Sophisticated Criminal Defense Representation In State And Federal Matters
At the Law Office of Thomas A. Johnson, we understand that our clients seek our help during some of their most trying times. Our firm is widely recognized for its dedicated client advocacy and relentless pursuit of justice in every case. We are prepared to work hard to secure the best available outcome in your case.
Dedicated, Proven Advocates
Attorney Thomas A. Johnson has more than 35 years of experience in criminal law. As a former prosecutor, his experience on both sides of the aisle has included more than 140 jury trials. His ability to handle the pressure of high-profile cases has been demonstrated in some of the most complex criminal and civil cases in California. He is recognized in Sacramento as one of the region’s prominent criminal defense lawyers.
Making A Difference For Our Clients
When the government is prepared to bring the full weight of its influence down on you, it is important that you have a qualified criminal defense lawyer with the ability to effectively handle your case. At our firm, we have successfully defended cases involving diverse legal issues such as mortgage fraud and homicide.
Our firm offers comprehensive representation at both state and federal levels, with a focus on federal law. Our caseload includes difficult cases involving drug crimes and felony DUI. We prepare every case as if it will go to trial, and only recommend a plea agreement if we truly believe that it represents the best possible result.
When we have the chance, we often succeed at getting civil and criminal investigations stopped before major penalties are incurred or criminal charges are filed.
Contact Our Sacramento Office To Discuss Your Criminal Defense Needs
We are here to provide honest answers to your questions and explain your legal options. We invite you to schedule an appointment with an attorney regarding your criminal defense needs.
To get started, please call 916-248-8598 or toll free 866-974-4316, or contact us via email.
Thomas A. Johnson’s History
Attorney and Owner, October 2007 – Present
Law Office of Thomas A. Johnson – Sacramento, CA
- Federal and State criminal defense such as bank fraud, mortgage fraud, securities fraud, tax fraud, wire fraud, and anti-trust.
- Completed 30 Jury Trials in Federal and State Courts over the past 16 years.
Supervising Deputy District Attorney, 1995 – September 2007
Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office, Sacramento, CA
- Homicide Prosecutor 1995-2001. Tried to verdict 24 homicide trials, including two capital cases. Determined manner and means of death in each case.
- Domestic Violence Death Review Team Chairperson 2001-2006. Studied the cause of death of each case of domestic violence homicide in Sacramento County to determine cause of death and system failures that may have led to the homicide.
- Supervised the Domestic Violence Team, 2002-2006.
- Completed over 110 jury trials over 22 years, including white collar crime, special circumstance homicides, sexual assaults against women and children.
- Instructor Domestic Violence Homicides, California District Attorneys Association 2003-2004.
Assistant United States Attorney, 1991 – 1995
U.S. Department of Justice, Eastern District of California – Sacramento, CA
- Organized Crime, Drug Enforcement Task Force Prosecutor.
- Prosecuted organized narcotic trafficking including crime syndicates, outlaws of motorcycle gangs, crimes of violence, money laundering, tax evasion, and drug trafficking. Prosecuted healthcare fraud.
- Prosecuted the single largest bank robbery conspiracy in history of the district, 1995.
Deputy District Attorney, 1985 – 1991
Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office, Sacramento, CA
- Prosecuted felonies and misdemeanors.
- Prosecuted sexual assaults against children, 1988 – 1991.
Education
Juris Doctorate, May 1985
University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law – Sacramento, CA
Bachelor of Science, Business Finance and Economics, 1981
University of San Francisco – San Francisco, CA
Community Leadership
Mercy Foundation, 2015 – Present
Chair – Board of Trustees
- Chair of Board of Trustees for fundraising arm of Commonspirit Health
- Served as Vice Chairman on Finance/Audit Committee
- The Mercy Foundation raises approximately $7 million annually to fund homeless shelters, schools, specific medical equipment, housing for veterans, and funds for the disadvantaged and marginalized. The Board of Directors, 20 members, is comprised of a diverse group of community leaders.
- After the death of George Floyd, created the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
Sacramento Regional Family Justice Center, 2018 – 2021
Board of Directors
- Non-profit organization helping victims of domestic violence, elder abuse, human trafficking, sexual assault, and child abuse.
Cristo Rey High School, 2008 – 2018
Chair, Board of Directors
- A private school focused on economically disadvantaged students where employers pay part of tuition in exchange for student work. Approximately 400 students and a $3.7 million annual budget.
- Led board on a $10.5 million capital campaign to build a new school in 2015.
Eastern District of California, Conference Planning Committee, 2014 – 2016
WEAVE, Women Escaping a Violent Environment, Member, 2003 – 2009
President, Board of Directors, 2004 – 2007
- Non-profit organization serving the needs of the men, women, and children who have experienced domestic violence or have been sexually assaulted.
- Led the Board of Directors, 18 members, on a capital campaign to raise $5 million to build a safehouse in 2008.
Volunteers-In-Parole, Board of Directors, 1995 – 1998
- Mentored parolees to help with life skills.
Awards and Honors
- United States Department of Justice, Integrity Award, 1995
- Prosecutor of the Year, 1996
- Northern CA Super Lawyers, 2008 – 2023
- Sacramento Business Journal – Best of the Bar, 2009 – 2023
- Top Criminal Defense Attorney, Sacramento Business Journal, 2011
- Best Lawyers in America, 2014 – 2023
Sacramento Magazine – Sacramento’s Top Lawyers, 2016 – 2022