John W Stanko

John W Stanko

5.0
Rating: 8.6

Licensed for 29 years

DUI and DWI Lawyer at San Rafael, CA
Practice Areas: DUI & DWI, Criminal Defense

4040 Civic Center Dr., #200, San Rafael, CA

About John

Biography

Practice Areas

2

Practice Areas

DUI and DWI 95%

I defend people accused of DUI and driving with a .08% or greater bac throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and Northern California. My office is centrally located in San Rafael and I regularly practice in San Francisco, Contra Costa, Alameda Sonoma and Solano Counties. I strive to achieve the most favorable results possible for each individual client while providing personalized representation.

30 years | 2,000 cases

95%
Criminal Defense 5%

I handle of all crimes from minor traffic offenses and misdemeanors to serious felonies. My firm routinely represents clients accused of domestic violence, theft crimes, drug related charges and all driving related offenses. My Bay Area criminal defense law office is centrally located in the City of San Rafael in Marin County and I regularly practice in San Francisco, Contra Costa, Alameda Sonoma and Solano Counties.

30 years

5%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 20 minutes

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in California for 29 years

State: California

Acquired: 1996

Active

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

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

87 Client Reviews

Showing 6 - 10 of 16 reviews | General Knowledge

Posted by anonymous | November 06, 2013 | Speeding & Traffic Ticket

Call John

Driving in San Francisco I was ticketed for a ridiculous ticket for speeding. I was referred to John by a client at work over small talk of my situation. I gave John a call and he consulted with me for about 15 minutes giving me a thorough lay out of how this could play and different ways to handle t...he situation. I then met with him at his office to meet and go over more. I then left my case in his hands to represent me. He kept in contact with updates giving me full details of every step. John made me feel comfortable and I never felt worried. In the end I told John exactly what kind of result I wanted from the case and he delivered.

Posted by anonymous | June 10, 2013 | Criminal Defense

Outstanding representation

John Stanko is a very competent, experienced, effective, no nonsense criminal defense lawyer. I was arrested for a DUI (drugs) last year and the end result of my case was very positive as it ended up recently with a dismissal, thanks to Mr Stanko!!! . Very pleased with his services: from the beginn...ing, John was straightforward and honest about the possible outcomes, took my case seriously, took time to explain everything which was to happen and kept me informed of every step of the process; he was very accessible, replied to my email or called right back. John is very organized, knowledgeable and seems to have a network of very experienced investigators, toxicologists and scientific experts who are ready to assist in cases, which is what happened in my case. He really knows what he is doing!!! I would highly recommend Mr Stanko!!!

Posted by Frank | May 19, 2010 | Speeding & Traffic Ticket

Expert Attorney: Traffic Citations, License Suspension

I needed an attorney to represent me specializing in traffic laws specifically in Marin County, CA. My case involved multiple traffic citations and the consequent suspension of my driver's license. Sifting through the hundreds of lawyers on the internet would have been an arduous task, but I knew I... found a smart and conscientious attorney when I came across John W. Stanko's legal blog: http://www.marinduilawyerblog.com. I read over Mr. Stanko's various blog posts and got a good feel for his expertise and competency. After interviewing him on the phone, I knew Mr. Stanko would be thorough, a good tactician, and ultimately be effective in a case that seemed to be stacked against me. John also offered to represent me with a comparatively reasonable fee. Mr. Stanko was always efficient and responsive with all of my correspondence. His advisement was always clear and succinct, deftly laying out all possible scenarios and our best bet options. At times, he paralleled a good law professor educating me of the legal process. I felt assured that he represented me well every step of the way. So what was the resulting judgment? It turned out to be everything that I had hoped. John Stanko helped negotiate all court fines and fees in my favor and helped prevent any judgments related to jail time. I sincerely and wholeheartedly recommend John W. Stanko as your Traffic Attorney.

Posted by John | May 07, 2010 | Criminal Defense

Prompt, succinct advice

A family member had to appear in court for a minor misdemeanor charge. John walked me through the procedures and gave me sound advice on how this member should plead and what he should do after his plea to put himself in the best position to have the charges dropped.

Posted by Rosy | November 20, 2009 | Criminal Defense

John is the best top with the latest information in his career & very reliable lawyer

I just had my case dismissed because I choosed the right person for the job.I thought I had lost it all.I got myself in a nasty situation that I could have lost my license in the medical field and serve jail time but because I had the most inform and competent lawyer-John Stanko,my case was dismissed... and he worked had for me to get my license back.Now I am back on my feet.He was always there to listen to me.I will recommend him to anybody who want a positive outcome.He is the best. Anonymous

See All Client Reviews

John W Stanko's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse John
Donald Gray Drewry headshot
Donald Drewry

DUI and DWI lawyer | Oct 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Francisco J Rodriguez headshot
Francisco Rodriguez

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 25

Relationship: Co-worker

"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......."

Michael Taylor Meehan headshot
Michael Meehan

DUI and DWI lawyer | Nov 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Peter John Marek headshot
Peter Marek

DUI and DWI lawyer | Dec 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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"

Douglas MacMillan Borthwick headshot
Douglas Borthwick

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | May 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse John. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

Evan Ephraim Zelig headshot
Evan Zelig

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jan 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. John Stanko is an excellent attorney and a great advocate in court for his clients!"

Thomas Vinson Nash headshot
Thomas Nash

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jan 17

Relationship: Other

"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."

Sonia Pascher headshot
Sonia Pascher

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Stanko has repeatedly shown that he is a zealous advocate that fights for his clients. I highly endorse Mr.Stanko."

David Graham Weil headshot
David Weil

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jan 16

Relationship: Other

"Mr. Stanko has an execellent reputation in the legal community and an excellent rating on Avvo!"

Martin Schmidt headshot
Martin Schmidt

Unknown lawyer | Jan 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Daryl Brian Thompson headshot
Daryl Thompson

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jan 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse John Stanko. He is a well respected DUI/DWI Attorney."

James Nelson Dicks headshot
James Dicks

DUI and DWI lawyer | Nov 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Vincent Ross Maher headshot
Vincent Maher

DUI and DWI lawyer | Oct 29

Relationship: Co-worker

"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."

David M Haghighi headshot
David Haghighi

DUI and DWI lawyer | Oct 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work and highly recommend him"

Anna C Gregorian headshot
Anna Gregorian

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

James Robert Fox headshot
James Fox

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 20

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"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."

Edward Brandon Beckham headshot
Edward Beckham

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Gordon Morris Fauth Jr. headshot
Gordon Fauth

Unknown lawyer | Sep 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Christopher Daniel Leroi headshot
Christopher Leroi

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

View All Endorsements
Douglas MacMillan Borthwick headshot
Douglas Borthwick

DUI and DWI lawyer

Sonia Pascher headshot
Sonia Pascher

Criminal defense lawyer

Evan Ephraim Zelig headshot
Evan Zelig

Criminal defense lawyer

David Graham Weil headshot
David Weil

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Daryl Brian Thompson headshot
Daryl Thompson

DUI and DWI lawyer

Martin Schmidt headshot
Martin Schmidt

Personal injury lawyer

David M Haghighi headshot
David Haghighi

Immigration lawyer

Therese M Hankel headshot
Therese Hankel

Criminal defense lawyer

Michael Jon Fremont headshot
Michael Fremont

DUI and DWI lawyer

Keith John Bruno headshot
Keith Bruno

Criminal defense lawyer

Keith LaSalle Allen headshot
Keith Allen

Family lawyer

Vincent Ross Maher headshot
Vincent Maher

Criminal defense lawyer

Michael James Kennedy headshot
Michael Kennedy

DUI and DWI lawyer

Gary Kauffman headshot
Gary Kauffman

DUI and DWI lawyer

Robert Anthony Casper Jr headshot
Robert Casper

Criminal defense lawyer

Mia S Blackler headshot
Mia Blackler

Litigation lawyer

Adam G. Gasner headshot
Adam Gasner

Criminal defense lawyer

James Robert Fox headshot
James Fox

Criminal defense lawyer

Brenda G Grantland headshot
Brenda Grantland

Litigation lawyer

Tai Christopher Bogan headshot
Tai Bogan

DUI and DWI lawyer

Experience

Rating:  8.6 (Excellent)

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 Association

Member

1998 - Present

California DUI Lawyers Association

Member

1997 - Present

California Public Defenders Association

Member

1996 - Present

State Bar of California

Member

2000 - 2016

Solano County Bar Association

Member

1996 - 2000

San Francisco Bar Association

Member

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.

See More Legal Cases

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

Languages

Spanish

Activity

Avvo Rating

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  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
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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