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John W. Thornton, Attorney at Law - YELP

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831-426-5800

831-566-4357

303 Potrero Street, Suite 30,
Santa Cruz, CA 95060

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Attorney Profile

Criminal Defense

Assault and Battery / Assault with a Deadly Weapon

Burglary / Robbery

Dealing with the Police

Drug Possession / Sales

Domestic Violence

Driving with a Suspended License

Firearm Possession

Professional License Defense

Expungement of Criminal Offenses

Driving Under the Influence

Field Sobriety/ Breathalyzer Tests

Underage (Under 21) DUI

License Suspension Hearings (DMV)

2nd, 3rd, and Multiple DUIs

Bipartisan Marijuana Bill Would Allow States to Legalize Marijuana

California Legislator Alleges Constitutional Violation in DUI Stop

Recording Police Action: Criminal Activity or Constitutional Right?

REINSTATING A DRIVER’S LICENSE AFTER A SUSPENSION: PAY ATTENTION TO THE DETAILS OR PREPARE TO WAIT IN LINE AT DMV MORE THAN ONCE

FIELD SOBRIETY TESTS – WHAT DO THEY SHOW?

When Will a License Suspension Hearing Be Held After a California DUI?

February 2021 Update: Santa Cruz Courts, DUI, DMV, and COVID-19

How Does Misdemeanor Diversion Affect California Criminal Cases?

All DMV Offices Will Open for Business Thursday, June 11 With Precautions Taken

What if I Can’t Afford a Private Attorney When Charged With a Crime in Santa Cruz?

How Can a DUI Arrest Affect My Reputation?

DUI Chemical Test Refusal – Almost Always a Bad Idea

What Are My Rights if I Am Arrested By a Police Officer?

How Will Getting Charged With a DUI Affect My Life?

What Happens if My Child Is in the Car During a DUI Stop?

Can Legal Use of Marijuana Lead to a DUI in California?

What Happens During a DUI Traffic Stop?

What DUI Charges Apply When Driving Under the Influence of Drugs?

What to Expect if You Are Arrested for a First-Time DUI

Changes in California Criminal Laws in 2019

New California Firearms Laws Taking Effect in 2019

Marijuana DUI a Growing Concern in California

Can I Be Charged With DUI When Sleeping in My Car?

Which Is More Dangerous While Driving: Drinking or Texting?

Tips To Achieve The Best Results During a DUI Traffic Stop

Protecting Against the Use of Deceptive Practices By Law Enforcement

Travel to Canada May Be Off Limits If You Have A DUI Conviction

What to Expect During a Field Sobriety Test

Everyday Items That Can Give a False Positive on a Breathalyzer

How Do I Determine My Blood Alcohol Level? Am I Safe to Drive?

Last Call in California - How Might Extending the Time Impact Your Risk of a DUI Charge?

Marijuana and Intoxicated Driving in California

Getting Your License Back After a California DUI Arrest

Charges Dropped for Man Accused of Driving Under the Influence of Caffeine

What Is a Wet Reckless?

Clearing Up Marijuana-Related Convictions

Underage Drinking and Driving Under the Influence

Shoplifter Profiling

Drinking and Driving on Private Property

Boating Under the Influence

Understanding Burglary, Robbery, and Theft

How to Use Information on Smartphones in Court

Bill Would Permit Oral Swabs to Bolster Drugged Driving Cases

Are There Going to be Major Hassles at the DMV After a DUI Arrest?

Who is Going to Find Out About My DUI Arrest?

What to Expect When You Drink, Drive, and Get Pulled Over

Study Shows Attitudes Towards DUI Change After a Few Drinks

I Have a High Alcohol Tolerance. Will I Be Arrested for DUI?

Can A Mathematician Predict Future Santa Cruz Crime?

John Stamos Arrested for DUI

Can I Lose My License If I Refuse an Alcohol Test?

