John William 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 ...promise, providing transparent guidance throughout the process. Dealing with a DUI while managing personal crises, including my father's hospice care and my mother's dementia, was incredibly challenging. John’s sincere care and his focus on what was realistically achievable made a significant difference. He guided me through every step, from counseling to volunteer work, and his advice proved invaluable. John’s expertise was evident when he successfully handled my DMV hearing. He then achieved a remarkable result in the criminal court, securing a reduced charge that was better than expected. This outcome allows me a fresh start. John's professionalism, honesty, and dedication were beyond my expectations. His hard work has given me a second chance, and I am deeply grateful for his support and the outstanding results he delivered.

John was very conscientious and generous with his time. My case was rather minor, but he gave me his undivided attention despite his busy schedule. In fact, he helped me figure out a problem in my case that saved me $1500 when he easily could have charged me to do the case himself. If I were facing m...ore serious charges I would absolutely trust him with my defense.

When I called John (or JT as I now know him) the day after my DUI, I knew instantly I could trust him to represent my DUI case in Santa Cruz. JT was an empathetic ear in that moment when I had found myself in a pathetic situation. He was realistic about my circumstances and genuine in every sense o...f the word. He even ‘checked in’ on me periodically, knowing this was a very private matter for me at the time. With the nature of my career, JT was able to represent me every step of the way, providing timely feedback, and keeping me on track to get through this process as streamline as possible. JT kept in touch with me over the years and furthermore successfully represented me during my DUI ‘dismissal’ 3 years later, which has helped me to move forward successfully in my career.

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.

John Thornton is on of the most professional people I have ever met. I was in the most stressful position of my life and he helped me more than anyone ever could. During the entire process of John working for me he was there for me, empathetic, he did everything he said he was going to do when, he s...aid he would do it, and did his best! John is a high integrity man. We need more people like him. I can not say enough nice things about him. He saved my life.