"For the past 20 years, attorney John W. Thornton has served residents of Santa Cruz County as a criminal defense attorney. At John W. Thornton, Attorney at Law, criminal defense, including DUI (drunk driving) defense is the exclusive area of legal practice. By choosing to focus in one particular area, attorney John Thornton can assure his clients that they are receiving the most effective legal defense against criminal charges.

Throughout his 20 years as a Santa Cruz criminal defense attorney, Mr. Thornton has handled thousands of criminal cases in Santa Cruz County Court. Mr. Thornton limits his practice to criminal cases in Santa Cruz County. He defends people against such charges as:

• Driving under the influence (DUI)
• Driving with a suspended license
• Drug crimes
• Marijuana crimes
• Domestic violence
• Assault and battery / assault with a deadly weapon
• Burglary / robbery
• Shoplifting
• Firearm possession
• Gang crimes
• White collar crimes
• Trespassing
• Murder / homicide
• Vehicular manslaughter

John W. Thornton is deeply connected to the legal community. He is a past President of the Santa Cruz County Criminal Defense Bar and he is a member of California Attorneys for Criminal Justice, the National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys, the California Public Defenders Association and the Association of California DUI Lawyers.

John W. Thornton is a lawyer who takes pride in his reputation for providing skilled criminal defense that is creative, capable and cost-effective. Mr. Thornton will work to ensure that you know exactly what your rights are, what you can expect from the legal system and your case, and what he is able to do for you as an experienced legal advocate. He firmly adheres to the highest level of integrity and has great concern for your best interests."