Free Consultation
$0 first 60 minutes
John Wallace Thurston
About John
Biography
John's practice is limited to criminal defense. He has handled a wide range of cases from kidnapping and rape to DUIs and other traffic offenses. His wife Elizabeth is also an attorney. They have three wonderful daughters and an energetic son.
In his off time, John enjoys traveling with his family (frequently to Disney World), scuba diving, and BBQing. John's smoked ribs have been called the best on the planet by many.
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
50%
24 years | 1,200 cases
DUI and DWI
50%
26 years | 2,400 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.
Search our directory
Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.
Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.
Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.
Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Kansas for 24 years
State: Kansas
Acquired: 2001
Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2016
Licensed in Texas for 25 years
State: Texas
Acquired: 2000
Location
Addair Thurston, Chartered
900 Poyntz Avenue, Manhattan, KS, 66502-5457
Gallery
Ad
Transform legal challenges into solutions.
Connect now to review your situation.
John Wallace Thurston's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 11 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | August 25, 2020 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Excellent
John took my case, despite it being outside his current realm of practice. Unfortunately, COVID struck as he took me on, causing much anxiety and uncertainty. He went above and beyond during this time to take care of my situation as quickly as possible. John is brilliant, efficient, and makes his cli...
Posted by Brian | March 27, 2020 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Professional and talented
I hired John Thurston after reading the reviews here. He is one of the best lawyers in town. I had previously met with other attorneys in the area and I was not impressed. John took my case and fought for me. Thank you for making an unpleasant situation bearable.
Posted by Blair | December 27, 2019 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Professional and Knowlegable
I really enjoyed working with John. We needed John on two instances and both had favorable outcomes. John is very straight forward and knowledgeable about the players at both the city and county levels. He is passionate about his clients rights, yet objective in the range of outcomes achievable an...
Posted by Ronell williams | September 26, 2016 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
THE BEST HANDS DOWN DONT WASTE YOUR TIME LOOKING FOR SOME ONE CALL SOMEONE WHO CARES AMD WILL GET THE JOB DONE CALL JOHN
I fired two lawyers before i got to john. The other lawyers would have got me out in jail and a felony on my record. John took my case look over it gave me a wounderful price and work with me on the payments. At the end of this case I'm walking away a free man and no felonies on my record. John show...
Posted by Paul | November 16, 2015 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Court Martial Defense
I hired John in 2007 to help defend me in a military Court Martial case. I was facing upwards of 6 years. John worked with my military attorney and I came out with a reductiion in rank, confinement to post and put out of the army. Best money that I have ever invested.
John Wallace Thurston's Lawyer Endorsements
"Endorsing John is easy yet hard. It is hard because I am limited in all of the good things I can say about him in the space allowed. It is easy because he is an excellent trial lawyer dedicated to not only doing the best job possible for his clients he is also dedicated to continuously learning to be a great lawyer. Furthermore he is an excellent teacher to other lawyers. I have had the great privilege to not only attend classes with John but to learn from him as well. Anyone hiring John is in great hands."
"Mr. Thurston is one of the most passionate advocates I have known. He works diligently for his clients and strives to ensure that he is at the forefront of DUI knowledge. I highly recommend to anyone who is seeking an excellent advocate to consider Mr. Thurston for their counsel."
"John is an excellent attorney and a great person. I absolutely endorse him in both regards. John has an excellent reputation as a top DUI defense attorney in Kansas. He is skilled in all facets of DUI defense from field sobriety training to advanced blood testing techniques and defenses. Whenever I need to refer a case in Kansas, I call John."
"I endorse Mr. Thurston. He is easily the most knowledgeable, experienced DUI attorney in Kansas. As an opposing counsel, he pursues his zealous advocacy with thorough professionalism."
"John is a great Kansas criminal practicioner I would recommend him if you ever need counsel there!"
