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John Anthony Manuel Boneta
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About John
Biography
John A. Boneta graduated from Catholic University, Columbus School of Law, magna cum laude (1993). He also has a Masters degree in criminal justice from American University (1984). Prior to graduating from law school, Mr. Boneta was a K-9 Police Officer in Arlington County from 1985-1994.
He was a Field Training Officer from 1988-1990, providing individualized training for recruit officers and local training on DWI laws and defensive tactics. During law school, Mr. Boneta completed internships at both the U.S. Attorney's Office in Washington, DC and the Office of the U.S. Marshal.
Mr. Boneta was an Assistant Commonwealth 's Attorney in Arlington from 1994 to 1996. He prosecuted criminal, traffic, and juvenile cases in General District Court, and conducted jury trials on Felonies in Circuit Court. He responded to motions and prepared grand jury indictments. He was in charge of handling all Habitual Offender cases (civil and criminal) and teaching DWI law and procedure for the Police Department. He was also a member of the critical and fatal accident prosecution team.
Prior to starting his own firm, Mr. Boneta was of Counsel to the national law firm of Speiser Krause, one of the oldest and more prestigious mass disaster and aviation accident firms in the country. He has also been a partner in the Fairfax law firm of Phillips, Beckwith, Hall and Boneta; and the associate attorney responsible for handling criminal cases for Baskin, Jackson, and Hansbarger.
Mr. Boneta has taught a variety of courses at Marymount University since 1997, including Racial and Ethnic Relations, Correctional Institutions, Cultural Anthropology, and Policing in America. Since 1994 he has taught at the Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Police Academy. Mr. Boneta has also taught numerous continuing legal education courses for the Virginia Bar on topics ranging from ethical issues in the practice of Criminal Law to DUI Defense, and the Use of Expert Witnesses. He was also appointed to the Falls Church City Commission on Public Safety and Human Relations in Falls Church, Virginia, in 1998.
Have you been arrested? Concerned about your job? Family? Freedom? Future? Let me help you through this trying time. As a former prosecutor, I'm the best suited to get you the results you need. Call me 24/7 for your free case review.
If you've been arrested and are concerned about your job, family, future or freedom, call now. I'm a former Virginia prosecutor and know how to get you the results you need.
If you've been arrest for DUI/DWI and are concerned about your job, family, future or freedom, call now. I'm a former Virginia prosecutor and know how to get you the results you need.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
DUI and DWI
50%
33 years
Criminal Defense
45%
33 years
Car Accident
5%
33 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2026 2025 2024
...
+
10
2015 2014
Licenses
Licensed in Virginia for 31 years
State: Virginia
Acquired: 1994
No misconduct found
Licensed in District of Columbia for 31 years
State: District of Columbia
Acquired: 1995
No misconduct found
Location
Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find John online.
John Anthony Manuel Boneta's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
141 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (141)
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Case Results (121)
Advocacy (82)
Recommendation (68)
Practice Area Knowledge (50)
Professionalism (48)
General Knowledge (31)
Communication Style (29)
Character & Conduct (26)
Responsiveness (18)
Trustworthiness (18)
Compassion (16)
Cost of Services (13)
Staff & Support (13)
Free Consultations (1)
Punctuality (1)
Showing 1 - 5 of 18 reviews | Responsiveness
Posted by James | March 14, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket
Delivered a great outcome!
I highly recommend John Boneta and team. When I needed help with a traffic issue, he very quickly organized a Zoom, listened to the situation and gave me concrete next steps to improve my case. After I followed up on all his recommendations, he handled everything at court, resulting in an almost idea...
Posted by Tatiana | February 11, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket
Reckless driving
My son received a ticket for reckless driving. John Boneta and his team took the case very seriously, responding quickly to all our inquiries. Ultimately, my son’s charges were minimized and we are grateful for the outcome along with the lessons learned from this experience. I highly recommend him a ...
Posted by Josh | September 12, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Exceptional legal representation
John and his incredible legal team worked me the deal of a lifetime, one that I'm not sure any other lawyer could pull off. I was facing some relatively serious charges carrying a decent amount of jail time and John's deal with the prosecutor minimized that far beyond my expectations. From my bail he...
Posted by Lucy | March 25, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Top notch
From the minute I consulted with John, I knew he was the lawyer to hire. He was in constant communication, offered sound advice, and his legal expertise is invaluable. Charges were dismissed. I highly recommend John to anyone facing legal issues. You will be happy to have him on your side.
Posted by Thomas | January 19, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Down to Earth Lawyer You Can Trust
I sought John's services during one of the lowest points in my life. I was accused of a crime that I didn't commit. From day one, I knew that I was in good hands (even though I stubbornly wanted to run the show). John did a fantastic job of not only handling my case, but also keeping me in check when...
John Anthony Manuel Boneta's Lawyer Endorsements
"I had the privilege of taking Mr. Boneta's Trial Advocacy Class at the University of Virginia, School of Law. At the conclusion of the course, all of the lawyers were better courtroom advocates. I am thankful for Mr. Boneta's instruction. And, highly recommend him."
"It is clear from John's education, experience and responses on AVVO that he is a knowledgeable and capable advocate who cares about his clients. I endorse this lawyer."
"I highly recommend Mr. Boneta, who is not only an exceptional attorney but also really cares about his clients. It can be hard to find that combination but he exemplifies both caring and competence. Any client is in good hands with Mr. Boneta."
