DUI Defense for Monterey County Residents

A DUI charge is a criminal matter, not a traffic infraction. A conviction can mean jail time, fines, license suspension, and a permanent record that follows you into employment and licensing reviews. The Worthington Law Centre brings over 50 years of criminal defense experience and a rare credential to every case: both of our lead attorneys hold criminal law certification from the California State Bar, a distinction earned through rigorous examination, documented trial experience, and peer and judicial evaluation. We handle both felony and misdemeanor DUI charges throughout Monterey County, and we offer free initial consultations.

The Monterey County District Attorney’s Office operates a dedicated Vertical DUI Prosecution Unit, with a deputy district attorney assigned specifically to felony DUI cases. That level of organized prosecution is a clear sign that DUI charges here are pursued aggressively. Having a DUI attorney in Monterey County with comparable depth of preparation matters from the first hearing forward.

Facing a DUI charge? Call us today at (831) 704-1852 for a free consultation with our criminal defense team.

Two State Bar-Certified Criminal Law Attorneys at One Firm

California State Bar criminal law certification is held by approximately 285 active attorneys statewide out of roughly 196,000 on active status. It isn’t a self-awarded marketing label. It requires documented lead-counsel jury trial experience, peer and judicial evaluations, and ongoing continuing legal education beyond standard requirements. Both of our lead attorneys hold that certification. Having two State Bar-certified criminal law attorneys at one firm is uncommon by any measure.

Our firm has a history of representing professionals, public officials, and high-profile clients in criminal matters throughout Monterey County and surrounding areas, including San Benito County. Our team includes experienced attorneys, investigators, and a multilingual support staff. We’ve been rooted in this community for over five decades, operating out of the Hitchcock House in Salinas, the county seat.

DUI Charges We Defend in Monterey County

California prosecutes DUI under Vehicle Code sections 23152 and 23153. Most first, second, and third offenses without injury are misdemeanors. A charge becomes a felony when another person is injured, when a defendant has a prior felony DUI conviction, or when it’s a fourth or subsequent offense. Drug-impaired driving is prosecuted under the same statutes as alcohol-based DUI, and a driver can be charged without a BAC at or above 0.08% if an officer determines impairment by any substance.

We defend the full range of DUI matters handled in Monterey County Superior Court, from first-offense misdemeanor charges to felony DUI with injury. Whatever the circumstances of your case, our goal is to identify available paths toward reducing or dismissing charges before trial.