Trust Our Experience in Criminal Defense

The Worthington Law Centre

5.0

Over 40 5-Star Reviews

Recognized Leaders in the Legal Field
  • Best Law Firms US News 2023
  • Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce
  • Top 10 Trial Lawyers
  • Super Lawyers - Thomas Worthington
  • Super Lawyers - Brian Worthington

    Serving Monterey County, Monterey, Seaside, Marina, Soledad and beyond Criminal Attorney Monterey County

    If you are facing criminal charges, it is imperative to begin building your defense right away. Navigating the criminal justice system can be daunting and complicated, which is why you need a seasoned criminal defense lawyer on your side. At The Worthington Law Centre, we understand the challenges you face.

    We can provide comprehensive legal support and build a defense strategy that is tailored to your situation. We will assess every aspect of your case, develop a strong defense, and protect your rights at every turn. We recognize the impact criminal charges can have on your life and will work diligently to obtain the most favorable outcome possible.

    There’s too much at stake to delay. Call our firm at (831) 704-1852 to see how a criminal defense attorney can help.

    Monterey County Criminal Defense
    Call for More Information Today!
    831-704-1852
    From Our Clients
    • S
      "Highly recommend Brian and his team"
      They guided me throughout the process and made me feel like I was in good hands.
      Saul G.
    • A
      "A Fresh Start"
      They gave me more than legal representation—they gave me a new beginning.
      Arianna Rudd
    • r
      "A Guardian Angel with a Sword"
      Always there when we call, excellent knowledge and detailed.
      rose mead
    • J
      "Praise for Mr. Worthington"
      His knowledge, courtesy, and professionalism are just some of the reasons to retain his services.
      Jen Zander
    • M
      "Best Attorney in Monterey County"
      Brian Worthington is the best criminal defense attorney in Monterey County, hands down.
      Mickey Mostel
    • y
      "Finding Mr. Worthington Was the Luckiest!"
      His attention to detail was remarkable.
      yang zhao
    • F
      "Best Law Firm in Monterey County"
      Avoided multi-year incarceration with their help.
      Francisco Galvan
    • M
      "Top Defense Attorney Worthington"
      Mr. Worthington fought for a better outcome.
      Marguerite Vollmer
    • M
      "Grateful for Their Kindness and Perseverance"
      I'm so grateful and thankful for their kindness and perseverance.
      McKenzie Odell
    • G
      "Supportive and Trustworthy Help"
      From start to finish they kept me well informed.
      Guy Wadsworth
    • S
      "Their success rate is unmatched"
      They are compassionate, caring, and have a high standard of ethics by which they abide.
      Shellee Perkins
    • S
      "Hire the Best"
      Brian & Tom Worthington are the best criminal defense attorneys in the business.
      Steve McShane
    • A
      "He is the best!"
      I am grateful to Tom and his staff for his calm and knowledgeable guidance.
      Argita Totozani
    • R
      "Worthington Law Center's Humanity"
      Worthington Law Center did a wonderful job.
      Roii Roii
    Highly recommend Brian and his team
    I’ve been working with Brian Worthington for a couple of years now, with different cases. He and his team are very helpful. They guided me throughout the process and took away any thoughts I had about my case. They let me go on with my life without worry because they kept me well-informed and made me feel like I was in good hands, which I ultimately was! I highly recommend Brian and his team, it's worth the money if you’re in trouble. I really appreciate Brian and the team. Thank you all for EVERYTHING!
    Saul G.
    A Fresh Start
    I cannot thank Brian Worthington and his team enough for the incredible support, dedication, and expertise they provided throughout my case. From the very beginning, they treated me with compassion, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to securing the best possible outcome for my future. Their knowledge of the law and ability to navigate complex legal challenges gave me a sense of confidence and peace in one of the most difficult times of my life. Thanks to their hard work and advocacy, I have been given something truly priceless: a fresh start. Because of them, I can move forward with clarity, dignity, and hope. I’m beyond grateful for the second chance they helped make possible, and I will always remember the impact they’ve had on my life. If you are looking for an attorney who will fight for you, guide you with integrity, and treat you like more than just a case number, look no further. They gave me more than legal representation—they gave me a new beginning.
    Arianna Rudd
    A Guardian Angel with a Sword
    The best... Mr. Brian Worthington and his staff 10/10... 100/100... Always there when we call, excellent knowledge and detailed... just being there in the difficult times... calls and follows up... It's like the guardian angel with a sword to protect and to defend... I praise and thank God Almighty for Mr. Worthington and his staff. Thank you very much Mr. Worthington and staff. God bless you and your staff always.
    rose mead
    Praise for Mr. Worthington
    I have nothing but praise for Mr. Worthington and his staff. His knowledge, courtesy, and professionalism are just some of the reasons you will want to retain his services if you find yourself in need of a respectable defense attorney.
    Jen Zander
    Best Attorney in Monterey County
    Brian Worthington is the best criminal defense attorney in Monterey County, hands down. No question, for anyone seeking top-shelf legal representation here on the Central Coast, Brian would be the one I would call.
    Mickey Mostel
    Finding Mr. Worthington Was the Luckiest!
