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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
February 4, 2026

BBC News | Criminal defense attorney John W. Day on probability of former Prince Andrew testifying

BBC News to discuss the latest updates with the Department of Justice releasing millions of new files in the Epstein investigation. He discusses Prince Andrew being in the files and…
NewsVideo
February 4, 2026

Surviving The Survivor | Charlie Adelson’s Case Being Reviewed & Wendi’s Emails with Her Mom

New Mexico criminal defense attorney John W. Day joins Surviving the Survivor to break down the Charle Adelson trial.
NewsVideo
February 4, 2026

LiveNOW from FOX | Lawyers for Charlie Kirk murder suspect argue to have prosecutors dismissed

Tyler Robinson's attorneys are arguing to have the Utah County Attorney’s Office dismissed from the case. Several members of the Utah County Attorney’s Office have taken the stand already.
NewsVideo
January 30, 2026

Law&Crime | Shocking Twist in Baby’s Alleged ‘Strangulation’ Death

Jared White is accused of leaving his son in a bouncer for hours at his home in Clovis, New Mexico, and causing his son's death.
NewsVideo
January 30, 2026

LiveNOW from FOX | Criminal defense attorney John W. Day on the release of new Epstein files

John W. Day joins LiveNOW from FOX to discuss the Department of Justice releasing millions of new files in the Epstein investigation.
NewsVideo
January 26, 2026

Criminal Defense Attorney Details How Lawsuit Against WSU Over Bryan Kohberger Murders May Proceed

John W. Day joins Forbes Breaking News to discuss the next steps of the wrongful death lawsuit filed against WSU.
NewsVideo
January 21, 2026

Law&Crime | New Evidence Shakes Up Timothy Busfield’s Sex Crimes Case

New audio has been released of actor Timothy Busfield's child accuser denying sexual abuse allegations.
NewsVideo
January 21, 2026

ET | Timothy Busfield to Be Released From Custody as He Awaits Trial

A judge in New Mexico released Timothy Busfield on his own recognisance on Tuesday, after the actor spent a week in police custody. He's charged with crimes related to child…
NewsVideo
January 21, 2026

Surviving The Survivor | Judge in Timothy Busfield’s Detention Hearing Allows him to Walk; Audio Evidence Played in Court

Judge allows Timothy Busfield out of detention; guests John Day, Anna Sonoda and David Sarni discuss the details of the case.
NewsVideo
January 20, 2026

Forbes Breaking News | Criminal Defense Attorney Breaks Down Why Families Of Kohberger Murder Victims Are Suing WSU

John W. Day joins Forbes Breaking News to detail why the families of the four University of Idaho students have filed a lawsuit against Washington State University.
NewsVideo
January 20, 2026

Surviving The Survivor | Actor Timothy Busfield in Court for Detention Hearing After Child SA Allegations

Actor Timothy Busfield is in court in New Mexico for detention hearing.
NewsVideo
January 16, 2026

ET | Timothy Busfield Denied Bail Amid New Allegations in Child Sex Abuse Case

A judge denied bail for 'Thirtysomething' actor Timothy Busfield as new allegations emerge in his child sex abuse case. Authorities allege Busfield poses a 'serious danger to children and the…
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.