"I endorse Attorney Boneta."
"I endorse this lawyer for his knowledge and his legal guides on this forum. Many potential clients have benefited from his thoughtful answers and detailed explanations. He is an asset to the legal community."
"John is an excellent attorney with a deep knowledge of the law and caring for his clients. He goes the distance, gets to know the clients' needs, and guides them through to conclusion of their matter. Advocate and counselor, he delivers great results."
"John is an excellent, skilled attorney who is an amazing advocate for his clients."
"John is an excellent attorney who gets great results for his clients. When I was a prosecutor, I knew I had to be on the top of my game when John was on the other side."
"I have known John for many years and he fights hard for his clients and gets good results. I have no hesitation in highly recommending John as an Attorney."
"John Boneta fights for his clients to be defended to the full extent of the law. He is very creative in his arguments which works to the benefit of his clients. I strongly endorse John Boneta."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"21 years of practicing criminal law is what we refer to as experienced. The fact that he was a former police officer, a former prosecutor and a current law school professor adds considerably to his high degree of expertise. knowledge of both criminal law and procedure is outstanding and evident in his pro bono contributions here. The prosecutors are well aware that he knows what they know. Look at and READ his client rviews, they are stellar. Do yourself a favor and schedule a consultation. If your lucky he might just agree to represent you. KUDOS"
"I endorse Mr. Boneta. I have seen him many times in the courtroom and working for his clients outside the courtroom. He is intelligent, and hard working, and has earned the respect of many."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer. A brilliant, trustworthy and highly respected attorney in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer. Outstanding trial attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known John for about twenty years and can say for sure he is the go to person for DUI/DWI and criminal matters. He is always professional and always prepared. Gets great results."
"An exceptional advocate! Intelligent, dedicated, creative, and very well respected in the community. I would not hesitate to recommend his services to anyone in need. I endorse Mr. Boneta with the utmost sincerity."
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Experience
Honors
2018
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2014
Appointment to The Criminal Justice Services Board, Virginia Governor
2010
Attorney with the mostest, Arlington County Bar Association
1993
Valor Award, US Police Canine Association
1992
Craven Cup Moot Court Champion, Catholic University
Work Experience
2020 - Present
Owner, Law Offices Of John Boneta
2010 - Present
Adjunct Professor, George Mason University School Of Law
2001 - Present
Owner, John A. Boneta & Associates, PLLC
2020 - 2020
Deputy Commonwealths Attorney, Director of Special Victims Unit, Loudoun County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office
2011 - 2016
Professor, George Mason Law School
2001 - 2001
Partner, Phillips, Beckwith, Hall & Boneta
1998 - 2001
Of Counsel, Speiser Krause, PC
1997 - 2014
Adjunct Professor, Marymount University
1996 - 1998
Associate Attorney, Baskin, Jackson & Hansbargar
1994 - 1996
Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney, Commonwealth Of Virginia Arlington County
1985 - 1994
K-9 Police Officer, Arlington County Police Department
Associations
1997 - Present
Fairfax Bar AssociationMember
1997 - Present
Bar Association of the District of ColumbiaMember
1997 - Present
Federal Bar AssociationFederal Bar
1994 - Present
Arlington County Bar AssociationMember
1994 - Present
Virginia State BarMember
1994 - Present
Region three USPCACanine Association
Sample of Legal Cases
Comm. V. Fournier
Not guilty
Comm v. Nuven
Reckless driving
Comm. v. Hall arl GDC
Charge DISMISSED
Education
1996
National College of District Attorney s Career Prosectuor Course
Certification
1996
National association of District Attorney's
Career Prosecutor Course
1993
Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1990
Fairfax County Police Canine Academy
Certified K-9 Handler
1985
Northern VA Police Academy
Police certification
1984
American University
MA - Masters
1983
Gettysburg College
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2014
Northern Virginia Police Academy
Moot Court for Police Recruits
2014
Marymount University
Cybercrime
2014
George Mason Law School
Trial advocacy
2014
Arlington County Bar annual CLE
DWI litigation
2011
Marymount University
Policing in America
2009
New Strategies and Tactics in Representing Clients
Defending Serious Traffic Cases
2005
Virginia DWI Seminar
Strategies in handling DWI/DUI Cases in Virginia
2004
Multi- Bar event: a Comparative Approach
Insight into General District Court Practice
2004
Arlington Bar CLE
DWI: The New Sanctions
2002
Annual Arlington Bar Association CLE
Ethical Considerations In Practicing Criminal Law
Publications
2014
Arlington County Bar Association
Successful representation in dwi cases
2005
Lorman Education Services publication
Strategies in Handling DWI and DUI Cases in Virginia
2004
Arlington County Bar Association
DWI: Update on the New Sanctions
2003
Arlington Bar Association
Ethical Considerations In Practicing Criminal Law
1999
State Bar CLE Books
Successful DWI Defense
Languages
Spanish
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Top Contributor
John earned significant contribution points in 2015.
Legal Answers
Q&A
If I want to hire an unpaid intern for less than 5 hours a week who isn't in school, what risks do I need to consider?
25 Jun 2022
Q&A
Can party refuse?
30 Jun 2022
Q&A
Am I going to have to do jail time?
15 Feb 2022