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Criminal Defense Lawyers in Salinas, CA: 2026 rankings

44 criminal defense lawyers ranked by LFR ScoreUpdated 0 paid placements in this rankingHow we rank →

The short answer

  1. 1

    Highest LFR Score in Salinas: Pernik Law, APC, LFR Score 74/100; 5.0★ from 146 Google reviews; open 24/7.

  2. 2

    Open 24 hours (per Google): The Worthington Law Centre, posts 24/7 hours; ranked #2 of 44.

  3. 4

    Most-reviewed: Chris Cain Law, 221 Google reviews at 4.8★, the most of 44 ranked; ranked #4.

Rankings can't be bought. Lawyers can't pay to change their rank or score. How we rank

44 Salinas criminal defense lawyers are ranked here by LFR Score, from nine published factors. 17 are open 24/7, 17 open Saturdays and 16 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 4.9★ across 44 rated law firms.

Top 10 criminal defense lawyers in Salinas at a glance

Ranked by our published LFR Score from public data, not by payment; a rank is not an endorsement or a prediction of results.

Top 10 criminal defense lawyers in Salinas at a glance
RankBusinessLFR ScoreGoogle ratingBased inHoursNotable for
1Pernik Law, APC745.0★ (146)SalinasOpen 24 hrs (Google)Top score
2The Worthington Law Centre704.7★ (59)SalinasOpen 24 hrs (Google)Open 24 hours
3James H. Dozier Jr. Attorney at Law694.6★ (30)SalinasOpen 24 hrs (Google)—
4Chris Cain Law684.8★ (221)Salinas—Most reviews
5Soltesz Law Group Criminal Defense & DUI Lawyers - Salinas Office685.0★ (18)SalinasOpen 24 hrs (Google)—
6Charles H. Shivers, Attorney at Law685.0★ (51)SalinasOpen 24 hrs (Google)—
7Taylor & Dolowich, A Professional Law Corporation675.0★ (86)Salinas——
8The Crawford Law Firm, Inc. Salinas674.7★ (13)SalinasOpen 24 hrs (Google)—
9Law Office of Miguel A. Hernandez664.9★ (69)Salinas——
10Jose Angel Velasquez, Sr., Attorney at Law663.6★ (12)SalinasOpen 24 hrs (Google)—

All 44 criminal defense lawyers in Salinas, in rank order

Ordered by LFR Score, a 0–100 score from nine published factors. Paid placement never changes the order.

Ranked by our published LFR Score from public data, not by payment; a rank is not an endorsement or a prediction of results.

  1. Ranked #1 in Salinas

    #1 Pernik Law, APC

    Based in Salinas

    74/100LFR Score

    Ranked #1 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 146 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 146 Google reviews
    • Open 24/7
    Hours
    Open 24 hours, 7 days
    Address
    40 Central Ave #4, Salinas, CA 93901
    View profile for Pernik Law, APC(831) 480-9165

  2. #2 The Worthington Law Centre

    Based in Salinas

    70/100LFR Score

    Ranked #2 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.7★ from 59 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.7★ from 59 Google reviews
    • Open 24/7
    Hours
    Open 24 hours, 7 days
    Address
    215 W Alisal St, Salinas, CA 93901
    View profile for The Worthington Law Centre(831) 704-1852

  4. #4 Chris Cain Law

    Based in Salinas

    68/100LFR Score

    Ranked #4 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.8★ from 221 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.8★ from 221 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 9 AM–4 PM · Fri 9 AM–3 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    6 W Gabilan St Ste 17, Salinas, CA 93901
    View profile for Chris Cain Law(831) 296-0060

  5. #5 Soltesz Law Group Criminal Defense & DUI Lawyers - Salinas Office

    Based in Salinas

    68/100LFR Score

    Ranked #5 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 18 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 18 Google reviews
    • Open 24/7
    Hours
    Open 24 hours, 7 days
    Address
    137 Central Ave Ste 3, Salinas, CA 93901
    View profile for Soltesz Law Group Criminal Defense & DUI Lawyers - Salinas Office(831) 346-0505

