John Paul Thygerson

John Paul Thygerson

4.9
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 29 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Norwalk, CT
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI, Expungement, Personal Injury

8 Byington Place, Norwalk, CT

About John

Biography

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 50%

30 years | 3,000 cases

50%
DUI and DWI 35%

30 years | 1,500 cases

35%
Personal Injury 5%

30 years | 100 cases

5%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 45 minutes

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Connecticut for 29 years

State: Connecticut

Acquired: 1996

Administrative Suspension

No misconduct found

Location

Law Offices of John P. Thygerson

8 Byington Place, Norwalk, CT, 06850

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John Paul Thygerson's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

99 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 5 of 23 reviews | Communication Style

Posted by Jim | December 15, 2020 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

Knowledgeable, experienced and savvy

Arrested for DUI in Norwalk in the summer of 2016. Due to irresponsibility, ADHD, undiagnosed and untreated mental issues, and substance abuse, did not follow through with court ordered program for first offenders. Missed court dates, had other run ins with the law because of being on their radar, ...and ended up with four separate cases including MV cases, failures to appear, and a harassment case. Hired Attorney Thygerson in 2019 because it was clear help was needed to navigate through the court system. Then in 2020 COVID 19 happened and everything got pushed off, delayed, rescheduled for nearly 12 months. Attorney Thygerson always communicated clearly and timely. He made sure we knew when court dates were, what was expected, what would happen. Ultimately, he had the four separate cases consolidated, spoke with the prosecutors, and had some of the charges dismissed. He was completely honest and thorough in telling us what to expect and explains everything clearly. He is calm and professional and inspires confidence in your case. He takes the time needed. In this case, he dealt with the DMV and they rescinded a second requirement for an interlock device because we'd already had one before and complied with the order more than two years earlier. (Try talking to DMV yourself about something like that.) He suggested we get paperwork to prove successful involvement in a drug rehab program, and presented that on our behalf to the prosecutors. He knew what to do to get the best possible outcome. He has had enough experience with the system, with those accused, with court personnel, and with others in the legal profession and law enforcement that he can strategize and determine what is best to do in your situation. It's worth paying for that experience if you are unsure about being able to successfully navigate the system and / or if you have a complicated or less than ideal situation. The fact is, "equal justice" doesn't exist. It's going to be difficult for you if you don't have an "in", know somebody, or have a ton of money. Attorney Thygerson is experienced, very savvy, upfront, and good at what he does. He takes your situation seriously. You don't feel as if you're just a number to him, and he will not judge you. He treats his clients with respect. And he will get you a result that you would not have gotten without his help. He is highly recommended without reservation.

Posted by Anitha | August 19, 2019 | Hired Attorney

Misdemeanor Charges dropped

Mr. Thygerson was profession in our case and clear in his explanation on how he will tackle the case. Made sure we were updated on the case. Thank you Mr. Thygerson!

Posted by Norm | July 17, 2019 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

There are much better choices

Worked with Mr. Thygerson over the course of _five_ years. Spent $19,000 on a DWI case that had no speeding, collision , swerving, kids in the car, drugs/alcohol in the car or night driving with lights off, no BAC level or any other person involved . . and all I drove 925 feet. Pulled over for... doing a rear wheel burnout – in an all wheel drive car - an impossibility that Mr. Thygerson never even brought up after I told him multiple times. The only witness against me was the police officer. Mr. Thygerson strongly opposed me defending myself on the stand(so I didn’) and in the end I actually ended up spending time in jail - for accelerating hard to the speed limit. . Mr. Thygerson and I planned my whole defense and what I would say and do up on the stand and when it came time for me to take a stand — he said no, we’re way ahead and you’re not going to wreck this for me. That is verbatim for what he said while I’m about to stand in front of the judge. 38 minutes later I was in handcuffs on my way to jail. To Mr. Thygerson‘s credit this was his shortest verdict. Mr. Thygerson also is ill-informed about the routines of jail time stating “you probably can wear your street clothes” and never informed me to memorize phone numbers as you are not allowed to bring anything in with you and you will be strip-searched(EVERYWHERE) even if you spend 10 minutes there. Obviously, you can’t wear street clothes in jail. In my opinion he made some very bad choices. $19,000 later for the most minor of DWI cases where the only reason I was pulled over was because my car (GTR) looked like it was going fast. I was in far, far worse shape than if I had walked in on my own and took a plea deal. The police lied multiple times it was easy to prove them wrong but Mr. Thygerson never even pursue that one properly. The police even deleted the video for my arrest and still Mr. Thygerson did not capitalize on that and many other points – in my opinion. In Mr Thygerson’s defense he did give me multiple rides at times I had no transportation due to loss of my license. That being said, his help in that area does not offset his lack of ability in the court room - again, my opinion and my money- that he now has. I’ve found out that paying over $6,000 for a DWI without an accident/BAC is too much so $19k? Really? Then loose in 38 minutes? This whole event has cost me far more than $19,000. Choosing the right lawyer will make a huge impact on your life and in the end this simple DWI case where nobody was hurt, the car went straight down the road has cost me in excess of $50,000. I’m writing this because I feel Mr. Thygerson is not competent. I thought a lot before I wrote this but giving opinions on peoples professional abilities is what this website is about and I’ll be more than happy to back it up with more description if anybody would like to know what happened in my situation. It has so drastically affected my life. I had no idea that something like this could ever happen. This is my opinion and I’m sure every case is different but If I can save somebody from what I went through I’m going to do it. Even my probation officer was blown away at what happened to me. He read the whole court document I didn’t make his opinion on what I told him. He’s been a probation officer for 15 years and said he’s never seen anything like this before. In my opinion there are better choices. I’m not writing this anonymously and I will leave my email address if you would like to contact me.

