MICHAEL THOMAS
Orangeburg,US
Summary
Respected, Experienced, and Compassionate Jurist with the 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 rules of the court and come to reasonable conclusions regarding legal matters. Respected Judge with 2 years of bench experience and an uncompromising approach to legal adjudication. Background in criminal law, rules, and procedures. Dedicated to a faithful interpretation of laws with deference to legislative intent and purpose. Organized and dependable candidate successful at managing multiple priorities with a positive attitude. Willingness to take on added responsibilities to meet team goals.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Chief Judge
Springfield Municipal Court
03.2022 - Current
- Presides over trials and hearings
- Enforces rules of the court
- Receives and reviews the 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.
Criminal Defense Investigator
Office of the Public Defender, 1st Judicial Circuit
06.2018 - Current
- 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 and maintain relationships with court clerks, record custodians, and others who help the team.
Assistant Chief of Police
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
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 Community Ctr
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 - Law Studies
Liberty University School of Law
Lynchburg, VA01.2024
Master of Arts - Organizational Leadership
Columbia College
Columbia, SC01.2022
Post Graduate Certification - Paralegal Studies
The University of South Carolina
Columbia, SC01.2020
Bachelor of Arts - Liberal Studies
Limestone University
Gaffney, SC01.2019
Associate of Applied Science - Criminal Justice
Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College
Orangeburg, SC01.2016
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
Affiliations
- President, South Carolina Public Defender Investigators Association.
- Member, South Carolina Summary Court Judges Association.
- Member, National Judges Association.
- Recording Secretary, Eta Omicron Sigma Chapter, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
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
Timeline
Chief Judge
Springfield Municipal Court
03.2022 - Current
Assistant Chief of Police
Springfield Police Department
11.2018 - 03.2022
Criminal Defense Investigator
Office of the Public Defender, 1st Judicial Circuit
06.2018 - Current
Narcotics Investigator
Estill Police Department
08.2014 - 06.2018
Chief of Police
Rowesville Community Ctr
02.2011 - 08.2014
Juris Master - Law Studies
Liberty University School of Law
Master of Arts - Organizational Leadership
Columbia College
Post Graduate Certification - Paralegal Studies
The University of South Carolina
Bachelor of Arts - Liberal Studies
Limestone University
Associate of Applied Science - Criminal Justice
Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College
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