John William Thornton

PRO

John William Thornton

4.9
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 35 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Santa Cruz, CA
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI

303 Potrero #30, Santa Cruz, CA

About John

Biography

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

Criminal Defense 50%

50%
DUI and DWI 50%

50%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2021 2013 2010

Licenses

Licensed in California for 35 years

State: California

Acquired: 1990

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Law Offices of John William Thornton

303 Potrero #30, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060

duisantacruz.com/

John William Thornton's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

60 Client Reviews

Showing 16 - 20 of 20 reviews | Communication Style

Posted by anonymous | May 11, 2011 | DUI & DWI

Great lawyer! Won my DUI case for me!

John was the most thorough, supportive and respectful lawyer I have had the pleasure to hire. He gave me great advice and kept me informed about my choices the whole way through the process. He knows how to work the system to get you what you want and need. This guy is way on top of his game and sinc...erely wants to help you! I got pulled over for a DUI (I blew 0.08, which is just over the limit) and was facing a suspended license, thousands of dollars of fees, a point on my record, increased car insurance, DUI classes, not being able to get into Canada if I wanted and all the stresses that go with a DUI case. John won my DMV case right off the bat and I got my license back within a few months. 6 months later, we went to court and he WON my case for me! I could not have won this case without him. Anybody who doesn't think they need a lawyer for a DUI case should seriously rethink their decision. John made the process as easy as possible for me and really worked hard to go the extra mile. Easy to talk to and a truly sincere demeanor. I felt like the money I spent on John was a way better investment than forking over thousands of dollars to the court, just so they can make me feel like a bad person and restrict my enjoyment of life. John helped me put this bad experience behind me and I was able to deal with the consequences in the fairest and least painful way possible. Now I can get back to what's important to me and not have a DUI conviction holding me back for the rest of my life! Forever grateful to this man.

Posted by anonymous | March 20, 2011 | Criminal Defense

Honest, Knowledgeable, Conscientious, Detail-Oriented

John was extremely diligent while handling my misdemeanor case. He communicated each step of the process and was forthright and honest about the potential outcome. Having never been involved in any criminal defense matters, this was a terribly frightening ordeal. John never gave me false hope or un...realistic expectations, which I appreciated. His thorough and meticulous attention to detail resulted with a very positive outcome. I highly recommend John Thornton, should you ever need a criminal defense attorney.

Posted by Patrick | July 22, 2010 | Lawsuits & Disputes

Knowledge, integrity and a commitment to doing the right thing. Excellent communicator

John is extremely quick and smart. He really knows the law and was extremely helpful in getting an old case dismissed for me. He is very patient and excellent at explaining matters of law and court to me. He went above and beyond in helping me on a case that was nearly three years old. His fee is ve...ry fair considering how long and hard he worked for me on this. I can’t say enough about John, he has been great. I’ve seen other lawyers before; no one has just sat down and talked to me like a normal human being he dose no fast talking double talk. He is very clear about all matters, speaks clearly and plainly. Very good man.

Posted by anonymous | May 24, 2010 | Lawsuits & Disputes

Excellent Lawyer

I could not have asked for a better attorney. John Thornton kept me informed and educated about my case. John went the extra mile and found creative ways to defend me. I would highly recommend John Thornton.

Posted by Beth | December 18, 2009 | DUI & DWI

DUI Case - Couldn't have asked for more!

I met with John after having been arrested for (what I considered) a frivolous DUI charge. I had never found myself in any legal trouble before and was very scared and nervous about the whole process. To be truthful I think I started crying the moment I stepped into John's office. My normal stone-fa...ce composure had fallen to the wayside. He was incredibly supportive and thoughtful throughout the entire process - which took close to a year to resolve. He was fantastic about letting me know what my rights and choices were, and was there every time I needed him. He guided me through the proceedings with the DMV and showed incredible composure and knowledge of the legal system during the court proceedings. Because he believed in my case it allowed me more confidence while in court - and I sure needed it. I was finally found not guilty and owe it all to John. I couldn't have asked for a more personable, detail-oriented and compassionate lawyer. I HIGHLY recommend him for any legal proceedings.