    The story is a bit long, and my feelings are also somewhat complicated. So when I decided to sit down and seriously write this review, I suddenly felt a bit at a loss, not knowing where to start. Let me begin by expressing my heartfelt thanks and deepest gratitude. Finding Mr. Worthington amidst the overwhelming amount of information on Google has undoubtedly been one of the luckiest things that happened to us this year! In fact, before contacting Mr. Worthington, I researched various lawyer ranking websites and reviewed almost every law firm and lawyer with decent ratings and reviews in the Salinas area. I made a list to contact and record the communication status one by one. For various reasons, the meeting with Mr. Worthington was scheduled last. However, the moment the video call connected, and we saw him for the first time, our intuition told us he was the one. And sure enough, throughout the entire conversation, he was incredibly calm, professional, confident, and experienced, immediately putting our minds at ease, dispelling the anxiety we had before. I got a dismissal! What followed was an unbelievably smooth process. The court hearing started with confirming the refund information for my bail. I only had to say "yes," and it was over. The cross-examinations, confrontations, and verbal battles we had imagined never happened. It was over as soon as it began! An incredible and almost unbelievable journey! Moreover, after each communication, Mr. Worthington, worried that I might not have fully understood, would follow up as quickly as possible with an email to explain everything again in writing. He was extremely patient, thorough, and professional. Additionally, he thought of issues we hadn’t considered and proactively offered to help. His attention to detail was remarkable. I never imagined that in my lifetime, I would have the opportunity to work with such a distinguished lawyer. Words of gratitude somehow feel insufficient, but I want to emphasize that this is a very sincere and heartfelt review, not just polite feedback. Thank you, Mr. Worthington, for your help. I will always wish you well and am endlessly grateful.
    yang zhao
    Best Law Firm in Monterey County
    I would like to take the time to thank Mr. Brian Worthington and his team at the Worthington Law Center for all that they did for me and my family in our time of need. Unfortunately, I found myself in a bit of legal trouble and needed a true professional to assist, guide, and represent me through this time of need. Fortunately enough, I was referred to Mr. Worthington. Mr. Worthington is a true professional and a subject matter expert in this field of law defense. From day one, he and his team catered to my needs and made sure that I fully understood what I was dealing with without sugarcoating anything and gave me realistic expectations of my case end result. All my questions and concerns were answered in a timely manner and was guided accordingly. I would like to thank Mr. Worthington's legal assistant, Ms. Bertha, for all of her patience and assistance as I had millions of questions throughout my ordeal and not once did I feel as an inconvenience or as if I was bothering no matter how small the questions were. The end result of my case was something that I was truly not expecting as I was expecting a multi-year incarceration term but, with the help of this team, I am happy to say that I avoided said term. I wholeheartedly recommend the Worthington law firm to anyone in need of legal services/representation as I feel that this team is hands down the best law firm in all of Monterey County and a top firm in all of California!
    Francisco Galvan
    Top Defense Attorney Worthington
    My fiancé and I are very grateful and thankful for the help, expertise, knowledge, and support of Mr. Tom Worthington and his associates. Over 6 months ago, my fiancé was in a serious car accident, and I knew he needed the immediate help of an attorney. We had just moved to Salinas, and I didn’t know who to call. The accident had happened in the middle of the night. I googled 'Attorneys available to speak to' and the first number I saw and called was that of Mr. Worthington and his associates. His associate answered immediately and guided me through the process of how to contact a Bail Bondsman, who also in turn picked up the phone and proceeded to help my fiancé through the next step. Everyone I spoke to that most frightening night was helpful, kind, and concerned and never judged the situation. Mr. Worthington has those same qualities, as well as the knowledge and the respect of the court. My fiancé’s outcome could have turned out so grim, but Mr. Worthington worked with my fiancé, the court, and fought for a better outcome for him. We would recommend Mr. Worthington as a top defense attorney 💯 to anyone who asks us. M. Vollmer
    Marguerite Vollmer
    Grateful for Their Kindness and Perseverance
    If it weren't for The Worthington Law Center and Carolyn Ingalls Keeley, I wouldn't have been able to pursue my education or have my freedom. From the moment I met Carolyn Ingalls Keeley, she made me feel like there was hope. She was there for me and reassured me they would do everything they could to help me with my case. Years later, I'm so grateful and thankful for their kindness and perseverance because if it weren't for them, I would've gone down a completely different road in life.
    McKenzie Odell
    Supportive and Trustworthy Help
    Everybody was so supportive and explained everything and what to expect. Life is uncertain, but I hope in this life that I never will need this kind of help again, but if I do, I wouldn't trust anyone but these guys! From start to finish they kept me well informed. Thank you for this. Really appreciate you guys! ❤️
    Guy Wadsworth
    Their success rate is unmatched
    I have known the entire Worthington family for over 40 years. I'm here to attest that should you find yourself in trouble and needing a criminal law firm, these are the folks you want representing you. You will find Brian, Tom, together with their staff, working tirelessly for you. They are compassionate, caring, and have a high standard of ethics by which they abide. By my observation, their success rate is unmatched by most other law firms.
    Shellee Perkins
    Hire the Best
    Brian & Tom Worthington are the best criminal defense attorneys in the business. I have called on their expertise and referred countless clients. When it comes to defending yourself, never skimp. It's always best to hire the best. Their fees are reasonable. The firm also does a lot of good for the community. I highly recommend Worthington Law Centre.
    Steve McShane
    He is the best!
    To receive a phone call informing a mother that her son, miles away from home, had been arrested and was to be transferred to California, and held in detention to respond to an outstanding arrest warrant is among the most shocking events that can happen. My son is an international student. He had studied in California for Computer Science but transferred to another university in Chicago two years ago. He was not aware there was an outstanding arrest warrant. So, he was in shock also. I was referred to the Worthington Law Centre and discussed through a friend the case on a conference call with Thomas Worthington. He provided a detailed explanation of the arrest and court process in California. He undertook to review the case notes and discuss them with the DDA. In a follow-up conference call, Thomas provided me with his assessment of the case, what we might expect to happen, and an indication of the timelines. My priority was to have my son released from detention and proceed to defense. I needed a calm, knowledgeable attorney that I could trust. The Worthington Law Centre was perfect for me. Thomas explained how he intended to respond to the arrest warrant and how he would plead in court. He did not make promises that could not be achieved. Throughout the very lengthy process, from November to March, he maintained close contact with me, updated me at every stage, and he delivered on his commitments. My son was released from custody, he was allowed to return to university to resume his studies, and he returned to California for a final hearing in March. I am grateful to Thomas and his staff from the Worthington Law Centre for his calm and knowledgeable guidance during a very difficult period in my family's lives. He has wisely advised my son in every step towards the final process. Finally, the process is finished, my son is back at university to complete his studies. I have no hesitation recommending the Worthington Law Centre to act as attorney for cases appearing before the court process in California. He is the best!
    Argita Totozani
    Worthington Law Center's Humanity
    On November 12th I was arrested in Chicago because I had a pending warrant which I didn't have an idea of. My situation was surprising and horrible at the same time because I am an international student coming to the U.S. to get an education. By the time I was arrested, I was booked in a jail in Chicago which is called "Cook County Jail." My mother was very concerned about the situation and she was really helpless about doing anything, and adding to the fact that she lives 10000 miles away from me. Turns out my warrant was in California for something I did not do around 2019, and I didn't have an idea that I had a warrant out there. My mother was referred to Worthington Law Center by a friend of hers, and she immediately got in contact with Thomas Worthington. Tom showed her a lot of friendly support and he took responsibility for my case. By the time I was transferred to California to address my case, my mother was constantly in contact with Mr. Worthington. The first day I was booked into a California jail, Mr. Worthington contacted me and gave me an idea about the outcomes. Of course, they were scary because the charges were very scary and risky. Throughout the whole 2 weeks I spent in Monterey County Jail, Mr. Worthington was always contacting me and making sure he was telling me every single outcome of the case. I never heard him once making assumptions about handling the case or making sure that I was going to get the best outcome of it, but he was always honest and constantly giving me hope that he would do the best possible outcome for my case. During my time in Monterey County, I had to ask some inmates about the lawyer I hired, and they all told me "You're in good hands, he is the real deal and the best at what he does. Expensive, but the best at what he does." I guess they were right. After the whole process of stress and anxiety about the case, and also having my family living 10000 miles away from me, Mr. Worthington gets the best possible outcome from my case. Not only that, but he also supported me and consulted me about every single thing I needed to do after I was released so the court doesn't have a reason to put me back in jail. In other words, from being in the worst possible experience, and thinking that I am such an unlucky person, I found hope in humanity and by trusting my case to Mr. Worthington. I have to say Worthington Law Center, if not the best, is one of the best professional services you might get when your life is in danger, and you are facing multiple charges. Even though he is a busy man, he always makes sure he contacts me about every single thing and checks on me and my mom. After we decided to go with Mr. Worthington, I really said to myself that I am not that unlucky person at all, we made the right choice. I would highly recommend seeking legal help from Worthington Law Center just because of the humanity they show to you, and the help I received in my experience was more than I could ask. Everyone was so surprised about the effort Mr. Worthington put in order to get me onto the right path with every single thing the court was asking me to do. His calmness and experience made everything smooth and perfect one step at a time. My mother and I do not have the right words to thank him for his services and how he saved my life, but I am sure that he does realize how grateful we are with his & his staff's services. We are always grateful, and Worthington Law Center did a wonderful job.
    Roii Roii
    Our Results
    • Carolyn Ingalls Keeley's Notable Cases
      Probation and Only One Strike 18-Year-Old Young Man Facing Six Years in State Prison and Two Strikes
    • Thomas S. Worthington's Notable Cases
      Receives Misdemeanor Treatment 19 Year Old Developmentally Disabled Mexican Immigrant Charged with Forcible Rape and Facing Prison and Deportation
      Receives Misdemeanor Treatment After Attorneys Argue He Had Been Denied Due Process of Law
    • Thomas S. Worthington's Notable Cases
      Probation and Not Required to Register 21 Year Old College Student Facing Years in Prison and Lifetime Registration as a Sex Offender
    • Thomas S. Worthington's Notable Cases
      Not Guilty 23 Counts of Insurance Fraud and Perjury
    • Carolyn Ingalls Keeley's Notable Cases
      Probation 24 Year Old Salinas Man Facing 7 Years in State Prison for Bank Robbery
    • Thomas S. Worthington's Notable Cases
      Probation 26 Year Old Man Facing over 7 Years in Prison
    Why Choose The Worthington Law Centre

    At The Worthington Law Centre, we deliver exceptional criminal defense services in Salinas, CA, serving Monterey and San Benito Counties. With over 50 years of experience and attorneys certified in criminal law, our team provides dedicated and personalized representation to safeguard our clients' rights.

    Why Choose Us:

    • Over 50 years of proven defense expertise
    • Certified in criminal law by the California State Bar
    • Initial consultations are always free
    • Our multilingual support staff enhances client communication
    • Strong record of favorable outcomes for diverse clients
    • Family-owned, client-focused, and community-based
    • Over 50 Years of Defense Excellence

      Trusted for decades in Monterey County.

    • Certified Criminal Law Specialists

      Led by CA State Bar Certified attorneys.

    • Free Initial Consultations

      Evaluate our fit with no cost to you.

    • Multilingual Support Staff

      Serving diverse clients with clear communication.

    Meet Our Dedicated Team at The Worthington Law Centre

    At The Worthington Law Centre, we pride ourselves on being a family-owned firm with over 50 years of experience in criminal defense. Located in the heart of Salinas, our seasoned team is led by two attorneys certified by the California State Bar and supported by a multilingual staff, ensuring comprehensive legal assistance. We handle both felony and misdemeanor cases across Monterey County and beyond, offering free initial consultations to prioritize client access and satisfaction. Known for our personalized, client-focused approach, we tirelessly work to protect your constitutional rights and explore every defense avenue. Our office, nestled in the historic Hitchcock House, highlights our deep community roots and commitment to justice. Choose us for your defense needs and experience service backed by a history of successful advocacy.

    Defending Your Rights: FAQs
    • What are my rights if I am arrested?
      If you are arrested, you have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. It is important to clearly state your desire for legal counsel and to refrain from answering questions without an attorney present. These rights are designed to protect you during legal proceedings.
    • What is criminal defense?
      Criminal defense is the legal representation provided to individuals or entities charged with criminal conduct. It involves protecting the rights of the accused, negotiating plea deals, and providing guidance through the legal system. Our goal is to ensure the best possible outcome for the client.
    • When should I contact a defense attorney?
      Contact a defense attorney as soon as you are aware of an investigation or charges against you. The earlier an attorney is involved, the better they can prepare your defense. Early involvement also helps protect your rights during investigations and hearings.
    • What is a plea bargain?
      A plea bargain is an agreement between you and the prosecutor where you plead guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a reduced sentence or dropping other charges. It can be a strategic decision to avoid trial, but it's important to discuss the implications with your attorney before agreeing.
    Your Trusted Defense, Near You
    • King City
    • Monterey County
    • Greenfield
    • Soledad
    • Gonzales
    • Salinas
    • Paso Robles
    • Atascadero
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