“I defend people who have been charged with any felony or misdemeanor in both the state and federal courts.
As I have done throughout my career, I'll bring energy, experience and commitment to your defense. The primary focus of my practice is in the area of criminal law and criminal justice reform. As a former prosecutor, I have the knowledge and experience to quickly assess a criminal prosecution and to anticipate a police officer’s or prosecutor’s next move.”
Education
John Deckers is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh School of Law (1992), the University of Notre Dame (1988), and Salesianum High School (1984).
Bar Admissions
John has been admitted to practice law in the Supreme Court of the State of Delaware (1992), the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware (1998), the United States Court of Appeals, Third Circuit (2000), and the United States Supreme Court (2000).
Professional Work Experience/Accreditations
John has received an AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rating by Martindale-Hubbell®, the highest peer rating standard, for his ethics and professional ability. Martindale-Hubbell® is the facilitator of a peer review rating process. Ratings reflect the anonymous opinions of members of the bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings™ fall into two categories — legal ability and general ethical standards. The AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rating signifies that John's professional colleagues rank him at the highest level of professional excellence for his legal knowledge, communication skills and ethical standards.
John Deckers is an experienced trial attorney. John’s entire legal career has been comprised of trial-practice in both state and federal courts. Upon graduating from law school in 1992, John secured a position as Deputy Attorney General for the State of Delaware. During his career as a state prosecutor, John aggressively and successfully litigated the spectrum of criminal cases ranging from juvenile acts of delinquency to first degree capital murder. John also served as the Director of Delaware’s Drug Asset Seizure Unit, and he was a frequent lecturer at police academies and continuing education seminars for prosecutors and police officers.
Since 1998, John has been self-employed as a sole practitioner, primarily focusing his time and attention on criminal defense matters in both state and federal courts. During his career as a criminal defense attorney, John has aggressively and successfully defended persons charged with offenses ranging from juvenile acts of delinquency to first degree capital murder.
Other current aspects of John’s practice include: employment law (defense of teachers and law enforcement officers in administrative and/or criminal investigations), civil litigation (defense of individuals sued in tort cases, most notably persons in positions of authority and influence who have been accused of sexual abuse) and forfeiture actions (claims relating to the seizure and forfeiture of personal assets).
Current or Former Professional Affiliations
Delaware Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (DACDL)
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL)
Delaware State Bar Association (DSBA)
DSBA Professional Guidance Committee
Delaware Trial Lawyers Association (DTLA)
American Bar Association (ABA)
American Civil Liberties Union of Delaware
Current or Former Personal Affiliations
Notre Dame Club of Delaware
Northern Delaware Football Officials’ Association (NDFOA)
National Association of Sports Officials (NASO)
Delaware Secondary School Athletic Association (DSSAA)
Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association (DIAA)