California to Experiment with Drug Detection Technology

Memorial Day Holiday DUI

Prom DUI Prevention Advice for Teens

Sobriety Testing Cars Could Reduce DUI Risks

Avoiding a DUI Arrest on St. Patrick's Day

California Driver in Train Accident Had Previous DUI Conviction

DUI and Child Endangerment in California

Florida Motorists Refuse DUI Checks at Checkpoints by Rolling Up Windows

Uber’s DUI Reduction Claims Questioned

Mother in Trouble after Children Report her For Drunk Driving

Lawmakers’ DUI Attorneys Ask for Charges to Be Dropped Until Legislative Session Concludes

Holiday DUI Crackdown Kicks off in Southern California

Man Claims Eating Beer-Battered Fish Caused Intoxication

Talking to Your Teenage Child about Underage Drinking

Arizona Court Rules Medical Marijuana Cardholders Not Immune from DUI

California DMVs Arbitrary Powers to Revoke Licenses under Spotlight

Alcohol Commercials Affect Teen Drinking Rates

Feds Push for Law That Would Mandate Interlock Devices

Is Uber App Helping Reduce DUI Arrests?

Supreme Court Refuses to Hear Appeal of DUI Case

Woman Arrested for DUI after Fatally Running over Father

What Is a Personal Breathalyzer and Do I Need One?

Supreme Court Decision Allows Stop Based on Anonymous Tip

Families Divided over San Diego DUI Legal Fundraising

All-Night Drinking without Getting Drunk? This Man Claims It’s Possible

The Innovative Ways Colleges Are Combating Underage Drinking

Peer Pressure Strong Factor in Underage DUI

Citizens Protest against Fed’s DUI Survey Methods

California Judge Recommends Law License Suspension of Former Prosecutor for DUI

Lessons from Justin Bieber's DUI

David Cassidy Arrested for Third DUI

Stunning New NHTSA Anti DUI Ad Campaign Now in Force

Teens DUI Wealth Defense Elicits Controversy

OC Crime Lab Admits More Errors in DUI Lab Testing

Manufacturers Eye Pot Breathalyzers in Anticipation of Legalization

Increase in DUI Checkpoints in Martinez

Failure to Stop after DUI Results in Additional Charges

Heavy Costs of a Teen DUI

Potential for Underage DUI during Summer

NFL in Negotiations to Impose Stricter Penalties for Player DUI

Jacoby Ford will not be charged after March 14 DUI arrest in Oakland

Fresno panel says using iPhone map app in car violates the law

Law enforcement raids Morgan Hill warehouse; arrests man on pot charges

Police accuse man of felony DUI after crash at Palo Alto home

US Supreme Court rules that dog-sniff at a home is a search

Fourteen arrested during regional Central Valley warrant sweep

Court releases 'actually innocent' man held 13 years on three strikes sentence

Oakland rapper Too Short accused of drug possession, DUI in California

Lawmaker seeks to reduce some California drug crimes to misdemeanors

Petaluma cop accused of October DUI on scooter at golf course

Police search parolee's cellphone; make arrest in Oakland Museum heist

Bobby Brown sentenced of DUI, probation violation and license suspension

State senator seeks to tighten California DUI drug charges

California medical marijuana patient arrested again for pot cultivation

US Supreme Court clarifies detentions during police raids

Two Fairfield residents arrested on marijuana charges after raid

Three arrested on drug charges after Southern California bath salts probe

Chris Brown to challenge probation violation allegations in Rihanna assault case

CHP accuses man of felony DUI after crashing into Watsonville home

Former 49er and Raider Kwame Harris accused of felony domestic assault

CHP accuses naked Hesperia woman of felony DUI in accident involving fiancé

19-year-old charged with BB gun offense at Hercules middle school

Deputies accuse California man of using sauna during burglary

Two arrested Monday for December burglary at Salinas truck stop

animal cruelty charges after police raid home

Union City man accused of stealing packages, mail in Palo Alto

Police accuse California man of driving drunk on golf cart after burglary

Police arrest Scotts Valley resident for alleged marijuana grow

San Jose man arrested for drugs after dog sniff in Novato traffic stop

Police: Watsonville man conspired to smuggle drugs into Santa Cruz Jail

Man arrested in Visalia for driving while suspended after DUI court hearing

NTSB urges expandaed use of ignition interlocks in DUI cases

Torrance woman suspected of DUI after driving with dying man on hood

Teens found in San Mateo neighborhood arrested on burglary charges

Police say three men used sledgehammers in failed Santa Cruz robbery

Four people arrested on suspicion of Mariposa gem museum heist

San Jose Police: Pipe bomb found in van during DUI stop

Santa Cruz man arrested Thursday on drug allegations, arrested two more times since

