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Joseph Lewis Norton III
also known as Jay Norton
About Joseph
Biography
Jay Norton is an aggressive lawyer practicing primarily in the areas of Kansas DUI defense and criminal defense. He recently authored the definitive how-to guide for Kansas lawyers to defend DUI cases, "Kansas DUI Defense, The Law and Practice", published by Lawyers & Judges Publishing Company.
Mr. Norton handles all manners of criminal cases from DUI to major felonies and homicides in the municipal and district courts of eastern Kansas. He has developed a strong reputation for obtaining dismissals, acquittals and other favorable dispositions for his clients over the last two decades. Mr. Norton was selected for inclusion in Super Lawyers for the past 16 years and named Best of the Bar for Criminal Defense by the Kansas City Business Journal in 2012.
To view current Kansas DUI & DWI information posted by Mr. Norton, click here for the Kansas DUI Blog
Mr. Norton emphasizes a thorough discovery and pretrial motions practice in DUI and criminal cases to maximize the potential benefits to those he represents. Mr. Norton is a member of the Kansas Bar Association, the Johnson County Bar Association, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Kansas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the National College for DUI Defense, and is a Fellow of the Johnson County Bar Association. He is the state delegate for Kansas for the National College for DUI Defense. He can be found in court on daily basis fighting for his clients.
By the way, my full legal name is Joseph Lewis Norton III, but I go by Jay. AVVO has to list me by the name the Kansas Bar Association has me listed under, which is my legal name.
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
DUI and DWI
80%
32 years | 2,000 cases
Criminal Defense
20%
32 years | 500 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Kansas for 31 years
State: Kansas
Acquired: 1994
No misconduct found
Location
Law Offices of Joseph Lewis Norton III
9200 Indian Creek Parkway, Suite 450, Overland Park, KS, 66210
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Joseph Lewis Norton III's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 33 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | December 12, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
The good and bad!
I have used Mr. Norton on two cases. The first in 2021 and then more recently in 2024/25. I have to be completely honest. The first time around, I was beyond impressed. This last time, he clearly changed. He was not as communicative, impatient, did not know all the facts from the evidence at trial, e...
Posted by anonymous | May 9, 2022 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Beat Lenexa
Jay took it all the way (trial) and we won. Highly recommend his law firm. Best DUI lawyer in the KC Metro. Hands down.
Posted by Jeff | August 16, 2021 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
very satsified
Jay was extremely accessible and answered my questions quickly when they came up. He is very knowledgeable and knows how to handle things in court. Jay is nonjudgmental about your charges. I also had a friend that had a similar experience. Highly recommended.
Posted by anonymous | June 29, 2021 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Most competent DUI/DWI attorney money can buy
Jay Norton is the best attorney money can buy in Kansas City to defend you in your DUI - DWI case. I literally called 6 attorneys in the area based off of online reviews and 4 of the 6 recommended Jay - one even went as far as to say that they would hire Jay if they had a DUI - and this is someone th...
Posted by Sam | April 16, 2021 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
DUI Dismissed
I got arrested on charges of a DUI and never thought I would be in that situation. I never had a ticket in my life and was in a situation I didn't need. Next morning I called 3 lawyers, Jay being the last one. First one said to look up a case in which someone didn't get off their charges but said I h...
Joseph Lewis Norton III's Lawyer Endorsements
"I have known Jay for over 20 years. He is certainly one of the premier DUI attorneys in the Kansas City area. He has earned a stellar reputation for being aggressive with his DUI defense, and getting excellent results for his clients. He always returns his calls, is excellent in his communication, and is super knowledgeable in his field. All of the traits that have earned him the status as one of the top DUI lawyers in the Kansas City area."
"Superior skills with vast experience in defending clients caught in relentless cycle of DUI prosecution. He is an attorney I would always recommend to a friend or family member."
"I endorse Joseph. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"Jay Norton is nationally known in the DUI-DWI defense community based open his constant participation in national DUI-DWI "think tank" list serves where he assists less experienced attorneys to answer numerous questions about the details of law practice in this area. He has built a sterling reputation in the Overland Park area of Kansas for fighting and winning the large majority of his clients' cases. Consult with Jay before hiring another attorney with less experience and a less comprehensive grasp of Kansas DUI-DWI laws."
