Santa Cruz DUI Lawyer

DUI Lawyer John W. Thornton has Represented Thousands of Clients

If you are searching for an experienced Santa Cruz driving under the influence defense attorney who knows how to aggressively challenge the case against you, call the Law Office of John W. Thornton. You will speak directly to Mr. Thornton. Your case will not be handled by a paralegal or handed off to a less experienced defense lawyer. You will get immediate guidance from an experienced California criminal defense attorney. Over the last several decades, Driving Under the Influence Defense Attorney John W. Thornton has helped people just like you prepare for and address the various aspects of a DUI case. If you have been arrested for DUI, do not hesitate to call 831-426-5800.

A driving under the influence defense attorney must know the system and how to challenge the prosecutor's case at every step. From the mistakes the police made when they stopped you, to the poorly calibrated breathalyzer, to the field sobriety test that was incorrectly administered, to the lack of training by the person who tested your blood: There are countless ways that an experienced DUI defense attorney can protect your rights and remind law enforcement officials that you are innocent unless they can prove otherwise. You have constitutional rights that must be asserted.

People accused of DUI are often unaware of how beneficial an attorney can be and they are also, often, unaware that there is a two-track procedure that takes place. There is both a DMV and a court process. Our law firm can guide you through the steps and may be able to help you:

• Help you keep your license
• Keep you out of jail
• Have your record cleared through expungement
• Represent you in the DMV administrative hearing and in criminal court
• Have charges against you dropped due to insufficient evidence

The details of your case will dictate our approach to your defense. No matter the complexity of your case or how hopeless the situation may seem, call us for the guidance you need. We have guided clients through the criminal justice system thousands of times. We can counsel you and provide the protective shield you need.   

Put your Trust in an Experienced Defense Attorney in Santa Cruz

Criminal Defense Attorney John W. Thornton offers skill, dedication and resources that have been acquired throughout his more than 30 years as a criminal defense lawyer. He is:

• A graduate of Santa Clara University Law in 1990
• Focused exclusively on criminal defense with extensive experience in DUI defense
• Dedicated to the people of Santa Cruz County and has spent his entire career in Santa Cruz

If you want to retain your license, you want to keep your record clean, and you want to avoid the most damaging penalties for DUI in California, you need an attorney who will approach your case with rigor and dedication. We are more than prepared for cases that involve first time DUI, multiple DUIs, underage DUI, drunk driving with injuries, and even DUI murder or manslaughter.

Act Quickly to Contact the DMV

If you are suspected of driving under the influence, you must contact the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within 10 days to request a driver's license revocation hearing. Failure to do so within the 10-day time frame will result in the suspension of your driver's license. When you reach out to us for guidance and legal advice, we will contact the Department of Motor Vehicles at 831-426-5800, (fax 831-426-5111) to request an administrative hearing and prevent the automatic suspension of your driver's license.

Contact Us Today

If you are facing DUI charges in Santa Cruz County, contact our law firm online or call 831-426-5800 or 831-566-4357 for a thorough assessment of your case. For your convenience, Driving Under the Influence Attorney John W. Thornton offers free initial consultations.