Cop accused of destroying evidence after California DUI arrest gets probation

Two suspects detained in USC Halloween party shooting

Bobby Brown accused of test refusal, DUI and driving without interlock

Los Gatos, California doctor hit with 18 counts of drug charges

CHP: Man had meth in stolen SUV during Highway 17 chase

California medical marijuana issues continue to get more complex

Woman accused of drunk driving in death of 'Bad News Bears' actress

Two arrested after police chase following alleged fight in San Mateo

Cellophane wrapped truck prank under review for California charges

Morgan Hill mother accused of leaving daughter after attempted theft

Santa Clara school principal arraigned on drug charges

CHP: Motorcyclist with drugs flees on Santa Cruz Highway before DUI crash

Judge dismisses Contra County DUI charge against assemblyman

Chris Brown California probation review hearing delayed one week

Cash intercepted in the mail leads to pot bust in Fieldbrook, California

Police arrest driver for manslaughter after Walnut Grove accident

Two UFC contenders face separate California criminal cases

Octogenarian accused of theft crimes in California

Future archbishop of San Francisco charged with DUI

Six-time U.S. ambassador charged with DUI and hit and run

Man faces three strikes law in alleged LL Cool J burglary

Purported search for runaway leads to Mill Valley marijuana arrests

Man arrested in alleged burglary of the home of the late Steve Jobs

Two men accused of DUI after Saratoga crash allegations

Randy Travis found naked after car accident, arrested for DUI

Mother, daughter in Yuba County arrested for assault with deadly weapon

Police: $5 million worth of pot seized in two California grow houses

Passenger in vehicle charged with California DUI after crash

California Supreme Court: a balcony is part of a residence in burglary case

Two drivers arrested for DUI after fatal construction zone accident on the 405 Freeway

Santa Rosa woman charged with murder in fatal car accident

Marshawn Lynch, Jason Kidd each face DUI charges on separate coasts

Elementary teacher pleads no contest to California DUI charges

Concerns rise over law enforcement access to cellphone information

Media staff think that they may be robbery targets in Oakland

Someone broke through walls between businesses in California burglaries

California lawmaker seeks to allow cities to require probation registration

California Supreme Court rules for defendant in burglary case

Teen appears in Marin County alleged Lamborghini theft, attempted murder case

Officials charge Marine in alleged DUI deaths of three Marines in Dana Point

Watsonville police arrest man on domestic violence, attempted murder charges

Santa Cruz drug rehab counselor arrested for alleged drug possession

Kings County deputy arrested for DUI while on-duty

Police: Two men arrested for California drug charges after errant text message

Morgan Hill man arrested in Sierra LaMar case

Cinco de Mayo may bring an increase in California DUI enforcement

US Supreme Court denies three strikes sentencing appeal

Police: Bike stolen in Junior Seau burglary recovered, no arrest

Electrical fire in Richmond sparks marijuana cultivation investigation

Judge sentences man to 223 years to life in alleged Nuestra Familia kidnapping

Three California men accused of burglary in Internet bike heist conspiracy

Police: California lawmaker tests 0.08 percent BAC in DUI blood draw

Prosecutors: Folsom man used 'Whip it' before fatal DUI crash

Napa Police say 8-year-old found sleeping at home near meth lab

California Senate committee approves drug possession bill

Capitola Police: Man climbs tree before arrest on felony charges

Man Tased three times, arrested in Capitola after police stop

Three men arrested after car search in Santa Cruz on weapons, drug charges

Tiburon man pleads guilty to felony DUI, seeks trial in misdemeanor DUI

Several dead, others injured in shooting at college in East Oakland

Proposed California marijuana DUI law criticized by criminal justice professionals

Appellate court upholds California defendant's right to remain silent

Assemblywoman introduces new California DUI bill for marijuana

US Supreme Court says right to effective criminal defense includes plea deals

Gilroy Police: pot found in trunk, separate cultivation operation found

Bail set at $1 million for alleged theft of laundry detergent

Will realignment affect some voting rights in California?

