Gary Thelander

PRO

Gary Thelander

4.2
Rating: 8.5

Licensed for 30 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Salinas, CA
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI

325 Cayuga Street, Salinas, CA

About Gary

Biography

NOTE: We answer our phone directly or call you back within 20 mins day or night. Before you call me.

While you're deciding what to do, the case against you is moving forward. First consultation is free

Practice Areas

2

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 75%

I have spent 16 years as a Deputy District Attorney. In that time I prosecuted child sexual assault, murder, embezzlement, drunk driving, robbery, burglary, and various other types of criminal cases.

30 years | 1,000 cases

75%
DUI and DWI 25%

25%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Licenses

Licensed in California for 30 years

State: California

Acquired: 1995

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Thelander Law

325 Cayuga Street, Salinas, CA, 93901

salinascalawyer.com/

Online Presence

Other places you can find Gary online.

Gary Thelander's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.2 /5.0

10 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (10) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 6 - 10 of 10 reviews

Posted by Gary B. | August 18, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Domestic Violence

Exceptional Service

I can't thank Gary Thelander enough for what he has done for me and my family. Just recently my girlfriend and I were dealing with a domestic violence case due to some misjudgment on both parties. A misjudgment that could have potentially put me in jail and cost me my livelihood. I being afraid and a...nxious was glad Mr Thelander could come to save the day! He worked very closely with my girlfriend and I, seeking for the best result to not only get my charges dismissed but also to improve my relationship to avoid further issues. He truly cares about his clients. If you're looking for a trustworthy and compassionate attorney, Gary is the man to make your life easier! My case was dismissed and my relationship with my girlfriend is growing stronger every day thanks to his good judgement and excellent advice. I highly recommend Gary Thelander for any legal issue you may be having.

Posted by Robert | August 13, 2015 | Criminal Defense

outstanding attorney

My daughter was recently charged with misdemeanor hit and run. She was facing incarceration, driver license suspension and fines. There were extenuating circumstances in her case and our family believed that it would be more appropriate for this to be resolved civilly. I needed to find an attorney... who I knew would do a thorough investigation and was someone that I could trust. I'm a retired police officer and have worked with numerous attorneys throughout the court system. The first person who came to mind to defend my daughter was Gary Thelander. I reached out to Gary and he worked her case tenaciously and ultimately had the charges dismissed and the matter was handled civilly, all in a timely manner. Her record was cleared of any criminal history. If you find yourself facing criminal charges, I highly recommend that you consult Gary Thelander about your case. My family and I are very satisfied with the positive outcome in her case. This is a direct result of Gary Thelander's extensive knowledge of criminal law, the court system and the fact that he truly cares about his clients.

Posted by Erik | August 12, 2015 | Child Custody

Mr. Thelander

Mr. Thelander was great, without him the custody of my child might have been lost because of false charges against me. He got those charges dismissed! I'm grateful he took my case!

Posted by anonymous | September 29, 2025 | Hired Attorney

Completely Unreliable

I urge anyone considering this attorney to look elsewhere. There are professionals out there who genuinely care about their clients, communicate clearly, and actually do the work they’re paid to do. Unfortunately, this attorney was not one of them. I'm sharing this review so others can avoid the str...ess, wasted time, and financial loss that I went through. Don’t make the same mistake — you deserve better. Completely Unreliable, • Unresponsiveness (not returning calls/emails) • Lack of preparation • Poor strategy or advice I urge anyone considering this attorney to look elsewhere. There are professionals out there who genuinely care about their clients, communicate clearly, and actually do the work they’re paid to do. Unfortunately, this attorney was not one of them. "I rarely received updates unless I reached out multiple times, and even then, the responses were vague or delayed for weeks. I hope this review helps others avoid the same mistakes and find legal representation that truly advocates for their clients.

Posted by anonymous | September 02, 2025 | Hired Attorney

Completely Unreliable

Completely Unreliable Unresponsiveness (not returning calls/emails) Lack of preparation Poor strategy or advice Cancelation of multiple scheduled meetings before court day I urge anyone considering this attorney to look elsewhere. There are professionals out there who genuinely care about the...ir clients, communicate clearly, and actually do the work they’re paid to do. Unfortunately, this attorney was not one of them. "I rarely received updates unless I reached out multiple times, and even then, the responses were vague or delayed for weeks." "I hope this review helps others and find legal representation that truly advocates for your legal rights”

See All Client Reviews

Gary Thelander's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Gary
Dylan Forest Taylor headshot
Dylan Taylor

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 31

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"As a Public Defender, I handled many cases in which Gary Thelander was opposing counsel. He was always a fair, balanced, yet formidable adversary in the court room. Now, as member of the Monterey defense community, he is able to use his background and training to assist those in need. In fact, many of the strengths he demonstrated as a prosecutor are now better suited to his role as defense attorney. It is for this reason that I highly endorse the well qualified Gary Thelander."

William Vadim Pernik headshot
William Pernik

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 28

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Thelander and I have appeared opposite each other on many cases. He is a formidable trial lawyer, with a knack for jury selection and effective case presentation. Mr. Thelander is well respected in the legal community on both sides of the aisle, treats people with fairness and respect, and has a good sense of humor that makes working with him enjoyable. I heartily recommend him."

Charles Joseph Murphy headshot
Charles Murphy

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I've known Mr. Thelander for years. When he was a prosecutor, he was always fair and approachable. In court he showed a high level of competence. Now, as a defense attorney, he offers strong and compassionate representation."

View All Endorsements
Dylan Forest Taylor headshot
Dylan Taylor

Criminal defense lawyer

Charles Joseph Murphy headshot
Charles Murphy

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  8.5 (Excellent)

Honors

1997

Outstanding Achievement, Constitutional Rights Foudation

Work Experience

2014 - Present

Attorney, Thelander Law

2000 - 2014

Deputy District Attorney, Monterey County District Attorney's Office

1998 - 2001

Assistant District Attorney, Santa Cruz District Attorney's Office

1995 - 1998

Attorney, Gary HM Thelander, LLC

Associations

1995 - Present

Monterey County Bar Association

Member

1997 - 1999

Santa Cruz County Bar Association- Young Barristers Committee

President

1996 - 1998

Monterey School Of Law Alumni Association

President

Sample of Legal Cases

DUI

Not Guilty

See More Legal Cases

Education

1995

Monterey College of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1991

Cabrillo Coll

AA

Speaking Engagements

2016

Speaker's Gym for Debate Debate

Publications

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution