John William Thornton's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

60 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 3 of 3 reviews | Expungement

Posted by Cean | June 10, 2018 | Expungement

JT IS A COOL CALM COLLECTED LIFE SAVER NO AMOUNT OF FUNDS COULD REPAY WHAT HE HAS DONE FOR MYSELF AND MY FAMILY

I WAS CITED FOR PETTY THEFT MISDEMEANOR AS A FIRST OFFENSE THE DA DROPED IT TO AN INFRACTION, I RECEIVED POOR LEGAL ADVICE AND PLEADED NO CONTEST. DUE TO MY IGNORANCE OF OUR COURT SYSTEM I WAS NOT AWARE THAT THIS WAS AN ADMISSION OF GUILT WHEN I HAD IN FACT NOT INTENTIONALLY COMMITTED ANY CRIME. THE ...DMV REVOKED MY ADL I COULD NO LONGER DRIVE THE AMBULANCE WHICH SEVERELY IMPACTED MY CAREER. JT FOR A ONE TIME FEE WENT ABOVE AND BEYOND THE CALL OF DUTY AND BOT ONLY CLEARED MY RECORD AFTER AN "ADMISSION OF GUILT" BUT ALSO GOT ME MY ADL BACK SO THAT NOW I CAN CONTINUE ON MY CAREER PATH IN EMS. JT WAS ALWAYS UPBEAT, ALWAYS AVAILABLE, ALWAYS HAD A PLAN, AND MADE YOU FEEL LIKE THE CENTER OF HIS UNIVERSE NO MATTER WHAT ELSE HE HAD ON HIS PLATE.

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John Thornton

Replied last June 10, 2018

I look through these reviews and am proud - and humbled. Each of these individuals had a potentially defining (negative...) situation and we worked though it together and reached the best outcome, with an eye on not only the present circumstance but the long run. This particular review has special meaning. This client had plead guilty (without a lawyer) to something he didn't do. He came to me with an issue about an ambulance license, but a conversation revealed that he plead guilty to something he didn't do because he had been advised that it was no big deal, and that he would be helping the system out by not taking up their time. A gentleman, he did just that. And then followed the unanticipated consequences. We met with the local DA's office - grilled at the highest levels as to why, how, and what were you thinking - and after hearing his side and reviewing video of the incident they agreed to allow him to withdraw his plea and dismiss the case. This gentleman doesn't drive an ambulance anymore (though he could if he wanted!). He is on the front lines of the first responder crew. My life, your life, or the life of the very DA's who realized he didn't commit a crime may be saved by...him. And for him it'd be another day on the job, it's what he does. What an honor to help him get to this point. He's the real deal.

Posted by shawn | June 04, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Expungement

Fantastic Human Being, Fantastic Legal Service

The contrast between John and the lawyers I contacted before providence brought me to his doorstep is night and day. With others, question #1 was “how much money do you have”, and more than one hung up on me merely at a hesitation in my reply. John’s first move was to listen to me. His second move wa...s to immediately call the DA’s office on my behalf, before the question of hiring him even came up. The arresting officer had gone far out of his way to stretch the story and concoct the case for a felony arrest, and I found myself in real trouble. (Unsolicited advice from my personal experience: even the most innocuous details shared before Miranda rights are read can and will be used against you, and it’s in the cop’s own professional best interest to make it sound like they’ve arrested the biggest criminal imaginable.) Just by presenting my perspective he got my booking reduced to a misdemeanor, which also meant his fee to handle the case would be lower because there would be less work involved. Then, 5 years later, he successfully filed to have my record sealed. I hadn’t yet requested help, and even felt nervous even asking for his advice about whether shaking an arrest on my record was an option for me. There was no additional charge, just the unsolicited offer of “let me see what I can do for you”. If there’s one thing missing from all these reviews, in which so many others share my experience with John, it’s that the prosecutors at the Santa Cruz courthouse have just as much trust and respect for John—for his humanity, honesty and fairness—as we do. I witnessed it in every interaction from that first phone call through the judges gavel, and it’s because he treats everyone, including them, with an equal respect. Beyond John’s significant legal expertise, his relationship with the court is an invaluable asset. The court took his account into consideration, over the cop’s, in my booking. The court was forthcoming with information, both the facts as they considered them and what their intentions would be in prosecuting the case, which helps with peace of mind during a stressful time. In court, he sat on the prosecutors side and worked things out with the DA before my case was called. The entire court proceeding was no more than the judge’s rubber stamp on our mutual agreement, and I was spared all penalty beyond the black mark on my record. And he didn’t stop until even that was gone. The best part is, he’s not being a good person to gain advantage, he’s just being himself.

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Posted by anonymous | August 20, 2013 | Expungement

Review of John W. Thornton

John William Thornton is a trustworthy, professional and reliable lawyer. He provided services to me ten years ago in a criminal defense case and recently saw the matter through to be expunged from my record. John took it upon himself to represent the expungement, pro bono, as part of continued eff...orts to see my case through to a just and desired outcome. He is an excellent and skilled lawyer who I highly recommend for legal services and advocacy.

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John William Thornton's Lawyer Endorsements

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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

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

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 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 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 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

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 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 Borthwick

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

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

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 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 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 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."

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Nicole Valentine

Licensing lawyer

Rick Gazipura

DUI and DWI lawyer

Phillip Crawford

DUI and DWI lawyer