Man arrested after cannon discharges in Southern California

Watsonville standoff nets no weapons after search

Will new allegations upset Chris Brown's domestic assault probation?

Two arrested in Santa Cruz for alleged catalytic converter theft crimes

Hugh Hefner's son booked on suspicion of domestic violence

CHP arrests man during stop on I-5 on suspicion of meth crimes

Woman arrested three times in a week in Santa Cruz, charged with drug crime

Feds want states to use ignition interlocks in all DUI cases

Police: Face recognition software identifies California robbery suspects

Pleasanton schools decide to teach warrantless dog-sniff searches by example

US Supreme Court says cops need warrant for GPS tracking

California man might face three strikes sentence

Woman arrested for alleged drug crime while visiting son on probation

Supreme Court throws out murder conviction for undisclosed evidence

US Supreme Court makes no change to eyewitness identifications

The New Year also brings a new wave of California laws

US Supreme Court asked to rule in warrantless dog-sniff search issue

Sacramento man misses court hearing in robbery case

Deputies claim iPad app led them to California burglary suspect

Soquel man pleads no contest to felony DUI charge

Prosecutors seek murder charge in Monterey overdose death

California man charged with domestic violence, may face three strikes

California Supreme Court reverses two death-row convictions

LA Dodger arrested on California DUI charge

Four arrested on suspicion of running California burglary ring

Raid at Watsonville warehouse results in pot charges

Prosecutors now seek murder charge in alleged meth breast-milk case

Visalia police arrest four men after search for alleged burglars

Proposal written to reform California's three strikes law

Two arrested on suspicion of DUI after Highway 101 accident Sunday

Police dispatch airplane and dogs after alleged burglary

California sets up 50 percent discount for some old unpaid tickets

What started as speeding allegation ends with DUI and drug charges

Appellate ruling excludes evidence in California drug case

Man with skateboard arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon

Watsonville mother sentenced in fight video case

LAPD says no hoodies allowed in effort to reduce robberies

Santa Cruz deputies raid Aptos home, man arrested on drug charges

Tone Loc pleads no contest to California domestic and weapons charges

Man faces theft and DUI charges after allegedly taking police car

Sting after DUI arraignments leads to 12 arrests

California man avoids prison in plea to drug charges

Police raid four Southern California clinics, three arrested on drug charges

Two arrested in south Monterey County after police raid

Police attempt search warrant raid on wrong house

Police say man approached to confess car theft

Man held on suspicion of murder after three county police chase

Santa Cruz County law enforcement creates gang task force

Professor at Cal State accused of drug crimes

Men charged with drug crime may not have had an illegal drug

California lawmakers debate warrants and cell phone searches

U.S. Supreme Court to review eyewitness testimony

18-year-old facing felony DUI charges

Santa Cruz tests crime prediction program

California appellate court invalidates part of DNA Act

Governor Brown signs California jailhouse snitch law

California three strikes law affects second strike sentencing

Woman accused of hotel room burglary may face three strikes law

Eureka man arrested for pot during traffic stop

Two men appear in court on California assault and mayhem charges

Two new arrests in Dodger Stadium assault and battery

Police hold woman for felony DUI after fatal crash

Woman arrested for alleged California assault with deadly weapon

YouTube sales alleged in California marijuana sales case

Police arrest man in California art theft

Jury acquits Casey Anthony of murder

California Supreme Court to review overturned murder conviction

Supreme Court to decide if GPS tracking is a search

Supreme Court rules for defendant in DUI case

California couple charged with DUI after dispute in parking lot

California medical parole approved for three men under new law

DUI, drug sentencing delayed in former California deputy case

Bay Area man charged with DUI on three consecutive days

Report of burglary in progress leads to pot discovery

Numerous DUI checkpoints conducted in Santa Cruz and Monterey over the holiday

Man arrested in another state faces extradition to California

Federal appeals court overturns California murder conviction

