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John W. Day is a seasoned attorney who understands the benefits to his clients of big firm experience and professionalism along with cost-effective methods and personal attention.

John provides an exceptional level of devotion and loyalty to his clients, and his focused office is able to maintain a strong commitment to his principles: effective and affordable representation; precise, efficient service; and clear client communication.

Based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, John W. Day serves the entire state with a concentration on northern New Mexico. John represents clients in Los Alamos, Taos, Raton, as well as Santa Fe and the surrounding areas.

He practices in the areas of criminal defense (including white collar defense, all felonies and misdemeanors, and national security clearance matters),  civil litigation (including serious injury and wrongful death cases),  and government misconduct/civil rights cases.

John was educated at Harvard University and the University of New Mexico. Prior to John Day Law, John was a partner in one of Santa Fe’s oldest and largest law firms and has developed a reputation for being a compassionate, dedicated, vigilant attorney who prepares compelling and powerful legal defenses.

News and Media

John provides ongoing commentary and expert analysis of current events as they unfold.

Jump to News
NewsVideo
November 21, 2025

Court TV | John W. Day on the “Stranger Home Invasion Murder Trial”

New Mexico criminal defense attorney John W. Day joins Court TV’s Julie Grant to discuss all aspects of the "Stranger Home Invasion Murder Trial" for Matthew Lanz.
NewsVideo
November 13, 2025

Mom of Missing Girl: Arrested, Arraigned & Released as FBI Tries to Find 9 Year Old Melodee Buzzard

A terrifying mystery is unfolding as 9-year-old Melodee Buzzard remains missing—last seen alive on surveillance video with her mother, Ashlee Buzzard, before disappearing without a trace.
NewsVideo
November 10, 2025

Court TV | Criminal defense attorney John Day breaks down the “Father Figure Murder Trial”

New Mexico criminal defense attorney John W. Day joins Court TV’s Ted Rowlands to discuss the trial of Darin Thrailkill, accused of murdering his girlfriend’s 6-year-old son, Martin Osinski.
NewsVideo
November 8, 2025

The Adelsons: The Murder of Dan, the Mastermind & What Donna Said Behind Bars

In this Surviving the Survivor episode, Emmy Award-winning journalist Joel Waldman is joined by #BestGuests as they break down the case, the shocking family dynamics, and the growing speculation about…
NewsPodcast
November 8, 2025

Podcast | Crime Stories with Nancy Grace – ‘Naked Nanny’s’ Damning Facetime, Stabs Tot’s Grandpa Dead with Screwdriver

New Mexico criminal defense attorney John W. Day joins Nancy Grace to discuss the chilling case of psychotherapist Katie Ong, whose trusted nanny of two years, Samantha Rae Booth, allegedly turned violent…
NewsVideo
November 8, 2025

Crime Stories with Nancy Grace | Attorney John Day discusses the Samantha Booth nanny stabbing case

New Mexico criminal defense attorney John W. Day joins Nancy Grace to discuss the chilling case of psychotherapist Katie Ong, whose trusted nanny of two years, Samantha Rae Booth, allegedly turned violent…
NewsVideo
October 27, 2025

Court TV | Attorney John Day on the defendant’s testimony in the “Amber Alert Murder trial”

New Mexico criminal defense attorney John W. Day joins Court TV to discuss the “Amber Alert Murder” trial, noting that it will be a tough road for the defense to establish…
NewsVideo
October 27, 2025

LiveNOW from FOX | Mafia tied to Multi-million Dollar NBA Gambling Scheme

New Mexico criminal defense attorney John W. Day joins Carel Lajara on LiveNOW from FOX to break down details of the multi-million-dollar NBA gambling scheme. Day says the revelations “really shake…
NewsVideo
October 15, 2025

Court TV | Criminal defense attorney John W. Day on the murder of Harmony Montgomery

New Mexico criminal defense attorney John W. Day joins Court TV to analyze NH v. Montgomery murder case and the "Hammer Killing" murder case.
NewsVideo
October 14, 2025

Law&Crime | McDonald’s Murder Case Takes Shocking Turn

Twenty-seven-year-old Afeni Muhammad went on Instagram, accusing her McDonald’s manager of being a “bully.” Hours later, that manager, Jennifer Harris, was dead.
NewsVideo
October 14, 2025

Law&Crime | College Football Star Charged in Girlfriend’s Death

A 23-year-old college student, Alyssa Boyd, was killed in an ATV crash in Pennsylvania that also left her boyfriend, former Penn State football player Julian Fleming, seriously injured.
NewsVideo
October 10, 2025

Court TV | Attorney John W. Day on Daisy Link charged with second-degree murder of Pedro Jimenez

New Mexico criminal defense attorney John W. Day joins Court TV and discusses the "toxic relationship" murder trial involving Daisy Link with an analysis of the prosecution and defense.
Practice Areas

Criminal Defense

John W. Day represents clients facing criminal charges in courts throughout New Mexico. He handles cases involving white collar crime, homicide and other violent crime, vehicular homicide, domestic violence claims, juvenile and Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) cases, DWI charges, as well as national security clearance issues.

John represents a diverse group of clients, including professionals – doctors, lawyers, executives – who suddenly find themselves in difficult circumstances. He has also served as a special prosecutor appointed to handle complex criminal matters.

Government Misconduct / Civil Rights

John represents clients who have been victimized by government misconduct, including whistleblower retaliation, injury or death at the hands of a law enforcement officer, false arrest and governmental harassment based on the exercise of one’s constitutional rights.

Civil Litigation

John represents clients in personal injury, wrongful death and employment actions, as well as general litigation matters.

His efforts in civil litigation are centered on establishing close working relationships with his clients, emphasizing a precise focus on the client’s interests, cost-effective services and the ability to respond quickly. In 2016, John and his co-counsel obtained a $1.5 million jury verdict for a man accused by his employer of fraud and breach of duty. John has negotiated multiple six and seven figure settlements for his clients.

John provides representation in cases which combine both civil and criminal matters. He provides creative options and alternatives for the resolution of potential criminal matters. He represents witnesses, crime victims, and businesses facing criminal and quasi-criminal investigations.