John Thygerson

Replied last July 17, 2019

I am disappointed that Norm feels this way about the svcs I rendered & that he never contacted me before posting this review. Given certain misrepresentations & omissions I feel compelled to respond since Norm states his motivation is to warn potential clients away from me. Norm was stopped & arrested by the Norwalk PD at 12:40AM & charged with 4 offenses: Operating under the influence, Unsafe start, Failure to obey traffic signal & Operating an unregistered mv. After being pulled over, Norm was asked if he had anything to drink earlier, he admitted that he had. He was asked to exit his car & perform 3 field sobriety tests. After his arrest he came to see me about representation. During our mtg he described the events that led up to his arrest, the field sobriety tests & other information re: his personal & professional background. He also told me he possibly had a prior DWI incident yrs ago but "wasn't sure". At the mtg I told him my fee to represent him would be $3500 for all pretrial svcs. I also explained that if he chose to exercise his right to a trial there would be a separate trial fee he would have to pay. He understood & agreed to these terms. Also at this mtg I informed Norm that because he refused to submit to a breath test the CT DMV would suspend his license for 6 mos & he would not be eligible for a work permit for 3 mos. He expressed dismay at this because he lived in Fairfield County, worked in northern CT & commuted an hour+ every day to work. I explicitly advised him NOT TO DRIVE while his license was suspended. I explained that if he drove & was caught he would be charged with operating under suspension & face a mandatory min 30-day jail sentence if convicted. He ignored my advice & was pulled over near Manchester CT on his way to work during the active period of his suspension. He retained my svcs for this new offense & I went to Manchester Court to get the best possible result given the circumstances. When I meet with clients I always tell them they hire an atty not only for what they know but also for who they know. I knew that there were a couple of new prosecutors working in that courthouse. I navigated Norm's case to them & took advantage of their inexperience to get the charges dropped in their entirety. Norm didn't even have to appear or plead to any offense. He was relieved & happy that I kept him out of jail & achieved a result with no further impact on his license - on this very website he gave me a 5* REVIEW on 3/7/16. During my representation of Norm for the DWI I learned that he did in fact have a prior DWI & was convicted of the DWI in NY. This fact seriously limited our options since Norm was now legally ineligible for placement into the Alcohol Education Program, which is available for 1st time offenders. I appeared in court numerous times trying to convince the prosecutors to drop the DWI charge. They absolutely refused to do so. I did get the state to offer a plea bargain which would have resulted in no jail whatsoever, just a fine, probation & temp loss of license. Norm rejected this offer & insisted on going to trial. Norm agreed to pay the trial fee & we had a trial. I successfully convinced the judge to suppress 1 of the field sobriety tests & to give a positive instruction to the jury when it was determined the police didn’t retain the video of the booking process. After the state rested, I firmly believed we had established enough reasonable doubt to win. Norm & I talked about the risk of his testifying & we BOTH agreed that he wouldn’t. On 6/1/17 he was convicted of the DWI & acquitted on all the other charges. Despite facing a 6 mos jail sentence he was sentenced to only 48 hrs in jail with probation, fines & community service. Jury trials are always risky & I explained the risks to him. I truly believed we had won & that belief was shared by the court personnel & even the Judge who oversaw the trial. But there is no such thing as a “slam dunk” case for a defendant in a trial.

