COUNTY ATTORNEY

Todd Thompson
Leavenworth County Attorney

Todd Thompson became County Attorney of Leavenworth County, Kansas, on January 12, 2009. Todd came into office with a vision of preserving the traditions of Leavenworth County. He continues to advance this vision by improving communication between the County Attorney’s Office and the public. The office is now more accessible and open to listening to the wants of victims and their families, has reopened the lines of communication with law enforcement, and ensures the public is made aware of the decisions and rationale of the office on cases. Further, Todd has ensured that the office prosecutes cases more ardently, ensuring that repeat and serious offenders receive the punishment they deserve. Criminals have been put on notice that the County Attorney’s Office will not be lenient in the prosecution of criminal activity. By taking a proactive role to ensure that criminals are off the streets, the citizens of Leavenworth County can enjoy a safe community.

Todd is a Leavenworth native; his family has lived in the community for over 160 years. Todd graduated from the University of Kansas and received his Juris Doctor from Washburn University School of Law. Before being elected, Todd was an Assistant County Attorney for Leavenworth County for five years, serving as the head of the Juvenile Division.

Todd serves, or has served, on various boards and communities:

• Current legislative chair, former president of the Kansas County and District Attorneys Association (KCDAA)
• Current board member and former president of the Leavenworth Bar Association
• Serves on the Kansas Taskforce for Lawyer Well-Being
• member of the National District Attorneys Association, serving on their special task force for review of the Pretrial Justice Reform Committee
• Is a member and serves on the Continuing Legal Education Committee for the Kansas Bar Association. 
• Is a member in good standing of the State Bar of Kansas, the United States District Court, and the United States Supreme Court
• Serves on the Community Corrections Advisory Board and has served on the Juvenile Corrections Advisory Board
• Is a board member of Saint John’s Hospital
• Is a board member of the Richard Allen Cultural Center
• Is a board member of the Leavenworth County Historical Society
• Serves on the Center for Research for Infant Survival involving co-sleeping death
• Helped establish the first community baby shower
• Has served on the board for the Leavenworth Child Abuse Prevention Counsel
• Has served on the board of the Multidisciplinary Child Protection Team
• Serves on the Equal Justice Initiative, helping the community remember those who were lynched without due process
• Has served as a member of the Board of Court Appointed Special Advocates
• Is the first prosecutor also to be the Chairman of the Kansas Continuing Legal Education Commission
• Beyond the multiple trials Todd has participated in, he has briefed and appeared for numerous arguments in front of the Kansas Supreme Court and Kansas Court of Appeals

 

Todd has also proposed multiple bills to the Kansas Legislation that have passed. These bills were all issues impacting our community. The first bill passed was brought to the Kansas Legislation because of a case involving an adult caught videotaping a child under 18 in their home without the child's or parents’ permission or knowledge for unknown reasons. This crime could only be charged as a misdemeanor. Todd lobbied for change and got a bill passed to increase the punishment to a felony. Todd also proposed a bill to make e-cigarettes illegal to anyone under 18. Todd worked with local law enforcement to propose a bill to increase the penalty for theft or criminal deprivation of a firearm from a misdemeanor to a felony. Also, making any burglary wherein someone steals a firearm from a residence or vehicle an Aggravated Burglary increases the penalty upon conviction. In 2014, Todd passed bills to stiffen the penalty for repeat offenders fleeing and eluding law enforcement officers. He also fixed courtroom procedural matters and continues pursuing legislation to protect corrections officers better. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Todd worked with the KCDAA to ensure speedy trials that would see justice through our justice system. 

 

Todd has taught for Upper Iowa University and is an active member of several Leavenworth County civic organizations.   Todd helped start one of the State’s first expungement events to help those with limited funds receive expungements if allowed by statute. Todd also has testified in U.S. Congress to protect the safety of citizens in Leavenworth and the neighboring counties.

Todd’s most recent project is helping found a Veterans Treatment Court in Leavenworth. Thanks to federal funds and participation by the First Judicial District Court, Court Services, and defense attorneys, they can help veterans in need.