Mark Thompson

Mark Thompson is a criminal defense lawyer specializing in OWI and DUI cases in Iowa City, Iowa. Through Thompson Law Office, he represents individuals facing serious criminal charges and guides them through complex legal processes. His practice centers on protecting clients’ rights, challenging evidence, and pursuing fair outcomes in court through criminal defense law. Over the course of his career, he has represented and advised clients in more than two thousand local criminal cases, building a reputation for thorough preparation and courtroom experience.

Mark earned his B.A. in Computer Science from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. He studied at the University of Iowa as an undergraduate before completing his degree. Thompson later attended the University of Iowa College of Law, where he earned his J.D. in 2004. During law school, he studied law at Oxford University in England. His academic training is focused on criminal law. He gained early experience working with a local criminal defense lawyer during law school and legal training

Mark handles criminal defense matters, with a strong focus on OWI and DUI cases, in his practice. In addition to private defense work, he served more than seven years as a Magistrate Judge in Iowa’s Sixth Judicial District. This role gave him valuable insight into courtroom procedures and judicial decision-making. He also served as defense counsel for the Johnson County Drug Treatment Court for over eight years, collaborating with prosecutors and probation officers to support rehabilitation and successful probation outcomes.

Mark Thompson also contributes to the legal community through education, presentations, and continuing legal education programs. He regularly participates in judicial conferences, criminal law seminars, and professional training events across Iowa. As a presenter and panelist, he has shared guidance on courtroom practice, legal ethics, criminal procedure, and professional development for attorneys and law students. Through his defense work and public service roles, he helps individuals navigate the justice system and pursue fair, lawful resolutions to criminal charges and related cases.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, TLO Thompson Law Office
• Member, Iowa State Bar Association
• Member, Association of Trial Lawyers of America
• Member, American Bar Association, Criminal Justice Section
• Treasurer, Dean Mason Ladd American Inn of Court Member
• Member, National Association of Drug Court Professionals
• Member, Iowa Association for Justice, Criminal Law Section

Licensed State

Education

•  University of Iowa College of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Luther College
  Bachelor of Arts

Awards & Badges