"John Thurston has made tremendous strides in defending citizens accused of a crime in Kansas. He has the knowledge, experience and tenacious spirit to fight for great results for his clients. Defending DUI/DWI cases successfully requires advanced and superior knowledge of the machines and tactics of the officers, John has undertaken that specialized training and wields that in court on behalf of his clients. When you are looking for an attorney to fight for the best result on your case, look no further than John Thurston."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I met John Thurston at a national DWI seminar a few years ago. I quickly realized he was one of the brotherhood of DWI lawyers that cares about his clients and gives his all to obtain positive results in the courtroom. John made his presence felt over the years by contributing to our list servers and continuing to go to bat for his clients. John is a tried and true trial warrior with the desire to learn more and be the best lawyer in the courtroom. John is on the cutting edge of trial strategies and new techniques at winning without having to go to trial. John's ability to create problems with the State's case is something that should make the citizen accused come on board as soon as possible after being released from the jailhouse. I don't endorse lawyers lightly and I am aware that my credibility is on the line when I do so. It is without hesitation that I throw the full weight of my law offices behind this endorsement. The DWI Dude stands firmly behind John Thurston. Dude out!"
"John cares for his clients, is passionate about defending their interests and goes the extra mile to ensure they are taken care of when the need arises. Additionally, I know him to be smart, efficient and a consummate professional. I recommend him to anyone needing his help and advise."
"I am proud to endorse attorney John Wallace Thurston. I know him to be an excellent advocate for his clients and to work dilligently to fully develop all available defenses. A consummate professional and excellent communicator, Mr. Thurston is the type of attorney I strive to emulate in my own practice."
"John Thurston is one terrific DUI lawyer. I have met him at DUI defense seminars all across the country. John never fails to have a fresh approach and new ideas. Prosecutors must get awfully discouraged when they see his name on their cases. I proudly recommend him to you."
"Attorney Thurston is a true champion of the citizen accused of DWI. His persuasive skills make him an an exceptional advocate and formidable adversary. Without hesitation Attorney Thurston is a lawyer you can trust to assist you in your time of need."
"John is a one of a kind lawyer. He is dedicated to his clients and always staying on top of the law and science of DUI defense. I regularly see him at very advanced training courses. If you have been charged with DUI or any other criminal offense, John is your man."
"John is a tenacious lawyer dedicated to the defense of his clients. As an active member of the National College for DUI Defense and a frequent contributor to several listservs I monitor, he has demonstrated a depth of knowledge and level of expertise matched by few who might call themselves his peers. Drivers in legal trouble who hire John will have a talented and aggressive advocate in their court."
"John is one of the top DUI lawyers in the country. His reputation as such is well known within the legal community. His knowledge of the science of alcohol testing is unmatched. John and I have known each other for years and quite frequently I have sought his counsel defending my own DUI clients in Southern California. Call him. He is the lawyer you want defending you for a DUI."
"John is one of the very best criminal defense attorneys in Kansas, hands down. His dedication to knowing the most current state of the law and how to apply the law to his clients' defense is second to none. John is at the cutting edge of the latest DUI and criminal defense developments because of his commitment to learning what is being used successfully from around the country. He is a regular attendee at national continuing education seminars and has truly mastered his chosen craft. I recommend John without a moment's hesitation."
"John's dogged determination to uncover all of the facts and mistakes made in his client’s case is why I can wholeheartedly endorse him. He understands the science behind DUI Defense and knows how to apply it to his client’s cases. More importantly, he is sincere and dedicated in his beliefs that every citizen is entitled to the best defense and he delivers that."
"John is a top-notch attorney. His dedication to mastering the law and science involved in defending alcohol-related offenses sets him apart from his competition."
"John is one of those attorneys who take representing their clients to another level. He takes the time to learn the nuances of how to properly defend a DUI case and is tireless in applying the things e has learned to his client's cases. He goes above and beyond in trying to obtain a positive outcome for his clients. I highly endorse John and his work."
"John is among a select few nationally who communicate with lawyers all over the country to make sure he is abreast of latest trends and changes in both the law and science behind a DUI/DWI arrest. John continues to go to national seminars in an attempt to better educate himself when it comes to anyone charged with DUI/DWI. Nationally recognized by other DUI/DWI lawyers, his trial skills and understanding of the law and science in any DUI/DWI case make him the go-to attorney in his area in Kansas."