Supreme Court rules California prison overcrowding violates Constitution

Former California police officer charged with perjury, falsifying reports

U.S. Supreme Court sides with police in warrantless search

California Highway Patrol creates DUI warrant task force

Some drug charges dropped against Chico man, but they might be re-filed

A California DUI conviction may carry collateral consequences

Victims of California burglary face drug charges

80 Californians arrested in suspected gang related crimes

Man with tattoo convicted of murder now faces California drug charges

Breathalyzers in Ventura County found unreliable

Former Olympian arrested in California for alleged felony DUI

Three strikes measure fails in California Assembly Committee

Man arrested for California DUI at hospital after fatal motorcycle crash

Stray dog attack leads police to alleged California cultivation site

Soquel area man to face felony DUI charge

Appellate court vacates guilty plea, remands case

California homeowner faces murder charge after his home burglarized

Michael Lohan to face California domestic violence charge

DUI checkpoint smartphone applications draw fire

Warrants served on alleged marijuana growing operations

Two California raids allegedly net alligator and over 5000 marijuana plants

Sources say Gibson to plead no contest to California assault charge

Several California criminal cases dropped in police scandal

35 mile freeway ride results in serious California criminal charges

Court rules against defendant on Sixth Amendment issue

Teen enters plea agreement to three California burglaries

Judge to Lohan: Any plea will involve jail time

FBI to Congress: Wiretap access in new technology too difficult

Man faces California three strikes law for theft of gloves

Federal appeals court reverses three strikes sentence for South Bay man

Teen arrested for suspicion of felony DUI in Brisbane, California

California couple pleads no contest in endangerment, DWI case

Felony DUI charge follows alleged accident at Pacifica bar

California Soda Maker to Manufacture Legal Marijuana Soda

Los Angeles area officer arrested for filing false report

Loughner Arraigned On Attempted Murder Charges

California High Court Allows Cell Phone Search After Arrest

Freedom: Judge Throws Out Wrongful California Murder Convictions

LA County Judge Throws Out All Guilty Verdicts Against Stern

Man Crashes Into School Fence, Charged With California DUI

U.S. Congress May Address Integrity Of Forensic Crime Labs

Weekend New Year's Holiday Increases Risks On California Roads

Monterey County Obtains "John Doe" Warrant

CHP Increases DUI Enforcement Over Holidays

FBI Report: California Violent Crime Down In 2009

Many California Patients Are Foregoing California Marijuana ID Card

King's Assistant Coach Accused of California DUI

U.S. Supreme Court Hears California Prison Case

Oakland Man Arrested on Suspicion of Numerous Robberies

Santa Rosa Man Faces Three Strikes Law in Current Burglary Charge

Jury Deadlocks Over Murder Charge in California DUI Case

City in California Considers Posting DUI Arrests on Facebook

Tests Show Santa Cruz Man Cited for DUI Was Not Impaired

Former Hollywood Idol David Cassidy Charged With DUI

Tunnel, Marijuana Discovered in California Say Authorities

California Woman Sentenced to One Year for Burglary

Police Search Neighborhood for Suspects in California Robbery

California High Court Upholds Speedy Trial Rights

California Man To Face Murder Charge in Alleged DUI Crash

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Criminal Defense

Assault and Battery / Assault with a Deadly Weapon

Burglary / Robbery

Dealing with the Police

Drug Possession / Sales

Domestic Violence

Driving with a Suspended License

Firearm Possession

Professional License Defense

Expungement of Criminal Offenses

Driving Under the Influence

Field Sobriety/ Breathalyzer Tests

Underage (Under 21) DUI

License Suspension Hearings (DMV)

2nd, 3rd, and Multiple DUIs

Coronavirus Effects on Criminal Justice

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The Santa Cruz, California office of John W. Thornton, Attorney at Law provides skilled and knowledgeable criminal defense representation to residents of Santa Cruz County, including Santa Cruz, Aptos, Ben Lomond, Big Basin, Boulder Creek, Brookdale, Capitola, Corralitos, Davenport, Felton, Freedom, La Selva Beach, Las Lomas, Lompico, Los Gatos, Mount Hermon, Pajaro, Paradise Park, Rio del Mar, Royal Oaks, Scotts Valley, Seacliff, Seascape, Soquel and Watsonville.

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