MICHAEL G. THOMAS
Summary
Respected, Experienced, and Compassionate Jurist with credentials to mediate on questions of law between litigating parties. As a judge, I prepare to hear arguments and review evidence. I will be the unbiased ear that either renders decisions or ensures juries abide by the court's rules and come to reasonable conclusions regarding legal matters.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Associate Judge (Part-Time)
Travelers Rest Municipal Court
04.2025 - Current
- Ensured timely delivery of rulings by maintaining strict adherence to deadlines set forth by state laws and regulations.
- Balanced heavy caseloads effectively while maintaining strict attention to detail and accuracy in rulings.
- Assisted in jury selection and provided instruction and guidance to jurors during proceedings.
- Upheld integrity within the legal system by consistently applying ethical standards when making decisions or interacting with parties involved in cases.
Chief Judge (Part-time)
Springfield Municipal Court
03.2022 - Current
- Presides over trials and hearings
- Enforces rules of court
- Receives and reviews evidence
- Assists in monitoring jury selection
- Listens to arguments from plaintiffs and defendants
- Writes opinions and conducts legal research
- Monitors court proceedings and makes decisions regarding gray area issues
- Prepared written opinions to defend the rationale of rulings and inform the public of new legal precedents arising from the case
- Determined proper sentencing, monetary fees, and damages to be paid based on case facts and established guidelines
Criminal Defense Investigator
Office of the Public Defender,1st Judicial Circuit
06.2018 - 04.2025
- Locate and interview witnesses in person
- Prepare detailed reports based on interviews
- Prepare and maintain witness lists, timelines, and other case documents based on the ongoing investigation
- Keep an orderly case file, documenting all steps of casework
- Extensive research, record collection, and organization
- Conduct background/criminal history searches via databases, social media, courthouse searches, media outlets, etc
- Maintain contact with attorneys and the investigative team to provide regular case updates
- Assist attorneys with trail prep and testify in court
- Serve subpoenas
- Organize and prioritize caseload and manage calendar to complete work in a timely and efficient manner
- Assist team members with record collection, clerical duties, and other support
- Develop relationships with court clerks, record custodians, and others who help the team
Deputy Chief
Springfield Police Department
11.2018 - 03.2022
- Train and mentor staff on correct procedures to maximize efficiency and protect public trust
- Assist the Police Administration in maintaining the public trust by conducting administrative investigations of officers involved in criminal activities, use of force incidents, or violations of departmental policies
- Investigate complaints of misconduct, whether received from citizens or employees by department policy and procedures
- Process public Freedom of Information Law (FOIA) requests to ensure that sought information, reports, and documents can be released to the public
Narcotics Investigator/Lieutenant
Estill Police Department
08.2014 - 06.2018
- Enforced drug-related laws, serving warrants, apprehending suspects, and assisting the prosecution
- Served warrants for individuals and property searches
- Completed routine police reports after conducting investigations
- Testified in court using evidence compiled to apprehend criminals
- Managed surveillance of individuals, specific properties, and events
- Tracked information from sources, including patrol officers, community members, and confidential informants
- Adhered to agency standards and legal requirements when installing cameras and recording devices
- Performed undercover work, including maintaining the secret identity and organizing operational plans
- Collaborated with agents, businesses, and organizations to identify drug trafficking routes and dealers
- Implemented physical surveillance activities and managed informants
Chief of Police
Rowesville Police Department
02.2011 - 08.2014
- Established and enforced policies and procedures to achieve goals and objectives
- Conducted employee evaluations to review performance and provide constructive feedback to enhance the achievement of organizational goals
- Maximized efficiency through strategic staff assignment and equipment use
- Strengthened public relations through field, office, and event interactions
- Performed operations management oversight for employment, administrative functions, planning, and safety
- Built professional relationships with officers and supervisors to enhance communication
- Assessed personnel issues and suggested disciplinary action
- Set up investigations of major crimes and coordinated related actions with Federal and State law enforcement agencies
Education
Juris Master (JM) - General Law
Liberty University School of Law
Lynchburg, VA08.2024
Master of Arts - Organizational Leadership
Columbia College
Columbia, SC08.2022
Post Graduate Certificate - Legal Studies
University of South Carolina
Columbia, SC06.2020
Bachelor of Arts - Liberal Studies
Limestone University
Gaffney, SC12.2019
Associate of Applied Science - Criminal Justice
Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College
Orangeburg, SC07.2016
Skills
- Researching Skills
- Persuasion Strategies
- Critical Reasoning
- Analytical Thinking
- Court Procedures
- Criminal Investigations
- Interviewing Strategies
- Opinion Writing
- Public Speaking
- Dispute Resolution
- Legal Research
- Staff Supervision
- Multitasking
Certification
- Board of Magistrate and Municipal Judges, State of South Carolina, Supreme Court - August 2022
- Certified Class I Law Enforcement Officer, South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy - April 2006
- Group (2) Constable (Retired Law Enforcement) – February 2024.
Affiliations
- Past President, South Carolina Public Defender Investigators Association 2024-2025
- Member, South Carolina Summary Court Judges Association.
- Member of the National Judges Association.
- Past Secretary/Past Collegiate Advisor Eta Omicron Sigma Chapter, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
Timeline
Associate Judge (Part-Time)
Travelers Rest Municipal Court
04.2025 - Current
Chief Judge (Part-time)
Springfield Municipal Court
03.2022 - Current
Deputy Chief
Springfield Police Department
11.2018 - 03.2022
Criminal Defense Investigator
Office of the Public Defender,1st Judicial Circuit
06.2018 - 04.2025
Narcotics Investigator/Lieutenant
Estill Police Department
08.2014 - 06.2018
Chief of Police
Rowesville Police Department
02.2011 - 08.2014
Master of Arts - Organizational Leadership
Columbia College
Post Graduate Certificate - Legal Studies
University of South Carolina
Bachelor of Arts - Liberal Studies
Limestone University
Associate of Applied Science - Criminal Justice
Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College
Juris Master (JM) - General Law
Liberty University School of Law
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