Outstanding Defense Lawyers For Tough Criminal Cases

About the Firm

Outstanding Defense Lawyers for Tough Criminal Cases

Clients of The Worthington Law Centre are quick to discover that our focus on criminal defense and commitment to excellence in client service can provide genuine hope in desperate situations.

Our office is located in the heart of Salinas, the seat for Monterey County. We occupy an historic home, formerly known as the Hitchcock House, which Mr. and Mrs. Worthington bought and restored in 1993.

The Worthington Law Centre is a family owned and operated criminal defense firm. In the 50 years since its inception, Mr. and Mrs. Worthington have worked hard to foster a welcoming, comforting and informative environment. They have assembled a team of lawyers, experts, and investigators with years of experience. This team also consists of a caring, multilingual and knowledgeable support staff that works patiently to answer clients’ questions and address their concerns. In fact, The Worthington Law Centre has been named in “Best Law Firms” since 2010.

In 2009, Brian M. Worthington, after graduating from USF School of Law, joined his father, Thomas, at The Worthington Law Centre. In just three short years, Brian Worthington earned the distinction of being selected as a Northern California Rising Star–a distinction earned by no more than 2.5% of lawyers in California who are 40 years old or younger or who have been practicing for 10 years or less; as well as being selected as a Top 100 Trial Lawyer in California by The National Trial Lawyers; and most recently being Certified as a Specialist in criminal law by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization. Practicing criminal defense, exclusively, he continues to give the excellent representation to clients for which The Worthington Law Centre has become known. He maintains an active case load of both felonies and misdemeanors in adult and juvenile courts in Monterey, San Francisco, San Benito, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz and all the bay area counties. He handles complex cases, achieving results very favorable to his clients.

Our attorneys have experience, knowledge and education in all areas of criminal defense and have tried hundreds of cases in California and in other states throughout the country as well as federal cases and military issues such as Courts Marshal. One of our lawyers, Carolyn Keeley, is a former prosecutor, has been an Assistant District Attorney for a number of years for the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office.

Few attorneys can match the criminal defense credentials of Thomas Worthington, however. Certified since 1977 as a specialist in criminal law by the State Bar of California’s Board of Legal Specialization, he has been selected by his peers each year since 1987 as one of “The Best Lawyers in America“. He has also been selected for inclusion in Northern California Super Lawyers, as a Top 100 Trial Lawyer in California by The National Trial Lawyers, as well as being chosen and identified in Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Ratings as a Preeminent AV rated attorney — the highest distinction available.

Mr. Worthington has taught on advanced criminal trial defense techniques but the main foundation of his outstanding reputation remains to be the results he has achieved for his clients.

All of the attorneys at The Worthington Law Centre defend adults and juveniles accused of state or federal crimes. Over the years, we have represented people from all walks of life – lawyers, doctors, law enforcement officers – including two chiefs of police and a warden of Soledad State Prison – teachers, priests and other clergy, a Mayor of one city, the Chief Administrative Officer of one county, as well as members of the County Board of Supervisors and City Council.

The United States Bill of Rights guarantees everyone the right to representation by counsel and the protection against self-incrimination by allowing a person to refuse to answer questions or give other evidence that would subject him to criminal prosecution. In other words, you have a right to remain silent and you should do so until you have someone on your side to ensure your Constitutional rights are being protected.

If you find yourself in trouble with the law, you need to put our decades-long winning record to work for you. Don’t hesitate – contact a lawyer at The Worthington Law Centre. You can email us, or call us toll-free at (831) 704-1852.

Certified Specialist Criminal Law, State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization

Thomas Worthington has been Certified as a Specialist in Criminal Law by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization since 1977. Brian Worthington also recently received the same honor.

California attorneys certified as specialists must pass a written examination in their specialty field, demonstrate a high level of experience in the specialty field, fulfill ongoing education requirements and be favorably evaluated by other attorneys and judges familiar with their work.

Notable Cases & Results

  • Dismissed Domestic Violence Allegation
  • Reduced to Misdemeanor; No Jail Time Imposed. Possession of Assault Weapon
  • Probation, Home Confinement and No Sex-Offender Man Accused of Using Craig's List to Contact Minor for Sex
  • Dismissed Rape Charges
  • Probation Molest Victim Charged with Attempted Murder of His Assailant
  • Convicted of Lesser Offense Voluntary Manslaughter
    Coach from Robert Louis Stevenson School Charged with Murder of His Daughter's Boyfriend Convicted of Lesser Offense of Voluntary Manslaughter
  • Misdemeanor Treatment with Probation and No Jail Local Retired Dentist Charged with Felony Child Endangerment Facing a Six Year Prison Term
  • Probation and Only One Strike 18-Year-Old Young Man Facing Six Years in State Prison and Two Strikes
  • Probation 28 Year Old Salinas Man Facing 13 Years in State Prison for Weapons Charges with Gang Enhancements
  • Not Guilty Verdicts Sleep Technician Accused of Touching Patients in a Sexual Manner
    Sleep Technician Accused of Touching Patients in a Sexual Manner Receives Not Guilty Verdicts on All Charges Except One Resulting in a Hung Jury

Our Testimonials

What Our Clients Have to Say
  • “No words can truly express our complete satisfaction with their services.”

    Hipolity & Leticia M.

  • “This has been anxiety-filled process, but we could not imagine having hired a better firm to get us though this process. Our gratitude for everything.”

    John & Cynthia B.

  • “I can’t express enough how satisfied I was with your services and your professional staff. ”

    Former Client

  • “On behalf of my entire family, thank you so much, Brian, for your amazing efforts and superhuman compassion as you shepherded us through this awful experience.”

    James K.

  • “From the very beginning of my legal tribulation, Mr. Brian Worthington and his team- showed genuine interest.”

    Lee

  • “My family and I will never forget all that you and your staff have done for us.”

    August J S.

  • “I feel fortunate that I made the best decision to hire Tom Worthington”

    Sandy K.

  • “The hard work, your time, your perseverance, your dedication and your efforts, helped in the end result of Emma’s Case.”

    Guadalupe B.

  • “I was glad I called Tom & his group”

    Mel Jenkins

  • “Successful results with my criminal case that was my concern.”

    Mrs. Cortez

  • “Tom and Brian Worthington are the real deal!”

    Nick B.

  • “Worthington law firm worked at providing the highest quality of professionalism and attention to detail that I needed to prove my innocence and to win my case.”

    Darla M.

  • “Hard work, diligence and perseverance. ”

    Scott

  • “I personally feel you did a superb job, and I thank you once again. ”

    Mario C.