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

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

Does Thomas offer a free consultation?

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

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

Can Thomas take my case if I'm outside Aberdeen?

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

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

Is Thomas accepting new criminal defense clients right now?

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

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Thomas P. Tonner, Criminal Defense Attorney in Aberdeen, South Dakota

Over 56 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, Estate Planning, and Family Law · 4.8/5 rating from 1 verified client review

MemberatTonner, Tobin & King

Aberdeen South, SD

Practicing criminal defense in Aberdeen since 1970.

56+: Years practicing
4.8 ★: 1 client review
2: Bar admissions

Practices in

Criminal Defense Estate Planning Family Law Litigation Personal Injury Product Liability +1 more →

Are you Thomas P. Tonner?

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.

Claim this profile — free

Quick answer

Thomas P. Tonner is a member based in Aberdeen, SD. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Estate Planning, and Family Law. Thomas has over 56 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Tonner, Tobin & King. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Aberdeen, SD
Experience: over 56 years
Known for: Criminal Defense · Estate Planning · Family Law

Handles Criminal Defense, Estate Planning, and Family Law matters from Aberdeen, SD.
Over 56 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with BV Distinguished.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Thomas P. Tonner

Thomas concentrates on criminal defense, estate planning, family law, litigation, and personal injury. Each area below outlines the kind of case Thomas handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Criminal Defense cases in Aberdeen, South Dakota

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

Estate Planning cases in Aberdeen, South Dakota

Thomas takes estate planning matters in Aberdeen, South Dakota. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Thomas agrees to represent you.

Family Law cases in Aberdeen, South Dakota

Thomas takes family law matters in Aberdeen, South Dakota. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Thomas agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in Aberdeen, South Dakota

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

Personal Injury cases in Aberdeen, South Dakota

Thomas takes personal injury matters in Aberdeen, South Dakota. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Thomas agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Thomas P. Tonner — Over 56 years of South Dakota criminal defense experience

Thomas P. Tonner is a lawyer practicing litigation, criminal law, family law and 4 other areas of law. Thomas P. received a B.S. degree from University of South Dakota in 1967, and has been licensed for 56 years. Thomas P. practices at Tonner, Tobin & King in Aberdeen, SD.

Working with Thomas on a criminal defense matter

Clients Thomas works with

Thomas reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, estate planning, and family law matters in Aberdeen and the surrounding South Dakota area.

Credentials

Thomas P. Tonner's legal education and bar admissions

University of South Dakota
J.D. · 1970
University of South Dakota
B.S. · 1967

Jurisdictions

Thomas's state bar admissions

U.S. District Court,
1970 · ACTIVE
South Dakota
1970 · ACTIVE

Thomas studied at J.D. in University of South Dakota and B.S. in University of South Dakota.

Law school and academic background

Thomas completed J.D. in University of South Dakota and B.S. in University of South Dakota. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Thomas runs in South Dakota is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Thomas P. Tonner

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

BV Distinguished

Legal awards and honors

BV Distinguished.

Affiliations

Thomas's professional memberships and bar associations

Brown County and American Bar Associations The State Bar of South Dakota South Dakota Trial Lawyers Association (Member, Litigation Committee, 1989) The Association of Trial Lawyers of America
membership

Locations

Thomas P. Tonner's office in Aberdeen

Thomas's primary office is at 404 S. Lincoln St., Ste. 1, Aberdeen, SD, 57401. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Tonner, Tobin & King

404 S. Lincoln St., Ste. 1

Aberdeen, SD 57401

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Thomas P. Tonner — 4.8/5 rating from 1 verified client review

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

4.8

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Thomas P. Tonner claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Thomas P. Tonner — 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 Thomas usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

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

Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Aberdeen, South Dakota

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 Thomas

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

Payment methods and payment plans

Thomas'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 Thomas P. Tonner

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

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
How do I find a good criminal defense attorney in Arizona?
I’m facing drug possession charges in Phoenix, AZ, and I have no idea how to choose the right defense attorney. I need someone who understands the laws here and has a track record
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Arizona

Areas served

Criminal Defense attorneys serving Aberdeen, Sioux Falls and Rapid City in South Dakota

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

More counsel

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