Posted by Ann | March 31, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket

Highly Recommend

John Thygerson was recommended to me by another local well respected lawyer. The charges were traffic violation related . John clearly explained the options and after deciding to pursue a court appearance, the charges were eventually dropped. John was professional, friendly and communicative the whol...e time. His knowledge and experience with the local court was a real bonus. I strongly recommend hiring John Thygerson.

Posted by anonymous | March 03, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Gun Charges Dropped

From the start John was very knowledgeable and his ability to navigate the judicial system is next to none. Each meeting I was current on what was needed and he helped to managed expectations. Through it all, John was able to go above and beyond to see that my charges were dropped by challenging stat...ements and bringing my side of the story to light. In the end, my weapon charges were dropped. Highly recommend John for criminal law

See All Client Reviews

John Paul Thygerson's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse John
Tanya Marie Bachand headshot
Tanya Bachand

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"John is a great lawyer, and very well respected in the community. I have referred several cases to him, and would trust him with members of my own family if the need arose. He is meticulous in his work and an outstanding advocate for his clients."

Frederick D. Paoletti Jr. headshot
Frederick Paoletti

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 13

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. JOHN IS A TRUE PROFESSIONAL. HE KNOWS THE LAW,RESPECTS IT AND WORKS WITH IT TO BENEFIT HIS CLIENTS. HE IS HIGHLY REGARDED BY HIS PEERS AND THE JUDGES BEFORE HE PRACTICES. HE IS A CREDIT TO THE LEGAL PROFESSION."

Joseph John Colarusso headshot
Joseph Colarusso

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 05

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Works hard for his clients with great results."

Daniel L. Kron headshot
Daniel Kron

DUI and DWI lawyer | Aug 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Simply said, John is a great DUI lawyer."

Christopher Young Duby headshot
Christopher Duby

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"John is aggressive and diligent. I would recommend him highly."

Matthew Morgen Maddox headshot
Matthew Maddox

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"John is outstandingly intelligent and conscientious. He is personally and professionally 100% invested in the work and advocacy that he dedicates to his clients. I am always confident when I refer a client to John that the client will receive top notch representation."

James O Ruane headshot
James Ruane

Unknown lawyer | Oct 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"As the current President of the Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, I endorse Attorney Thygerson. Attorney Thygerson is a member in good standing in our organization and a well regarded criminal defense lawyer in the state. He has shown a passion for criminal defense issues and zealously defends people charged with criminal offenses."

Susan E Guthrie headshot
Susan Guthrie

Criminal defense lawyer | May 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I refer all of my clients with criminal law matters to John Thygerson. He is extremely knowledgeable in this area of law and very skilled in representing his clients."

Judd S Nemiro headshot
Judd Nemiro

Unknown lawyer | Feb 05

Relationship: Other

"Hardworking and determined. I endorse this lawyer."

Douglas MacMillan Borthwick headshot
Douglas Borthwick

Personal injury lawyer | Nov 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Dmitriy Shakhnevich headshot
Dmitriy Shakhnevich

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 28

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer."

Hovanes Margarian headshot
Hovanes Margarian

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Andrew John Cates headshot
Andrew Cates

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Attorney Thygerson! We have been members of the Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyers Association together for many years and he has been a consistent valued leader and contributor to the community probably answering over 100 questions posed by other attorneys during that time. His reputation as a savvy and tenacious litigator is well earned and we are fortunate to have him on our side."

Charles Christian Young headshot
Charles Young

Criminal defense lawyer | May 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer as experienced, skilled, trustworthy and respected in our profession."

Sean Cleary headshot
Sean Cleary

DUI and DWI lawyer | May 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. A highly skilled and respected lawyer in the legal community."

Brian S Karpe headshot
Brian Karpe

Criminal defense lawyer | May 05

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer. He is recognized in the community as a knowledgeable and effective attorney."

John M O'Brien headshot
John O'Brien

Criminal defense lawyer | May 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. A brilliant and highly respected attorney in the legal community."

Robert M Fortgang headshot
Robert Fortgang

Unknown lawyer | Apr 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. As evidenced by the number of questions Attorney Thygerson has so generously answered, it’s clear that he has a superior understanding of his fields of practice, and is exceptionally well thought of in the legal community."

