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 31 - 35 of 60 reviews

Posted by Chris | January 24, 2015 | DUI & DWI

Highly Recommended

Our family has hired John Thornton on two different occasions. Once for our oldest son and a DUI matter and the second time for our younger son and a moving vehicle matter. I hope we do not have a need to hire him again but should a situation arise I am very comforted to know he is there. John w...as referred to us by two well respected, long time Attorneys in our local community as well as a family member who has practiced law for a number of decades. I’m ever so grateful to those individuals for this referral! The outcome of both matters was better than we could’ve hope for. On top of the awesome referral and positive outcome for both, there is the fact that we had the pleasure of working with John. John was respectful, kind, sincere and supportive while being very honest and straight forward about all the possible outcomes they could be facing. His knowledge of the laws and legal process is as good as it gets and in both matters I could tell the Courts respect him and his work. We were able to discuss what we would like to see happen or at least try to have a voice in what the law was going to hand down to our sons. More importantly, what we wanted to try to avoid in order to keep their ability to drive themselves to places of employment, continue college educations, and still be held accountable for their actions. John is a brilliant attorney and I welcome the opportunity to refer him. John is welcome to give my contact information to anyone who would like to discuss his ability to represent or have further questions.

Posted by Tim | December 30, 2014 | Lawsuits & Disputes

Par Excellence.

Navigating the court system is a monster unto itself and it should not be taken lightly. John has experience that has earned him the professionalism and honor for which he stands. Not only is he a brilliant attorney, he is a friggin' genius. He is trustworthy, honest and knows every possible angle t...o achieve the best possible outcome for his clients. He is nonjudgemental while protecting your integrity and preventing any sort of embarrassment. He regards communication with his clients on the highest level. He constantly made humble recommendations on which road to travel. Throughout my process with John and the courts (4 months total), I could visibly witness how very hard he worked for me. I really thought about the possibility of being sunk with what I was facing, but John came through and got me an outcome that, to this day, is simply too good to be true. I can't say enough great things about this man. When you want the best, hire the best.

Posted by LRose | June 25, 2014 | DUI & DWI

John Thornton has represented me twice since 2004 , both with extremely successful outcomes!

John Thornton is professional, hardworking, trustworthy, compassionate and precise! He was able to find the "one" possibility within the legal system to support my winning of both cases. I appreciated his knowledge with DUI convictions in Santa Cruz County, he is spot on! He is extremely supportiv...e, he handled everything. I appreciated feeling his fight, as if I am a good friend, and he has always been frank with me letting me know along the way that our efforts may not work out. From what I witnessed ten years ago and I feel today is that this man is well respected and well versed in relationship to his colleagues and the legal process and it's system. I feel he is truly passionate about his service to his clients and I would highly recommend him to anyone.

Posted by Tyson | May 23, 2014 | DUI & DWI

Best in the business! !!

Best in the business! !! Very kind, very professional, and very straight forward! John preformed the impossible for me, he redused ( my second ) Dui to a wet/wreckless so I could keep my license for my job and move on with my life! This man knows his way around the Santa Cruz court house!!!!! No one... out there could do a better job for you! I hope I never need his services again but if I do there is no one else for me! Thank you again my friend John!!! -Tyson HAMCSJ

Posted by Nicholas | December 27, 2013 | Lawsuits & Disputes

Thornton is an inspiring and highly proficient attorney

I first met John Thornton twelve years ago, as he was practicing law in Santa Cruz, Caliornia. It was my first experience with an attorney, and I was in need of help. I did not know what to expect, nor how things would develop out of a misunderstanding that I had become a part of. From the very be...ginning, I realized that John had a true passion and knowledge for how to proffer my needs. John very much helped me resolve the misunderstandings that I was involved in. At that point, I made a specific point to direct any friends or family that had been involved in misunderstandings or unfortunate incidents! This is why I am writing this article. Since my first interaction with John twelve years ago, and through friends and family, I have come to consider John Thornton nothing short of an inspiration. He is an attorney in it's purest form, and I have come to an appreciation for the adeptness, aptitude, proficiency, and competence that John represents. He has a true knack for what he has chosen to do. In fact, in part due to the inspiration I have had from Mr. Thornton, I have decided to leave the medical sciences and attempt to experience a part of this world myself. In short, John is an an amazing lawyer to whom I could not recommend any more highly of. N.J.S.

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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