Michael DeBlis III

10+ Years of Experience

Michael is a passionate trial lawyer. He puts his heart and soul into fighting for his clients. Michael is a living example of the tremendous power that comes from combining passion, preparation, persuasion, and positive communication in the courtroom.

As a former public defender, Michael has defended the poor, the forgotten, and the damned against a government that has seemingly unlimited resources to investigate and prosecute criminal allegations. He has spent the last six years cutting his teeth on some of the most serious felony cases, obtaining results that have proven favorable for his clients. He knows what it’s like to go toe to toe with the government. In an adversarial environment that is akin to trench warfare, Michael has developed a reputation as a fearless litigator.

Michael graduated – cum laude – from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School. He then earned his LL.M. in International Tax and Financial Services at Thomas Jefferson School of Law, graduating summa cum laude. Michael’s unique background in tax law puts him into an elite category of criminal defense attorneys who specialize in criminal tax defense. His extensive trial experience and solid grounding in all major areas of federal taxation make him uniquely qualified to handle any white-collar case, no matter how sophisticated it might be.

Michael is known for his creativity, his charismatic personality, and his unyielding dedication to his clients. As a graduate of the National Criminal Defense College, Michael has trained under some of the best known criminal defense attorneys in the country. That experience has taught him that justice for a person accused of a crime is only won through a full understanding of the client and the case. To that end, Michael attempts to understand each client’s case as a convincing narrative, not just as a set of innocuous facts and arcane legal rules.

Michael is committed to understanding the needs of each client and tailoring a litigation plan to meet those needs. His courage and relentless work ethic have earned him a reputation as a zealous advocate and one of New Jersey’s rising stars of the legal profession.

Criminal Law
Criminal Appeals, Drug Crimes, Expungement, Fraud, Gun Crimes, Internet Crimes, Sex Crimes, Theft, Violent Crimes
DUI & DWI
Tax Law
Business Taxes, Criminal Tax Litigation, Estate Tax Planning, Income Taxes, International Taxes, Payroll Taxes, Property Taxes, Sales Taxes, Tax Appeals, Tax Audits, Tax Planning
White Collar Crime

Fees
  • Free Consultation
    Free half-an-hour consultation.
  • Credit Cards Accepted
    Mastercard and Visa
Federal Courts of NJ
Since 2007
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Languages

  • French:
    Spoken, Written

Volunteer Attorney
Legal Services of New Jersey (Low Income Tax Clinic)
2013 –

2013

Represented low-income taxpayers at all levels of dispute with the IRS, including appeals, tax court, and collection. Issues that I dealt with on a recurring basis included the earned income tax credit, tax liens and wage garnishment, refund denials, and innocent spouse relief.
Assistant Deputy Public Defender
New Jersey Office of the Public Defender
2007 –

2013

As a trial lawyer in the Monmouth County region of the New Jersey Office of the Public Defender, I represent indigent clients who are charged with indictable crimes. I have tried numerous felony cases including serious street crimes and white-collar crimes. I represent clients from arrest through trial, sentencing, and appeal.
International Tax Attorney
NZ US Tax
2012 –

2012

Provided tax planning, consulting, and compliance services to individuals and organizations with a tax presence in New Zealand. Conducted primary and secondary review of complex international tax returns and advised U.S. persons and multinational companies on the tax consequences of their international operations, including tax-efficient structuring of international transactions, effective use of tax treaties, and planning related to repatriation programs in order to minimize U.S. and foreign income taxes.
Thomas Jefferson School of Law
LL.M. | International Tax & Financial Services
2008


2011

Thomas Jefferson School of Law Logo
Western Michigan University Cooley Law School
J.D.
2003


2007

Activities: Member of the National Moot Court Team.
Western Michigan University Cooley Law School Logo
Rutgers University – New Brunswick/Piscataway
B.A. | French Literature
1996


2000

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Criminal Justice Section, American Bar Association

Member
2012 –
Current
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National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member, White Collar Crime Committee
2011 –
Current
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Section on Taxation, American Bar Association

Member, Committee on Civil and Criminal Tax Penalties
2011 –
Current
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Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers of New Jersey

Member
2009 –
Current
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Thomas M. Cooley Journal of Practical and Clinical Law

Member, Alumni Board of Editors
2007 –
Current
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Articles & Publications
Is That Worker An Employee? Part I
Tax Connections
November, 2013
Is That Worker An Employee? Part II
Tax Connections
November, 2013
Rippling Effects Of Simple Source Of Interest Rule
Tax Connections
November, 2013
Understanding The Source of Interest Rule Without Suffering A Migraine
Tax Connections
November, 2013
Hazards of Failing To File A Tax Return
Tax Connections
October, 2013

Strategic Decision-Making In Criminal Tax Cases – Part 1
Tax Connections
October, 2013
Strategic Decision-Making In Criminal Tax Cases – Part 2
Tax Connections
October, 2013

Websites & Blogs

Website
Website

1012 Broad Street
Bloomfield, NJ 07003
US
Cell: (973) 337-9473