Robert Joseph Sciglimpaglia Jr headshot
Robert Sciglimpaglia

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 02

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. I know John to be a fierce advocate for his clients and is also highly competent and ethical. I am very confident in endorsing John and know that whoever retains him is in great hands."

Thomas Collins Leaf headshot
Thomas Leaf

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Attorney Thygerson is a well known and experienced advocate in the criminal defense bar. I have known him ever since I began practicing and have benefited from him as a resource. He covers a variety of jurisdictions and a variety of matters. If you are looking for a criminal defense attorney or personal injury attorney, Attorney Thygerson is an excellent choice. I recommend him highly and without hesitation."

View All Endorsements
Joseph John Colarusso headshot
Joseph Colarusso

Criminal defense lawyer

Matthew Morgen Maddox headshot
Matthew Maddox

Criminal defense lawyer

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Brian Karpe

Criminal defense lawyer

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Thomas Leaf

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Uswah Khan

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Edgar Reynoso

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Carlos Jimenez

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Fareesh Sarangi

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Kermit Milburn

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Evan Oshan

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Robert Slim

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Scott Camassar

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Cy Abdo

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Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2019

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2019

Super Lawyer- Criminal Defense, Thomson Reuters

2018

Super Lawyer- Criminal Defense, Thomson Reuters

2018

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2017

Super Lawyer-Criminal Defense, Thomson Reuters

2017

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2016

Super Lawyers-Criminal Defense, Thomson Reuters

2015

Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyers, American Society of Legal Advocates

2014

Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyers, American Society of Legal Advocates

2014

AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell

2014

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association

2013

Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyers, American Society of Legal Advocates

2013

Member, National Advocacy for DUI Defense

2013

Superb Rating, AVVO

2013

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association

2013

Clients Choice-Criminal Defense, AVVO

2012

Top Contributor, AVVO

2012

Client's Choice-Criminal Defense, AVVO

1992

Cum Laude, Fairfield University

Work Experience

2009 - Present

Owner, Law Offices of John P. Thygerson,LLC

2007 - 2009

Partner, Caldwell & Thygerson, LLC

2004 - 2012

Legal Commentator, WCBS Radio

1998 - 2007

Senior Associate, DePanfilis & Vallerie

Associations

2014 - Present

National College of DUI Defense

Member

2014 - Present

United States Supreme Court Bar

Member

2013 - Present

National Trial Lawyers Association

Member

2011 - Present

U S Bill of Rights Foundation

Member

2010 - Present

Institute for Liberty

Member

2009 - Present

American Civil Liberties Union

Attorney Member

2009 - Present

American Bar Association

Member

2007 - Present

Connecticut Bar Association

Member

2007 - Present

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit

Admitted to Practice

2006 - Present

Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyers Association

Member

2005 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

1998 - Present

Fairfield County Bar Association

Member

1996 - Present

District of Connecticut

Admitted to Practice

Connecticut Trial Lawyers Association

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Stae v Stiber

not guilty after trial

State v. Kelley

Case nolled just before jury selection.

State v, CV

Nolle

State v. Herlihy

Not guilty after trial

State v. Zager

Not guilty after trial

State v. Sebastian

DWI charges dropped due to evidentiary issues.

State v. Kramer

Not guilty after trial

In re Robert R.

Felony charges dropped, DCF findings reversed and case dismissed

State v. Marquis

Not guilty after trial

State v. Shtramel

Not guilty after trial

State v. Betencourt

Charges dismissed

State v. K.G.

probation

Anthem Health Plans v. Action Motors Corp.

Court ruled in favor of defendant (client) and affirmed on appeal

State v. Bartush

probation

State v. Cassetta

Charges dismissed

State v. Casseus

Charges dismissed

State v. Jordan

Not guilty after trial

State v. Koutinas

probation

State v. Eric Douglas

Not guilty after trial

See More Legal Cases

Education

1995

Yeshiva University, Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1992

Fairfield University

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2016

Know Your Rights When Dealing With The Police

Criminal Law

2012

Norwalk High School Shadow Program

Criminal Law

2012

Connecticut Criminal Defense Lawyers Association

The Use of Visual Aids in Trial

2012

Connecticut Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

"Panel of Victors"

2008

Fox News

Foreclosure Crisis Affecting the Rich

2002

Wilton PTA

Underage drinking and house parties

2000

Underage Drinking and the Legal System

Underage Drinking

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution