About Jay
Jay Norton grew up studying literature and law in Kansas. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from the University of Kansas in 1991 and completed his Juris Doctor at the University of Kansas School of Law in 1994. Those years on campus shaped his interest in criminal justice and courtroom work. He left law school ready to begin a practice built on trial work and client representation.
He moved into private practice after law school. Over the years Norton developed a practice centered on criminal defense matters, with a strong emphasis on driving-under-the-influence cases. He took on trials and hearings across Kansas courts. He has served clients at every stage of criminal proceedings, from pretrial motions to jury trials and sentencing hearings. He has also taken part in continuing education and training tied to DUI defense techniques and forensic issues.
Professional associations have been a steady part of Norton’s career. Since 2016 he has served on the board of the Kansas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He has represented Kansas as a state delegate to the National College for DUI Defense since 2015. He was also among the founding members of the DUI Defense Lawyers Association in 2015. Those roles have kept him connected to evolving legal standards, scientific developments in impaired driving cases, and the community of defense lawyers across the state and country.
Colleagues describe Norton as someone who spends time on the technical aspects of cases. He pays attention to procedural details, trial preparation and evidentiary questions that often decide contested matters. He has worked to keep current on forensic topics that arise in DUI litigation, including blood testing, breath analysis and field sobriety testing. He has also participated in professional programs and panels aimed at improving defense practice in impaired driving cases.
Norton practices from Norton Hare, LLC, where he handles a mix of criminal defense and DUI cases. He represents individuals charged in municipal, district and appellate proceedings. He remains active in professional groups that address standards for defense practice and the specific challenges that impaired driving cases present. He now concentrates his practice on criminal and DUI defense.