"I endorse this lawyer. His willingness to contribute to the AVVO community along with the substance of those contributions displays an attorney that is ready, willing and able to zealously advocate for his clients. I wouldn't think twice about referring a potential client to Mr. Norton."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Jay is one of those attorneys that other young attorneys should aspire to be. He is focused, organized and has total control in a courtroom. Not only is he a master in his field, he provides mentorship to young attorneys. I highly recommend Jay to any DUI client in the Kansas area."
"Jay is regarded among the Johnson County Defense Bar has having the highest command of the ever-changing Kansas DUI laws. I find myself frequently calling Jay for input on an obscure DUI issue. If I ever found myself in need of representation on a DUI - which could happen to anyone - I would hire Jay Norton."
"I endorse this lawyer. Joseph Norton is, first and foremost, a litigator. He is not scared to walk into a courtroom and take control. Add his knowledge of science to the mix - a "must have" - if you are a DUI lawyer, and you have the makings of a star."
"Jay is a well known and respected criminal defense lawyer. He is knowledgable in a wide range of topics, but is best known for his DUI work. I have known Jay for at least 10 years and would not hesitate to refer my clients to him."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Mr. Norton since he first began practicing and he has always had a stellar reputation among the bench and bar. I do not hesitate to refer clients to him, as I am confident they will receive the absolute best representation available."
"Attorney Norton III is among the most highly trained DUI defense attorneys in the United States. His law firm has been successful for years in the Kansas City area guarding the rights of motorists and others accused of crimes. Attorney Norton III works every year to stay at the cutting edge of DUI defense, and I would not hesitate to recommend his services to my friends or family."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. As a member of the National College for DUI Defense, Jay is committed to providing cutting edge DUI defense. The National DUI College members represent the most experienced DUI defense attorneys in the country. DUI cases are especially complex because they require defense counsel to understand BOTH scientific and legal issues. Jay has the requisite knowledge and experience to provide the best defense possible. If you are looking for exceptional representation, I would strongly recommend that you contact Jay Norton."
"Having been a member of the National College for DUI Defense for 10 years now, and having traveled throughout our country attending a multitude of annual DUI defense seminars, I have been privileged with getting to know many of our nation's finest DUI defense attorneys. Jay Norton is undoubtedly amongst this group. His dedication and committment to his profession, to his craft and to his clients is second to none. I would not hesitate to recommend or refer Jay Norton to a citizen in need."
"Jay is one of the best DUI defense attorneys in Kansas. He is dedicated to his clients and their cases. He takes the time to travel to national seminars to further his knowledge about the science of DUI defense. I would whole heartedly endorse Jay to anyone who asked."
"Jay Norton has been recognized as a Kansas City SuperLawyer. Jay is a true DWI defense advocate. I know him as an active member of the National College of DUI Defense. If you want to put up a fight, Jay will lead the way and guide you through each step."
"Attorney Norton is known as a man of action, but beyond that he is known as a true litigator. He intelligently and aggressively fights on a daily basis for the benefit of the citizen accused. He uses his reputation, knowledge and experience to try to minimize or eliminate the consequences that may come."
"I have known Jay Norton since we first began attending the National College for DUI Defense specialized DUI training, more than a decade ago. He is a fierce and knowledgeable advocate for the people he defends."
"Jay has put in a tremendous amount of time and energy becoming proficient as a DUI attorney. His efforts have produced results for his clients that most lawyers would be proud to attain but don't because they lack Jay's dedication and ability. If you're in his neck of the woods and need a quality lawyer. He's your man.."
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Experience
Honors
2022
President's Award, Kansas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
2018
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2017
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2016
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2015
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2014
SuperLawyer, Kansas, SuperLawyers
2013
SuperLawyer, Kansas, SuperLawyers
2012
Top 100 Trial Lawyers in America, National Trial Lawyers Association
2012
Super Lawyer, Kansas, SuperLawyers
2012
Best of the Bar, DUI & Criminal Defense, Kansas City Business Journal
2011
Winter Session Orlando, National College for DUI Defense
2011
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association
2011
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2010
Super Lawyer 2010, Kansas Super Lawyers
2010
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, American Trial Lawyers Association
2010
Mastering Scientific Evidence, National College for DUI Defense
2009
SuperLawyers 2009, SuperLawyers
2008
Mastering Scientific Evidence, National College for DUI Defense
2008
SuperLawyers 2008, Super Lawyers
2007
SuperLawyers 2007, Super Lawyers
2006
SuperLawyers 2006, Superlawyers
2006
Mastering Scientific Evidence, National College for DUI Defense
2005
AV Rated 5.0 out of 5, Martindale-Hubbell
2004
Certificate - Summer Session conducted at Harvard Law School, National College for DUI Defense
2001
Winter Session - Kauai, Hawaii, National College for DUI Defense
1999
Mid-Year Session - Kansas City, MO, National College for DUI Defense
1998
Certificate - Summer Session conducted at Harvard Law School, National College for DUI Defense
1997
Getting Tough on DUI: The Defense, Minnesota Society for Criminal Justice
1997
29 Most Influential People under 30, Kansas City Magazine
1996
Certificate of Achievement - Summer Session Harvard Law School, National College for DUI Defense
Work Experience
2009 - Present
Partner, Norton Hare, LLC
1998 - 2009
Partner, a Criminal Defense Firm
1996 - 1998
Partner, a Criminal Defense Law Firm
1994 - 1996
Associate, a Criminal Defense and Divorce Firm
Associations
2017 - Present
Kansas Association of Criminal Defense LawyersStrike Force Chairman
2016 - Present
National College of DUI DefenseState Delegate for Kansas
2014 - Present
Kansas Association of Criminal Defense LawyersLife Member
2004 - Present
Johnson County Bar FoundationFellow
1996 - Present
National College of DUI DefenseMember
1995 - Present
Johnson County Bar AssociationMember
1995 - Present
Kansas Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
1994 - Present
Kansas Bar AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
State of Kansas v. L.M.
Felony DUI dismissed after breath test evidence suppressed
Lawrence v. RM
DUI Dismissed
Shawnee v. VN
Not Guilty
Olathe v. KD
DUI Dismissed
Olathe v. JM
DUI Dismissed
City of Overland Park v. MW
Not Guilty
State of Kansas v. SW
Dismissed
Leawood v. ML
DUI Dismissed
State of Kansas v. SL
DUI Dismissed
Lawrence v. GW
DUI Dismissed
Ottawa v. CC
DUI Dismissed
Gardner v. MQ
DUI Dismissed
Roeland Park v. JP
DUI Dismissed
Spring Hill v. DM
Not Guilty
State of Kansas v. JS
Not Guilty
State of Kansas v. JH
Felony DUI Dismissed
Olathe v. PK
DUI Dismissed
Overland Park v. RB
Not Guilty
State of Kansas v. MP
Not Guilty
Mission v. JS
Not Guilty
Olathe v. BG
Not Guilty
Ottawa v. FK
DUI Dismissed
Olathe v. CB
Not Guilty
Lawrence v. CM
Dismissed
State v. TM
Not Guilty
Overland Park v. TW
Dismissed by the Court
Overland Park v. JD
Felony Charges Declined
Merriam v. JB
DIsmissed by Court
Olathe v, DW
Dismissed
Overland Park v. CW
Not Guilty
City of Leavenworth v. DH
Not Guilty
State of Kansas v. DH
Not Guilty
State of Kansas v. RD
Dismissed
State of Kansas v. NP
Dismissed
Kansas City, KS v. J.G.
Not Guilty after trial
State of Kansas v. CH
Not Guilty
City of Overland Park v. BG
Dismissed
State of Kansas v. DB
Dismissed
Leawood v. JO
Dismissed
Gardner v. AS
Dismissed
Shawnee v. WS
Not Guilty
Mission v. MK
Dismissed
Overland Park v. LC
Dismissed
Prairie Village v. SS
DUI Dismissed
Prairie Village v. GR
DUI Dismissed
Education
1994
University of Kansas School of Law
Juris Doctorate
1991
University of Kansas
Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2022
Johnson County Bar Association, Herbert W. Walton Bench Bar Conference
Kansas DUI Law Changes
2016
KACDL Spring Seminar
DUI Update
2013
KACDL Fall CLE
Test Refusals in the Age of McNeely
2012
Herbert Walton Bench Bar Conference
DUI Law Changes
2010
KACDL Gets Mad
Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus in DUI Cases
Publications
2022
Lawyers & Judges Publishing Company
Kansas DUI Defense, the Law and Practice
2018
Word Association Publishers
Kansas DUI Manual
2016
Word Association Publishers
Art of War for Criminal Defense Attorneys
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Guides