Comment #: CA19480
Rating:10.0
Comments:
Judge Thompson is very personable and makes jurors feel at ease. He is thorough, professional and fair. He treats all with great respect.

Comment #: CA8743
Rating:9.9
Comments:
I try a lot of cases in 5 counties. I have to say it was a pleasure as a defense attorney to be in Judge Thompson's courtroom for trial in a case where I knew the jury was unlikely to relate to, or like my client.
Judge Thompson treated my client with great respect - which I appreciate.
Chambers discussions were even-handed (I often worry about unreported parts of trial - but there was no need. This is a man of his word and everything about him reflects that.)
I will say that when trial commenced, I felt like an outsider. I felt like I was watching friends who wished I was not there, while the judge and the prosecutor bantered back and forth.
That did not last long. I had to prove my professionalism and ability, and when I began to do that, I felt like I was part of a well oiled trial machine.
Judge Thompson takes everything offered to him into consideration. He researches the issues briefed for him. He asks good questions of the witnesses that do not show a preference for either side - (but could) - and it was clear those few questions were asked to keep the jury from misunderstanding an important point. Judge Thompson does this rarely, but as defense counsel, I had no objection. The questions were thoughtful and well-stated.
Most of all, when I believed something had been done wrong by the prosecutor, this is a judge who listened and considered my authorities and sought a correct outcome -- he did not take the position that he needed to find a prosecution helpful result. What I took away from this trial [ verdict was split] was that I had tried a case in front of a truly fair and impartial judge.
I wish I could say that a LOT more often than I DO say that in my career.
I would not hesitate to try any kind of case before this judge.
As a side note, I often try cases before judges who appear to me to be hateful as a part of their core. Judge Thompson is a man who cares deeply about his family and its obvious -- that carries over to his treatment of everyone it seems.
For me, this is the kind of judge I want making trial decisions. It was an excellent experience.
The only thing I would change is the strict time schedule. I find that in trial I put in as many hours after I leave for the day, as I did in trial. Starting at 9 and going to 4:15, with a long drive back and forth is grueling. I have been told by jurors that they also prefer a later start for trial, and I wish that were an option.
Bottom line: I do recommend this judge for professionalism and fairness. What else is there to consider?

Comment #: CA5616
Rating:1.0
Comments:
Sounds Familiar. I agree with this Court Reporter posting. to maintain a welfare system in favor of government (taxpayer) paid wages one must issue as many warrants as possible and keep as many bullshit open (but dead) investigations as possible to keep the cronies busy with paperwork. "Just update the file every 6 months".

Comment #: CA4297
Rating:1.0
Comments:
I work with this judge behind closed doors. The police just drop off warrants and Judge Thompson signs them blind, or worse, sometimes asks his staff to sign them because "his time is limited to jurisprudential thought and analysis, and administrative duties are better left with staff level." Pompous dirt, gestapo leader, supporter and promoter of secret police and illegal clandestine measures against the public.