Brian Thompson is one of the founding partners of Silverman Thompson and chair of the firm’s Criminal Defense Practice Group. A Baltimore criminal attorney with over 30 years of experience, Mr. Thompson devotes his time to litigating criminal cases, DUIs, and other serious traffic matters. Mr. Thompson is a former prosecutor who has practiced exclusively criminal defense since leaving the Sate’s Attorney’s Office in 1998. He has since successfully defended thousands of clients in criminal cases ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies, including murder. 

Silverman Thompson is the largest law firm in the state of Maryland that practices criminal defense, allowing Mr. Thompson to assemble a team of experienced attorneys for every case. As an aggressive criminal defense attorney, Brian Thompson has spent years developing deep relationships with judges, prosecutors, and the legal community at large.  

Widely considered one of the best criminal defense lawyers and best DUI attorneys throughout Baltimore and Maryland, Brian Thompson has been recognized by SuperLawyers for over a decade and was named one of the top 100 lawyers in the state. Additionally, Mr. Thompson has dozens of 5-star Google reviews and a 5.0 (highest) rating from AVVO, proving he has the highest regard and recommendation from both his peers and clients. 

Assistant

Sheila Englehart
410.385.2228
senglehart@silvermanthompson.com

Education
  • University of Baltimore - J.D. - 1996
  • Towson University - B.A. - 1992
Practice Areas
  • Administrative Law
  • Criminal Defense
  • Criminal Defense-White Collar
  • Internet Crimes
  • DUI / DWI / Drunk Driving
Significant Cases

The real work of criminal defense is about making smart, strategic decisions that protect your clients’ future. Brian Thompson is known for his individualized approach to each client’s unique case, as seen in recent verdicts below:


  • Jury trial, not guilty on all charges: Baltimore County police officer accused of first-degree assault
  • Not guilty: First-degree murder case where the defendant was wrongfully accused but confessed to the crime
  • Motion for judgment of acquittal granted on all charges after the State’s case: Baltimore County police officer accused of conspiracy
  • Acquitted on all charges: Auto manslaughter in Harford County
  • Jury trial, not guilty in less than an hour: 16-year-old tried as an adult for conspiracy to commit first degree murder
  • Jury trial, not guilty of all charges: Baltimore County Police Officer charged with first degree assault in use of force case in Baltimore City Circuit Court. Immediately reinstated to full duty as police officer
  • Jury trial, not guilty of all felonies: Attempted first degree murder in Harford County. State seeking 25 years. Judge immediately releases from commitment
  • Found not guilty of all charges: Client charged with assaulting a security officer at Ravens Stadium during game. Successfully resolved civil case against stadium in confidential settlement in Baltimore City Circuit Court
  • All felony charges dropped: First degree rape. State seeking 30 years. Defendant enters no contest plea to misdemeanor offenses only and serves no jail sentence

Government Service
  • Chosen by Governor O’Malley to sit on the Baltimore County Judicial Nominating Committee, 2007-2015
  • Assistant State’s Attorney, Baltimore County State’s Attorney’s Office, 1994-1998
  • United States Army Reserve, 1986-1990
  • United States Army, 1984-1986
Honors, Awards, Appointments
  • The Best Lawyers in America - Criminal Defense: General Practice, 2021-2025
  • Maryland Super Lawyer in Criminal Defense, by Law and Politics, 2007 - 2011, 2013 - 2025
  • America's Most Honored Professionals, 2015
  • Top 100 Lawyers in Maryland by Super Lawyers Magazine, 2014-2015
  • Appointed by Governor O’Malley to Trial Courts Judicial Nominating Commission for Baltimore County (four-year term), 2007
Professional & Bar Association Memberships
  • Maryland State Bar Association
  • Bar Association for Baltimore County
  • Maryland Criminal Defense Attorney’s Association
  • Maryland Trial Lawyers Association

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