About Gary
Biography
Welcome to Thelander Law.
I have spent 17 years of my life serving the community as a public prosecutor, both as an Assistant Deputy District Attorney in Santa Cruz County and Deputy District Attorney in Monterey County
As I approach 25 years as an attorney I am proud to be able to serve you. I’ve served the People of the State of California for years and now I actually get to represent people. People who deserve the finest legal representation afforded to them under our constitution, people who find themselves accused by the state of illegal acts. People who have families, people who deserve a second chance.
As both a prosecutor and a defense attorney, I have participated in thousands of cases. Now; I offer that wealth of experience, hard earned knowledge and reputation for integrity and skilled trial practices to protect you.
Together, we will face the situation, break it down, and begin the process of fighting for your rights. We will minimize the impact on you and help restore order in your life. You will have the peace of mind of knowing our team is on your side fighting for you.
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
30 years | 1,000 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Licenses
Licensed in California for 30 years
State: California
Acquired: 1995
No misconduct found
Location
Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Gary online.
Gary Thelander's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
10 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 review | Responsiveness
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...
Gary Thelander's Lawyer Endorsements
"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."
"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."
"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."
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Experience
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 AssociationMember
1997 - 1999
Santa Cruz County Bar Association- Young Barristers CommitteePresident
1996 - 1998
Monterey School Of Law Alumni AssociationPresident
Sample of Legal Cases
Not Guilty
Education
1995
JD - Juris Doctor
1991
AA
Speaking Engagements
2016
Publications
2015
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers