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John W Stanko
About John
Biography
For nearly 30 years, Attorney John Stanko has been defending clients facing traffic ticket violations and Drunk Driving offenses in the San Francisco Bay Area and Northern California. As the Managing Attorney at Ticket Crushers, Mr. Stanko understands the importance of exercising your right to remain silent and consulting a criminal defense lawyer when facing criminal charges.
Mr. Stanko's practice specializes in defending clients charged with drunk driving, driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, driving with a prohibited blood alcohol concentration (.08 or greater bac), traffic ticket offenses (moving violations), and other criminal charges. He also assists clients with post-conviction matters, including the expungement (dismissal) of their cases and the sealing of records.
At Ticket Crushers, Mr. Stanko believes that everyone deserves the right to legal representation from an attorney who knows the law. He offers a free initial consultation to discuss your case personally and confidentially, emphasizing that just because you have been arrested does not mean you are guilty. The government bears the burden of proving guilt, and Mr. Stanko has an impressive track record of helping clients avoid jail and move on with their lives.
If you are facing criminal charges in Northern California, do not hesitate to contact John Stanko at Ticket Crushers. With years of experience and a dedication to protecting his clients' rights, he will fight tirelessly to ensure that you receive a fair and just outcome.
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
DUI and DWI
95%
30 years | 2,000 cases
Criminal Defense
5%
30 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Retainer
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 29 years
State: California
Acquired: 1996
No misconduct found
Location
Law Office of John Stanko, Inc.
4040 Civic Center Dr., #200, San Rafael, CA, 94903
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John W Stanko's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 86 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Morgan | November 7, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
They did a great job
I had an odd encounter with the SFPD, John and his team did a great job and it was thrown out. They have a lot of experience in this area and I am certainly satisfied. It's nice when someone has your back, you feel a bit at the mercy of some random cops.
Posted by Maksym | October 30, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Best lawyer ever
I had an amazing experience working with this attorney. He is professional, knowledgeable, and truly goes above and beyond for his clients. He took the time to explain every step of the process, answered all my questions, and handled my case with confidence and care. Because of his dedication and ex...
Posted by anonymous | June 22, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Highly Recommend – Excellent Legal Support
I had the pleasure of working with John Stanko during a very stressful time in my life, and I can’t thank him enough for the outstanding support and guidance he provided. From the very beginning, John was professional, clear, and compassionate. He explained the legal process in a way that was easy to...
Posted by Alejandro M | March 18, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
I’m a customer of this law firm and I recommend it to anyone.
I had a couple of traffic violations and I was lucky to find John W Stanko, he lay out a plan and it work! I’m a satisfied customer.
Posted by Joan | December 14, 2024 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
highly recommended!
Just simply the best! straightforward, honest, and effective, a mighty trio. Highly recommended!
John W Stanko's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer as he is well known in the community of DUI lawyers for his continuous devotion to his clients. The efforts he makes for the best results that can be obtained in each case exceed that of the average lawyer. Above average is too small a term of accomplishment for John. Talk to him, listen to him, then hire him."
"John and I have known since law school. For as long as I have known him, he has always been extremely dedicated to his achieving his goals. We both had the luck of being interested in the same field of law and having a passion for it. Today, what truly amazes me about John is his true regard for his clients. He will go nuts trying to find a solution to any given legal problem, and will find it even when one doesn't exist! Now that is true dedication. He is brilliant and thorough in his legal analysis and will always go to battle for the lucky who have him as his attorney. You can rest assure that should I ever encounter any trouble, he is the one I will call......."
"I endorse this lawyer. He is a strong advocate for his clients. He works diligently with the District Attorneys Office in order to obtain the best possible results."
"John has practiced criminal law for 18 years and has a vast wealth of experience as is clearly evident in his pro bono contributions. Knowledge of both the law and procedure is outstanding. Client reviews are critical to picking any lawyer to represent you and his are stellar. READ THEM! Do yourself a favor if you are in or near San Rafael and schedule a consultation. KUDOS"
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse John. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer. John Stanko is an excellent attorney and a great advocate in court for his clients!"
"John is one of the most committed lawyers in the field of DUI defense. I have personally attended several seminars and trainings with John and his level of understanding and preparation is consistently superior. As a fellow member of several professional organizations dedicated to DUI defense and criminal defense issues, I can state unequivocally that he is widely respected in the field of DUI defense."
"Mr. Stanko has repeatedly shown that he is a zealous advocate that fights for his clients. I highly endorse Mr.Stanko."
"Mr. Stanko has an execellent reputation in the legal community and an excellent rating on Avvo!"
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse John Stanko. He is a well respected DUI/DWI Attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer.This lawyer has an expertise in DUI defense. By attending DUI seminars throughout the year to keep up on the latest in the law, field sobriety testing, blood testing, and breath testing, this attorney is an asset to the clients. This lawyer is a member of the California DUI Lawyers Association. I endorse this lawyer."
"John is great at the finer points in DUI law. If there is an angle to play and get an advantage for the client he will get it done. He also has a great demeanor which often benefits his relationships with his clients and opposing counsel."
"I endorse this lawyer's work and highly recommend him"
"John Stanko does a great job doing traffic and DUIs as well as criminal. He is highly respected by his peers including myself. He is a wonderful attorney to have by your side if you are facing a criminal accusation."
"John Stanko is a very professional and passionate attorney. He is truly dedicated to achieving the best possible results for each client. I have worked with him on cases and have always found him to be prepared, knowledgable, and most of all looking for any possible way to serve his client more effectively. If you are looking for a top notch criminal defense lawyer with the skills and ability to protecting your rights - LOOK NO FURTHER."
"After reading many of Mr. Stanko's answers here on Avvo it is obvious this attorney has the knowledge and skill to serve clients. Without hesitation, I recommend this attorney as a knowledgeable practitioner and advocate."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Stanko is an incredible attorney who provides sage advice to all questions asked on Avvo. He is extremely knowledgeable and even though I have been practicing for 23 years as a judge, magistrate, and prosecutor, I learn from him every day."
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Experience
Honors
2017
Certificate of Attendance - Winning Strategies, California DUI Lawyers Association
2014
Certificate of Attendance - Fast Eddie all Day DUI, California DUI Lawyers Association
2014
Certificate of Attendance - DUI Science, Rehab, California DUI Lawyers Association
2013
Certificate of Attendance - Fast Eddie all Day DUI, California DUI Lawyers Association
2012
Certificate of Attendance - Scientific Evidence, California DUI Lawyers Association
2012
Certificate of Attendance - Fast Eddie all Day DUI, California DUI Lawyers Association
2011
Certificate of Attendance - Bench Demeanor Pro Team Training, Solano County Bar Association
2010
Certificate of Attendance - Fast Eddie all Day DUI, California DUI Lawyers Association
2010
Certificate of Attendance - DMV Ins and Outs, California DUI Lawyers Association
2009
Certificate of attendance - Partition Ratio, California DUI Lawyers Association
2009
Certificate of Attendance - SFST Training, California DUI Lawyers Association
2009
Certificate of Attendance - Fast Eddie all Day DUI, California DUI Lawyers Association
2008
Certificate of Attendance - Fast Eddie all Day DUI, California DUI Lawyers Association
2002
Certificate of attendance - Advanced Trial Skills Institute, California Public Defenders Association
2002
Certificate of Attendance - DUI Defense, California Public Defenders Association
2002
Certificate of Attendance - Proposition 36, Solano County Bar Association
1999
Misdemeanor Appointment Panel, Bar Association of San Francisco
1999
Certificate of Attendance - Immigration Consequences, Norton Tooby, Esq.
1999
Certificate of Attendance - Developments In DUI Punishment Law, California DUI Lawyers Association
1998
Certificate of Attendance - Annual DUI Defense Seminar, California Public Defenders Association
1998
Certificate of Attendance - Rising Blood Alcohol/Widmark, California Deuce Defenders
1997
Certificate of Attendance - DMV Consequences of 23152's, San Francisco Public Defender's Office
Work Experience
1996 - Present
Owner, Law Office of John Stanko, Inc.
2023 - 2024
Managing Attorney, Ticket Crushers Law
2000 - 2004
Managing Partner, Stanko & Bechtold
1999 - 2000
Managing Partner, Stanko & Rodriguez
1997 - 1998
Public Defender, Lake County Public Defender's Office
1995 - 1996
Legal Intern, San Francisco Public Defender
1995 - 1995
Legal Intern, Santa Clara Count Public Defender
Associations
2006 - Present
Marin County Bar AssociationMember
1998 - Present
California DUI Lawyers AssociationMember
1997 - Present
California Public Defenders AssociationMember
1996 - Present
State Bar of CaliforniaMember
2000 - 2016
Solano County Bar AssociationMember
1996 - 2000
San Francisco Bar AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
DMV v. I.G.
Client's license is not suspend
DMV v. T. F.
License Suspension set aside
People v. MR
Case Dismissed
People v. S.L.
Dismissed
People v. D.J.
Case Dismissed
People v. J.B.
Dismissed
People v. M.M.
Case dismissed
People v. J.Z.
Case dismissed.
People v. LT
Case Dismissed
People v. PD
Client does not get point on record.
People v. AK
Case dismissed
People v. FM
Case Dismised
People v. PM
Dismissed
People v. IL
Not Guilty
People v. RR
Not Guilty
People v. M.A.
Red Light Camera Violation Dismissed
People v. DM
Case Dismissed
People v. KD
Case Dismissed
People v. R.S.
Case dismissed on Trial by Written Declaration.
People v. D.M.
Demurrer granted case dismissed
DMV vs. L.K.
DMV license suspension set aside
DMV vs. A.A.
DMV DUI Administrative suspension set aside
People. N.V.
Dismissed at trial.
People v. J.H.
Dismissed
People v. R.C.
Case Dismissed!
People v. Vasquez
Case dismissed
People v. R.S.
Speeding charge dismissed.
People v. JV
Case Dismissed!
People v. P.M.
Dismissed
People v. A.M.
Not Guilty Verdict!
People v. G.M.
Charges dismissed!
People v. F.
Petition to Expunge and Dismiss DUI case granted!
People v. C.M.
Not guilty of DUI
People v. V.M.
Dismissed
People v. T.B.
Hit and Run Dismissed.
People v. IA
Case Dismissed!
People v. E. K.
4 felonies reduced to simple misdemeanor asault
People v. E.A.
.18 Blood, reduced and not guilty!
People v. M.M.
Education
1996
New College of California School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1992
California State University at Fullerton, Fullerton, California
BA - Bachelor of Arts
1987
El Modena High School
High School Diploma
Speaking Engagements
2010
San Rafael Red-Light Cameras a Safety Success, sanrafael.patch.com
Red LIght Camera Tickets
2010
Ignition Interlock Pilot Program, KGO-Radio AM 810
DUI 1st Offender Ignition Interlock Device Pilot Program in Alameda County
2009
KTVU Channel 2, 6:00 p.m. news, 12/22/09
Red Light Camera tickets
Publications
2012
AVVO Legal Guides
Traffic Tickets in California
2011
AVVO Legal Guides
What to expect if convicted of a DUI in Marin County
Languages
Spanish
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
How to handle 2 speeding tickets almost 2 months apart?
17 Apr 2014
Q&A
Can I go to nursing school and become an RN if I am a registered narcotics offender?
28 Nov 2012
Q&A
IF MY DRIVERS LICENSE IS SUSPENDED DUE TO A MISTAKE BY THE COURT, HOW DO I GET IT RESOLVED AND CAN I SUE?
21 Nov 2012