John Anthony Manuel Boneta

I made a horrible mistake of drinking and driving after going to a Christmas dinner on December 21, 2015. I was initially pulled over for speeding, but after cop smelled alcohol and conducted the field sobriety test. I was booked soon thereafter and charged with DUI in Fairfax County with a BAC of ...0.10 and 0.11. I was miserable because I had gotten arrested 5 years ago in Arlington County for DUI, but since I only blew 0.05 BAC they gave me a nolle prosequi and amended the charge to a Reckless Driving. I vowed to then never drink and drive ever again. Five years later, here I am getting arrested again with the same offense. I knew I was in trouble and hated myself for it. John was referred to me by a cop in Arlington County, ironically enough. After meeting John and Andrew; the latter attorney is one of his associates at the firm, my initial impression of them were mostly positive. I was impressed with Andrew’s attention to detail and his methodical approach towards strengthening my case. John was a former cop and prosecutor, so I was confident he has the expertise to get the best possible outcome. But I still wasn’t 100% sure they will fight for me all the way. After consulting a few DUI attorneys, I concluded John and Andrew were the best team and retained them as my counsels. After retaining them I made some lifestyle changes and committed to being a good citizen. They advised I be patient during the waiting period, but having a DUI charge lingering over your head made it very challenging. During this time period, John assured me that he was the best DUI lawyer and would do everything in his power to get a favorable outcome and this provided peace and comfort. They advised I start on their mitigation package, which I completed before my court date, but I still didn’t know what was going to happen. The Prosecutor assigned was Fairfax County’s best DUI prosecutor and would not offer a plea deal at all, so my case got continued 3 times. I, unfortunately, ended up getting the same prosecutor again. So we went to trial and the rest is history. John was exceptional once the case went to trial. His opening statement was brilliant, and this really set the tone for the entirety of the trial. I felt like John was a surgeon, knowing the ins and outs about legal elements to suppress and discredit the arresting officer’s testimony. John continued to tear apart officer’s testimony and his report, given that the arrest video contradicted officer’s claims. John fought tooth and nails with the prosecutor about every evidence presented and discredited them. It almost felt the jostling between John and the prosecutor was a heavy weight title fight, but John was clearly the better attorney in that court room. To put it simply, John was more eloquent, detailed oriented, and delivered objections which led him to controlling the momentum of the trial. As the trial progressed, I felt good about my chances but still wasn’t sure how things would pan out. When the judge read the verdict and stated that Prosecutor did not prove beyond reasonable doubt and dismissed my case, I started crying. I was so elated and hugged John and Andrew. John and Andrew, I want to thank you for your exceptional work. You guys make an exceptional team. John is truly a brilliant trial lawyer and even a better person. I am truly blessed they both were my attorneys. I will give John and Andrew my highest recommendations! Sincerely, TS

I was in a really tough spot and Mr. Boneta and his associates were highly recommended. First offense DUI with BAC under .15. Both times we appeared in court, the prosecution wasn't willing to negotiate and would only offer the standard: 12 months restricted license, ignition interlock device, ASAP p...rogram, etc etc. Considering this was a first offense with zero prior offenses and a perfect driving record, this was extremely scary as I've never even done so much as hurt a fly before. Second court appearance, Mr. Boneta presented my case through trial before the judge. He argued with complete professionalism and without backing down. Every time the prosecutor tried to prove meeting the state's burden for conviction, Mr. Boneta knew exactly how to counter and demonstrated that he was thorough and obviously does his homework. With huge relief, the judge ruled in my favor and I was found not guilty. Without hesitation, I would highly recommend he and his associates in the future!

I met with several lawyers before meeting with Mr. Boneta and as soon as I met with him I knew that he made me the most comfortable about my case and had a certain confidence that spoke louder than words. We were up a difficult case that involved a DWI 1st Offence >.20 charge. Mr. Boneta had confiden...ce through the whole process that we would be able to drop down the charge to include as little jail time as possible since Virginia has mandatory minimums. He asked me to perform some mitigation such as community service, a safe driver's course, and on my part participation in AA. These steps helped not only the case, but helped me fully realize the gravity of my actions and the things I needed to do to atone for them. On the day of court the prosecutor came in guns blazing with three officers involved and security camera footage of the entire incident. Upon seeing the tape the prosecutor wanted to rescind his previous offer to drop the BAC below .2. However, Mr. Boneta stepped up again and said that was not going to happen. He had found several evidentiary errors and privately brought these to the attention of the prosecutor. In the end, the prosecutor agreed to drop the charge to regular DWI with a BAC of .14 which included no mandatory minimum and would help greatly in terms of insurance. I cannot thank Mr. Boneta enough for going to bat for me personally and for taking the risk of asking to reduce jail time even in the face of such evidence as the recording of the incident. I would recommend him to anyone and would not hesitate to go to him again.

John is an exceptionally well-versed attorney, prides himself on making sure the best possible outcome is achieved for his clients no matter how many times he has to fight for it in court, and is an all around wonderful human being. After being charged with a DWI, I was horrified at the possible impl...ications, but John and his colleagues at the firm immediately made me feel that they had things in hand and would be able to defend me effectively, should we need to go to trial. Everyone at the firm was extremely professional, quick to respond when I had questions, and John put me at ease right out of the gate. We came out of negotiations with the prosecutor with the best possible plea bargain, and I couldn't be happier. If you're questioning whether this firm is worth the cost, I can tell you that it would be the best money you've ever spent - you'll immediately feel as if you're their only client, that your defense is in the best possible hands, and be comforted by the knowledge that they will continue to fight to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.