Levi Thomas

PARTNER

levi@ch-llp.com | LinkedIn | 817.415.2034

Levi Thomas is a former federal prosecutor with thirteen years of experience leading complex investigations and high-stakes litigation at the trial and appellate levels. He is a discerning counselor who guides clients through challenging situations by uncovering the truth and charting a clear path forward

Widely regarded as a skilled investigator, Levi has extensive experience in complex and high-stakes matters. He has led hundreds of investigations into criminal activity and regulatory violations, bringing a depth of expertise from over six years with the U.S. Department of Justice and three years with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Leveraging his comprehensive understanding of the tactics and methods of government investigators and prosecutors, Levi provides sophisticated corporate and white-collar defense strategies, prioritizing the resolution of matters before the filing of formal charges. He is adept at guiding clients in responding to grand jury subpoenas, search warrants, target letters, and other government inquiries, and preparing witnesses for every stage of the investigative and litigation process.

A seasoned and unshakeable litigator, Levi has tried numerous jury and bench trials to verdict in federal district court and handled multiple appeals in federal circuit court. Prior to joining Castañeda + Heidelman, he served as a federal prosecutor in the Fort Worth office of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas, where he investigated and prosecuted over 450 criminal cases. He previously served as counsel with the Department of Homeland Security, where he supervised investigations, advised management, and litigated national security and immigration matters. An adept legal writer and appellate advocate, Levi began his legal career as a clerk for Judge Catharina Haynes of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit and Judge Zack Hawthorn of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas.

Levi also leverages his experience to provide employment and outside general counsel services to businesses and non-profits, helping organizations thrive through the proactive implementation of best practices and organizational controls.

In addition to his practice, Levi serves as an Adjunct Professor of Law at Texas A&M University School of Law, where he teaches White Collar Crime and Criminal Sentencing. A graduate of New York University School of Law, Levi distinguished himself as a Senior Executive Editor of the Law Review and a Fellow of the Center on the Administration of Criminal Law. Prior to his legal career, he obtained a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Texas A&M University, where he was a member of the Corps of Cadets, Ross Volunteers, and Mays Business Fellows.

Levi’s wife and three kids are his pride and joy. Together, they are passionate about camping, hiking, fishing, and exploring our national parks and public lands. He serves as a Deacon at Midlothian Bible Church, where he is devoted to mentoring students and fostering authentic community.

  • Investigated customs cargo theft by corporate employees of pallets of imported high-end electronics from a customs bonded warehouse.

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    Managed investigations of multiple government employees engaged in workplace and criminal law violations, including receipt of bribes, smuggling into secure facilities, and inappropriate workplace relationships.

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    Conducted a variety of investigations involving violations of the National Firearms Act, the Gun Control Act, and the Arms Export Control Act.

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    Oversaw numerous investigations involving the commercial use of drones (unmanned aerial vehicles) contrary to federal law and Federal Aviation Administration regulations.

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    Led investigation of business owner engaged in criminal and regulatory violations of federal firearms laws, currency reporting requirements, and tax laws.

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    Directed multiple passport, document, and visa fraud investigations.

  • Successfully tried to jury verdict in U.S. District Court in Fort Worth, Texas, a multi-count bank fraud conspiracy case involving public and private entities.

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    Successfully tried to jury verdict in U.S. District Court in Fort Worth, Texas, a case involving sexual abuse of a minor.

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    Successfully defended multiple criminal cases on appeal before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.

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    Successfully tried to verdict in U.S. District Court in Fort Worth, Texas, multiple cases involving federal firearms violations and violent crimes, including robbery.

Education

  • New York University School of Law, J.D., cum laude

  • Texas A&M University, B.B.A. in Finance, summa cum laude

Clerkships:

  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit 

  • U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas

Bar/Court Admissions

  • State Bar of Texas

  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit

  • U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas

  • Eldon B. Mahon Inn of Court, Barrister

  • Federalist Society, Fort Worth Lawyer’s Chapter

  • The Advocate Journal, Associate Editor (State Bar of Texas–Litigation Section)

  • Texas Aggie Bar Association

  • Christian Legal Society

  • Federal Bar Association

Publications and Speaking

  • U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and Fort Worth Police Department, Fort Worth, Texas, Presentation on Investigating and Charging Federal Criminal Cases through Undercover Operations, 2025

  • Dallas–Fort Worth Airport UAS Working Group, Presentation on Federal Regulations and Criminal Charges Related to Drones and Lasers, 2024

  • U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives Advanced Undercover School, Federal Law Enforcement Training Center, Legal Instructor on Investigating, Charging, and Litigating Federal Criminal Cases based on Undercover Operations, 2023

  • U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of Chief Counsel, Training Presentation for Attorneys on Family as a Particular Social Group, 2016

  • Note: How Does One Operate or Manage an Enterprise? Insights from Boyle v. United States, 87 N.Y.U. L. Rev. 284 (April 2012)