Reviews

Seems very genuine and understanding. It's nice being able to speak with a lawyer who just wants to help

I hired John after I was charged with a DUI for which I was facing criminal penalties and a loss of driving privilege that would have had a severe impact on both my personal and professional life. I knew that I had not actually committed any crime, but that proving so was going to be an uphill battle. John diligently gathered and documented evidence, including the acquisition of security camera footage, which ultimately convinced the county not pursue a case against me. In addition to the initial DUI charge, I had also refused to take the field breathalyzer, which can result in an automatic 1 year license suspension. This was an even harder battle to win and actually ended up going to a hearing with the DMV. Once again John expertly presented evidence, gave excellent counsel as to my own testimony, and made well conceived opening/closing statements that convinced the hearing officer to set aside the suspension of my license. Over a year after the initial incident my record and driving privilege was left unscathed and I couldn't be happier with John's work. I always had the sense that he wanted to win and he did. Money well spent!

John really took the time to review my case and get me the best outcome. With Covid going on, we did all our communication via email and phone and he was always available to discuss my case and give me the legal advice I needed. He went above and beyond in settling my case and I highly recommend him.

John handled my case incredibly tactfully and managed to secure a great result! He is well connected and experienced in navigating the court system in Santa Cruz, and is a very easy to communicate with (very quick response time). Most of all, he genuinely cares about his clients wellbeing and the end result in the case, and is relatable, empathetic, and kind.

This man changed my life. After close to 10 years since receiving a California felony "wobbler" conviction, I believed that I would always carry the label as a criminal, no matter where I went, or what I chose to pursue in life. This made it difficult to find work, enjoy my hobbies, or even maintain personal relationships. Moving forward, I reached out to John through a recommendation from a family friend. I was currently living out of state, and pursuing an education at a university. John (JT) made every step of the process clear and concise, taking extreme care to stay in communication with me along the way. After months of hard work and a lot of bouncing back and forth between us, I could tell that his preparation was thorough and we were ready. On the day that we won, I was absolutely ecstatic and felt tears of joy. I am forever in debt to this man. His service was outstanding, his personality is amazing, and he completely delivered on what was promised. I recommend him bar none to anyone who has hope for bettering their life and a second chance.

John Thornton is a consummate professional. Knows the law inside out, was able to negotiate the best settlement possible for my particular DUI. Was able to reduce my DUI school from 9 months to 3 months, a huge benefit. Handled every aspect of the case calmly, professionally and with an upbeat attitude. In fact, it is John's attitude that made the biggest impression upon me. Always positive, never judgmental, and laden with a refreshing dose of humor as well. Love his "can do" approach. Very highly recommended.

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 of 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 was 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 said 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.