About John
Biography
John W. Thornton has been defending those accused of crime in Santa Cruz for over twenty years. Upon graduation from Santa Clara University School of Law in 1990, Mr. Thornton was hired as an attorney at at the biggest criminal defense firm in Santa Cruz County. Prior to graduation, Mr. Thornton had worked as both a defense investigator and law clerk for the same firm, Biggam, Christensen, and Minsloff. While there, Mr. Thornton handled thousands of cases, from citations for trespassing to accusations of murder.
In 1997, Mr. Thornton started his own firm, located in the Sash Mill complex in downtown Santa Cruz. He is a member of California Attorneys for Criminal Justice, the National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys, the Santa Cruz County Criminal Defense Bar, and the Santa Cruz County Bar Association. Mr. Thornton is a past president of the Santa Cruz County Criminal Defense Bar. Mr. Thornton's practice is limited to criminal defense in Santa Cruz County.
Need advice on how to proceed in a situation where you are suspected of committing a crime?
Exclusively in Santa Cruz since 1990
Over 1,000 DUI clients since 1990
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
Licenses
Licensed in California for 35 years
State: California
Acquired: 1990
No misconduct found
Location
Law Offices of John William Thornton
Fax
303 Potrero #30, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
duisantacruz.com/John William Thornton's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 60 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Bobby | December 1, 2025 | Hired Attorney
Empathetic and knowledgeable attorney!
From the first moments talking with John who spoke in a measured, caring, knowledgeable and professional manner I felt reassured, less stressful, and in the hands of someone who will navigate me through this legal DUI situation and get good results which is what has been happening. First of all he is...
Posted by jessica | September 10, 2025 | Hired Attorney
If you got a dui, you need John!
I don't know who needs to hear this but Trust me ..... if you or anyone you know are in need of a DUI attorney, John Thornton is the best choice. My situation was complicated by previous offenses and an accident resulting in a dui charge, leaving me worried about losing my license and serving j...
Posted by Tommy | May 2, 2025 | Hired Attorney
Would hire over and over
Mr. Thornton was a god send for me. After running into some trouble with the law, I reached out to Mr. Thornton. I had found him randomly by googling lawyers in the area. He listened to me state my case, believed he could help and I did not regret the decision. He is very professional and passionate....
Posted by anonymous | April 28, 2025 | Consulted Attorney
Extremely knowledgeable and helpful
John Thornton was extremely helpful in explaining the process we were dealing with, our options, and how to best handle our legal situation. His knowledge and experience is top notch. SO glad we had John on our side.
Posted by anonymous | August 7, 2024 | Hired Attorney
Very grateful I met John Thornton.
I highly recommend John as an exceptional DUI lawyer. Before I even reached out, I received numerous positive recommendations about him. From my initial contact, John was responsive and attentive, listening carefully to my situation with genuine empathy. He was clear about what he could and couldn’t ...
John William Thornton's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer. JT is a great lawyer and a great guy. He's one of the lawyers I call when I need advice. If you are charged with a DUI in Santa Cruz County, he has the knowledge and experience to help you."
"I highly recommend John Thornton as a criminal defense attorney, especially for those facing DUI charges. He is an extremely effective advocate for his clients with proven results."
"John is a top notch attorney. He is DUI specialist who works hard to get good results for his clients."
"John is a great attorney and an incredibly pleasant person. I interned in multiple local offices in Santa Cruz and heard nothing but positive things about his legal reputation. Not long ago, I had a client with an issue in Santa Cruz and asked John for some help and advise and he was extremely helpful. This is the attorney I would recommend for anyone needing legal help in Santa Cruz."
"I have known John for over 25 years and endorse him. He is an outstanding attorney, who works every angle of a case. I have seen John achieve great results in cases that other attorneys would not be able to obtain. If you are charged with a DUI or any criminal matter, I highly recommend John Thornton."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have know JT since I was a law clerk in Santa Cruz Public Defender's Office and he was one of the Attorneys. He has ALWAYS been a dedicated intelligent, hard working and amazing attorney. Not only is he a great attorney he is a wonderful person as well. The best you could get in Santa Cruz!"
"John is a fierce advocate for his clients. John truly cares about the people he is representing. John keeps up with current case law and legislation and is highly respected. I would, without any hesitation, recommend John to anyone withy a DUI or other criminal law case."
"I strongly endorse John Thornton ("JT"). He is very experienced and has a strong reputation. He is smart, personable, and down to earth. I have referred several clients to him over the last 10 years with no complaints, and will continue doing so."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. He's a wonderful attorney, plus a super nice guy. I have known him for 20 years and without any doubt, he is a fine lawyer and person."
"I very much admire the work John Thornton does for his clients. He has a vast knowledge of the law, he is highly respected by judges and prosecutors and he is extremely ethical. Most of all, he knows how to win cases."
"John is an outstanding attorney, I"ve known him since law school and can vouch for his deeply felt commitment to his clients. He's a real fighter and is truly an expert in the area of criminal defense. If you are in trouble do yourself a favor and immediately hire John."
"As a long time member of the local legal community in Santa Cruz County, I highly recommend the Law Office of John Thornton for all criminal defense cases. He is respected by his peers for his expertise in his field. He is competent, knowledgeable and effective in dealing with criminal matters."
"John Thornton is an exceptional lawyer. You know that from the first instant you meet or talk with him. He has a unique yet highly effective approach to the practice of DUI defense and criminal defense in general. He is able to spot issues and solutions that defy other lawyers. He is always approachable, friendly and helpful to his peers. You won't find a more stand-up guy in any profession. And if you need a lawyer to defend you on any criminal charge in Santa Cruz, you can't do any better than hiring John Thornton."
Licensing lawyer
DUI and DWI lawyer
DUI and DWI lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
DUI and DWI lawyer
Real estate lawyer
Juvenile law lawyer
DUI and DWI lawyer
DUI and DWI lawyer
DUI and DWI lawyer
DUI and DWI lawyer
DUI and DWI lawyer
DUI and DWI lawyer
DUI and DWI lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Personal injury lawyer
Experience
Work Experience
1997 - Present
Attorney, Law Office of John W. Thornton
1990 - 1997
Deputy Public Defender, Biggam, Christensen, & Minsloff
1988 - 1990
Law Clerk, Biggam, Christensen, & Minsloff
1986 - 1987
Investigator, Biggam, Christensen, & Minsloff
Associations
2014 - Present
Santa Cruz County Criminal Defense Bar AssociationBoard of Directors
1997 - Present
Santa Cruz County Criminal Defense Bar AssociationPast President
1997 - Present
California Attorneys for Criminal JusticeAttorney Member
1997 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersAttorney Member
1997 - Present
Santa Cruz County Bar AssociationAttorney Member
1997 - Present
California DUI Lawyers AssociationAttorney Member
1990 - Present
California Public Defenders AssociationAttorney Member
Board Member
Education
1990
JD - Juris Doctor
1987
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2019
DUI Law
2015
All Things DUI/DMV
2015
DMV Consequences of DUI Arrests
2013
License Consequences of DUI Arrests and Convictions
2002
Ethics in Criminal Law
Languages
English