fine and community service, but
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Colorado
What are the legal consequences of underage drinking in Massachusetts?
I’m a college student in Boston, MA, and I was caught with alcohol at a party. I’m concerned about the legal repercussions this may have on my record and my future job opportunitie
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Massachusetts

Areas served

Criminal Defense attorneys serving Spartanburg, Columbia and Charleston in South Carolina

Ray handles criminal defense matters throughout South Carolina. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified criminal defense attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Ray's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Spartanburg handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.