
Justin A. Thornton, Criminal Defense Attorney in Washington, District of Columbia
Over 49 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, IRS, and Tax · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
MemberatLaw Offices of Justin Thornton
Washington, DC
Practicing criminal defense in Washington since 1977.
- 49+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 3
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Justin A. Thornton?
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Quick answer
Justin A. Thornton is a member based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, IRS, and Tax. Justin has over 49 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Law Offices of Justin Thornton. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Washington, DC
- Experience
- over 49 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · IRS · Tax
- Handles Criminal Defense, IRS, and Tax matters from Washington, DC.
- Over 49 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Justin A. Thornton: Justin A. Thornton is a member based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, IRS, and Tax. Justin has over 49 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Law Offices of Justin Thornton. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Justin's practice areas in Washington
Justin concentrates on criminal defense, irs, tax, and white collar. Each area below outlines the kind of case Justin handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense
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IRS
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Tax
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White Collar
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Criminal Defense cases in Washington, District of Columbia
Justin takes criminal defense matters in Washington, District of Columbia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Justin agrees to represent you.
IRS cases in Washington, District of Columbia
Justin takes irs matters in Washington, District of Columbia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Justin agrees to represent you.
Tax cases in Washington, District of Columbia
Justin takes tax matters in Washington, District of Columbia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Justin agrees to represent you.
White Collar cases in Washington, District of Columbia
Justin takes white collar matters in Washington, District of Columbia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Justin agrees to represent you.
Biography
Justin A. Thornton, criminal defense attorney serving Washington
Justin A. Thornton is a member based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, IRS, and Tax. Justin has over 49 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Law Offices of Justin Thornton. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review. Justin works from Washington, District of Columbia and takes on criminal defense matters across the region.
Mr. Justin A. Thornton is a lawyer practicing white collar criminal defense, white collar crime, criminal tax audits and 2 other areas of law. Justin received a degree from University of Exeter School of Law, Exeter, England in 1976, and has been licensed for 49 years. Justin practices at Law Offices of Justin Thornton in Washington, DC.
How Justin handles criminal defense matters
Mr. Justin A. Thornton is a lawyer practicing white collar criminal defense, white collar crime, criminal tax audits and 2 other areas of law. Justin received a degree from University of Exeter School of Law, Exeter, England in 1976, and has been licensed for 49 years. Justin practices at Law Offices of Justin Thornton in Washington, DC.
Who Justin represents
Justin reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, irs, and tax matters in Washington and the surrounding District of Columbia area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Justin studied and practices
University of South Carolina
J.D. · 1977
University of Exeter School of Law, Exeter, England
International Law · 1976
Jurisdictions
Justin's state bar admissions
North Carolina
1988 · ACTIVE
District of Columbia
1979 · ACTIVE
South Carolina
1977 · ACTIVE
Justin studied at J.D. in University of South Carolina and International Law in University of Exeter School of Law, Exeter, England.
Law school and academic background
Justin completed J.D. in University of South Carolina and International Law in University of Exeter School of Law, Exeter, England. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Justin runs in District of Columbia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Justin's legal honors and published work
Justin has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Justin's professional memberships and bar associations
American Bar Foundation. Charter Member, U.S. Sentencing Commission, Practitioners Advisory Group. Member, Board of Editors, Business Crimes Bulletin. "Federal Criminal Tax Enforcement," ABA 27th Annual National Institute on Criminal Tax Fraud (2010), Int
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republished for ABA National Institute on White Collar Crime (2000). "Guideline Sentencing in Tax Fraud Cases: Recent Developments in Calculating Tax Loss," ABA National Institute on White Collar Crime (1999). "Obtaining Evidence from the United States of
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Chair/Co-Chair, Tax Enforcement Subcommittee, 1992—
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Section on Taxation, Committee on Civil and Criminal Tax Penalties), Federal and International (Vice-Chair, Business Crime Committee, 2003-2006) Bar Associations
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International Association of Prosecutors
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National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
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Locations
Justin A. Thornton's office in Washington
Justin's primary office is at One Thomas Circle, NW, Suite 1100, Washington, DC, 20005. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Law Offices of Justin Thornton
One Thomas Circle, NW, Suite 1100
Washington, DC 20005
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Justin A. Thornton — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Justin. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing criminal defense attorneys in Washington.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Justin A. Thornton claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Justin A. Thornton — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new criminal defense attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Justin usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Justin charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Justin's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Justin will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Washington, District of Columbia
A short list to run through before you commit: How many criminal defense matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Justin
Justin discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in criminal defense practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every criminal defense matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Justin confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Justin's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many criminal defense practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Justin A. Thornton
How much does it cost to hire Justin for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Justin walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Justin offer a free consultation?
Justin charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Justin's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Justin's current terms during booking.
How long do criminal defense cases in District of Columbia typically take?
Simple criminal defense matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Justin gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Justin take my case if I'm outside Washington?
Justin is licensed in District of Columbia. Matters governed by District of Columbia law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Justin will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Justin?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Justin will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Justin accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
Justin's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Criminal Defense attorneys serving Washington and Belize City in District of Columbia
Justin handles criminal defense matters throughout District of Columbia. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified criminal defense attorneys in that community.
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