Brian Manchester
DUI and DWI lawyer
Nathan Dineen
DUI and DWI lawyer
Bryan Goldberg
Government lawyer
Kimberly Frye
DUI and DWI lawyer
Thomas Lemon
Criminal defense lawyer
Jessica Joyner
DUI and DWI lawyer
Paul Burmaster
DUI and DWI lawyer
Gabriela Vega-Acosta
Divorce and separation lawyer
Scott Wonder
DUI and DWI lawyer
John Webb
DUI and DWI lawyer
Robert Pottroff
Litigation lawyer
Krista Blaisdell
Criminal defense lawyer
Adam Tabak
Business lawyer
Ryan Russman
DUI and DWI lawyer
Andrea Hayduk
DUI and DWI lawyer
Jason Glass
DUI and DWI lawyer
Robert Leonard
DUI and DWI lawyer
William Maze
DUI and DWI lawyer
Seth Price
DUI and DWI lawyer
John Hunsucker
DUI and DWI lawyer
Experience
Professional misconduct
This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2016.
Censure issued in KS, 2016
updated on 12/27/2019Censure means the attorney did something wrong but may still practice law. The State censures the lawyer in hopes that he or she will not repeat the behavior. Details of the infraction are made part of the public record.
Honors
2014
Forensic Drug and Alcohol Lawyer Certificate, American Chemical Society
2014
ACS-CHAL Forensic Lawyer Scientist, American Chemical Society
2012
Drug Recognition Expert Training Certificate, Platt & Associates
2012
Standardized Field Sobriety Test Instructor Certificate, Platt & Associates
2001
Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Certificate, Kansas Highway Patrol
1999
Varsity Mock Trial Team, South Texas College of Law
Work Experience
2006 - Present
Founding Partner, Addair Thurston, Chtd.
2005 - 2006
Sole Partner, Thurston Law Firm
2003 - 2003
Adjunct Professor, Kansas State University
2002 - 2005
Associate, Huser Law Offices
2000 - 2002
City Prosecutor, City of Manhattan, Kansas
Associations
2014 - Present
Trial Skills UniversityFaculty
2014 - Present
DUI Defense Lawyers AssociationVice President
2014 - Present
DUI Defense Lawyers AssociationCharter Member
2013 - Present
American Chemical SocietyAttorney Member
2010 - Present
Flint Hills BreadbasketBoard of Directors
2004 - Present
Kansas Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2000 - Present
State Bar of TexasMember
2004 - 2013
American Bar Associationmember
2003 - 2014
National College of DUI DefenseMember
Sample of Legal Cases
City v. T.M.
Not Guilty Verdict
City v. S.Y.
Not Guilty
State v. N.K.
Verdict of Not Guilty
City v. C.S.
Not Guilty Verdict
State v. T.C.
Plea & Dismissal
City v. E.C.
Aquittal
State v. M.Z.
Dismissal
City v. C.M.
Acquittal
United States v. BB
Dismissal
State v. L.K.
Dismissal
City v. M.S.
Dismissal
State v. K.M.
Dismissal
State v. J.H.
Dismissal
Education
2000
South Texas College Of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1995
University of Kansas
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2016
KACDL Spring Seminar
Per Se DUID Cases
2016
DUI Defense Lawyers Association Mile High Seminar
Driving Under the Influence of Marijuana
2016
Diving Into a DUI Case
Driving Under the Influence of Marijuana
2014
Premier Ohio DUI Defense Seminar and Trial Skills Academy
DUI Trial Skills
2014
Blood Evidence in DWI Cases: Mastering the Science
DUI Blood Testing
2012
SFSTs and DUI Defense
Standardized Field Sobriety Tests
2011
Updates to Kansas DUI Law
DUI
2008
Winning DUI Defense Techniques
DUI Defense
2008
Best of CLE Live
DUI Defense
2007
Orientation to Kansas Practice
The Lawyers' Perspective
Publications
2015
Whitehall Printing
Kansas DUI Survival Guide
2015
Inside the Minds (Aspatore Books)
Understanding DUI Scientific Evidence
2012
The Manhattan Mercury
Don't Make Criminals Out of Good Citizens
2011
Pamphlet
Police Encounters 101
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
What do i do to get my speeding ticket deferred?
28 Aug 2014
Q&A
Should I request the officer be subpoenaed to my administrative hearing?
21 Aug 2014
Q&A
How serious is my MIP in Kansas?
05 May 2013