See All Client Reviews

John William Thornton's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse John
Phillip James Crawford headshot
Phillip Crawford

DUI and DWI lawyer | Feb 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Nicole Valentine headshot
Nicole Valentine

DUI and DWI lawyer | May 21

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"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."

Rick Gazipura headshot
Rick Gazipura

DUI and DWI lawyer | Feb 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"John is a top notch attorney. He is DUI specialist who works hard to get good results for his clients."

Lisa M. Jensen headshot
Lisa Jensen

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

George Jacob Gigarjian headshot
George Gigarjian

DUI and DWI lawyer | Dec 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Vicki Asunta Jensen headshot
Vicki Jensen

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 05

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"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!"

Lynn Gorelick headshot
Lynn Gorelick

DUI and DWI lawyer | Mar 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Miles Jarrod Dolinger headshot
Miles Dolinger

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Douglas MacMillan Borthwick headshot
Douglas Borthwick

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Mark Blair headshot
Mark Blair

DUI and DWI lawyer | Oct 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Julie Crawford headshot
Julie Crawford

DUI and DWI lawyer | Sep 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Christopher Francis Morales headshot
Christopher Morales

Criminal defense lawyer | May 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Bradley Donald Wiles headshot
Bradley Wiles

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

William C. Makler headshot
William Makler

DUI and DWI lawyer | Mar 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

View All Endorsements
Nicole Valentine headshot
Nicole Valentine

Licensing lawyer

Rick Gazipura headshot
Rick Gazipura

DUI and DWI lawyer

Phillip James Crawford headshot
Phillip Crawford

DUI and DWI lawyer

Lisa Kay McCamey headshot
Lisa McCamey

Criminal defense lawyer

Vicki Asunta Jensen headshot
Vicki Jensen

DUI and DWI lawyer

Miles Jarrod Dolinger headshot
Miles Dolinger

Real estate lawyer

Lars Shallberg headshot
Lars Shallberg

Juvenile law lawyer

Barry Thomas Simons headshot
Barry Simons

DUI and DWI lawyer

Mark Blair headshot
Mark Blair

DUI and DWI lawyer

Paul Richard Burglin headshot
Paul Burglin

DUI and DWI lawyer

Joshua Matthew Dale headshot
Joshua Dale

DUI and DWI lawyer

David John Byron headshot
David Byron

DUI and DWI lawyer

Donald Gray Drewry headshot
Donald Drewry

DUI and DWI lawyer

Lynn Gorelick headshot
Lynn Gorelick

DUI and DWI lawyer

Sal Gallardo headshot
Sal Gallardo

Criminal defense lawyer

Bradley Donald Wiles headshot
Bradley Wiles

Personal injury lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

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 Association

Board of Directors

1997 - Present

Santa Cruz County Criminal Defense Bar Association

Past President

1997 - Present

California Attorneys for Criminal Justice

Attorney Member

1997 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Attorney Member

1997 - Present

Santa Cruz County Bar Association

Attorney Member

1997 - Present

California DUI Lawyers Association

Attorney Member

1990 - Present

California Public Defenders Association

Attorney Member

Santa Cruz County Criminal Defense Bar

Board Member

Education

1990

Santa Clara Univ SOL

JD - Juris Doctor

1987

University of California - Santa Cruz

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2019

2019 DUI Law Update

DUI Law

2015

Public Defenders Office

All Things DUI/DMV

2015

DMV Consequences of DUI Arrests

DMV Consequences of DUI Arrests

2013

Continuing Legal Education

License Consequences of DUI Arrests and Convictions

2002

Santa Cruz County Bar Association MCLE Roundup

Ethics in Criminal Law

Languages

English

Avvo Rating

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Avvo Rating Levels
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