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 16 - 20 of 27 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

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 William | March 03, 2013 | Speeding & Traffic Ticket

John Stanko Review

Words cannot describe John's incredible service. I was issued a speeding citation for 90mph in a 55mph zone out near Point Reyes Station. John fought for me and managed to have the ticket reduced to a 0 point coasting violation. His communication was clear throughout the entire process and his contac...t was punctual. A straight forward well spoken individual, easy to do business with. You will not find a better traffic attorney in the bay area.

Posted by anonymous | February 28, 2013 | Speeding & Traffic Ticket

Great lawyer in the Bay Area!!

After talking to various lawyers about my issue John made me feel the most comfortable. He is professional, polite, and made me feel like weight was lifted off my shoulders. He kept me well informed and also explained everything in detail so there was no confusion or misunderstandings. I would recomm...end him not only for traffic issues but for everything all around. He is an awesome lawyer and I will be referring him to anyone that needs legal help as well as going to him for anything that may come up in the future. Also, even if you don't live in the San Rafael area don't hesitate to hire John Stanko if you want a great lawyer on your side!

Posted by Samuel | November 20, 2011 | Lawsuits & Disputes

Don't let the justice system take advantage of you...

The justice system is criminal. Regardless of the legitimacy of your defense, it is a lose-lose situation to attempt to have your case examined with due diligence. If you've found yourself in a situation where the legal system has you positioned you in a helpless situation, I would recommend reac...hing out to Mr. Stanko IMMEDIATELY. I got pulled over at an illegal speed trap in Marin County after *legally* passing a minivan that held up traffic for nearly an hour. I ended up with a CVC 22350 (Unsafe Speed). I was allegedly going 71mph in a 35 zone... in a Miata. I submitted my Trial by Written Declaration with the whole nine yards (with pictures, measurements, calculations, and VALID legal defenses - invalid CVC 22350 and CVC 40803b). I spent countless hours putting this together for what they call a fair "trial". I requested supplemental documents (that they were legally supposed to provide. A few weeks later, I was merely given my judgement. It was just a piece of paper that notified that I was guilty and that my license was suspended for 90 days IMMEDIATELY. I have been ticket-free for nearly 6 years and I have a clean driving record. This was absolutely unjust as I'm confident that there was absolutely no due diligence from the Marin Couty Superior Court. This is when I decided to take on the case with Mr. Stanko's legal services. He was immediately available (on a Sunday afternoon, I might add) and took his time to hear out my case. He immediately laid out what the case was going to look like - he really knew the ins and outs of the Marin County court. He was able to request and execute a "stay" on my driver's license and set a trial without me be present. He kept me posted throughout the entire process. The day before the trial, we discussed how the case was going to be handled. Without being present for the trial, Mr. Stanko was able to represent my case. My cased was dismissed. Please don't let the justice system take advantage of you - seek Mr. Stanko legal services and be presented with a FAIR judgement.

Posted by rjw | October 20, 2011 | DUI & DWI

Excellent, Experienced DUI Attorney

I am grateful for the expertise John Stanko brought to my DUI case. His involvement with the DMV hearing and the criminal court made a very substantial difference in the outcome of my case. He was thorough and knows his stuff. I highly recommend him.

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

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
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