  11. #11 Pernik Law, APC

    Based in Monterey, 14 mi away

    66/100LFR Score

    Ranked #11 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 20 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 20 Google reviews
    • Open 24/7
    Hours
    Open 24 hours, 7 days
    Address
    215 W Franklin St 5th Floor, Suite 502, Monterey, CA 93940
    View profile for Pernik Law, APC(831) 480-9217

  12. #12 Monterey Criminal Attorney

    Based in Monterey, 15 mi away

    65/100LFR Score

    Ranked #12 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 18 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 18 Google reviews
    • Open 24/7
    Hours
    Open 24 hours, 7 days
    Address
    700 Cass St #202d, Monterey, CA 93940
    View profile for Monterey Criminal Attorney(831) 574-1791

  13. #13 The Crawford Law Firm, Inc.

    Based in Monterey, 14 mi away

    65/100LFR Score

    Ranked #13 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 16 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 16 Google reviews
    • Open 24/7
    Hours
    Open 24 hours, 7 days
    Address
    215 W Franklin St, Monterey, CA 93940
    View profile for The Crawford Law Firm, Inc.(831) 200-3447

  14. #14 Law Office of Maribel Penaloza

    Based in Salinas

    65/100LFR Score

    Ranked #14 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 34 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 34 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–6 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    307 Main St Ste 140-B, Salinas, CA 93901
    View profile for Law Office of Maribel Penaloza(831) 800-6395

  15. #15 Thelander Law

    Based in Salinas

    64/100LFR Score

    Ranked #15 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.9★ from 31 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.9★ from 31 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    325 Cayuga St, Salinas, CA 93901
    View profile for Thelander Law(831) 758-1069

  17. #17 Law Office of John Klopfenstein

    Based in Salinas

    64/100LFR Score

    Ranked #17 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.4★ from 47 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.4★ from 47 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    9 W Gabilan St Ste 6, Salinas, CA 93901
    View profile for Law Office of John Klopfenstein(831) 610-5921

  19. #19 THOMAS S. WORTHINGTON

    Based in Salinas

    62/100LFR Score

    Ranked #19 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.1★ from 15 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.1★ from 15 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    215 W Alisal St, Salinas, CA 93901
    View profile for THOMAS S. WORTHINGTON(831) 421-0800

  20. #20 Santa Cruz DUI Lawyer The Crawford Law Firm, Inc.

    Based in Santa Cruz, 29 mi away

    61/100LFR Score

    Ranked #20 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 9 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 9 Google reviews
    • Open 24/7
    Hours
    Open 24 hours, 7 days
    Address
    1414 Soquel Ave #224, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
    View profile for Santa Cruz DUI Lawyer The Crawford Law Firm, Inc.(831) 204-0773

  21. #21 Law Office of Cherish Om - Criminal Defense and Family Lawyer

    Based in Watsonville, 18 mi away

    60/100LFR Score

    Ranked #21 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 5.0★ from 24 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 24 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    1050 S Green Valley Rd, Watsonville, CA 95076
    View profile for Law Office of Cherish Om - Criminal Defense and Family Lawyer(831) 281-4964

  25. #25 Law Offices of Andrew C. Janecki

    Based in Santa Cruz, 29 mi away

    58/100LFR Score

    Ranked #25 because of its Google rating and practice area focus: 4.7★ from 27 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Criminal justice attorney”.

    Based on 7 of 9 factors; bar status and recency not yet collected.

    • 4.7★ from 27 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–6 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    1517 Mission St, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
    View profile for Law Offices of Andrew C. Janecki(831) 459-0427

All 44 criminal defense lawyers

#1 to #25 are shown in full above. Here are #26 to #44, in LFR Score order; each links to its profile.

criminal defense lawyers in Salinas, ranks 26 to 44
RankBusinessLFR ScoreGoogle ratingDistance
26Law Offices of John R. Coniglio584.7★ (47)14 mi
27Law Office of Eric C. Fonferek575.0★ (5)15 mi
28Jennifer S. Rosenthal, Esq.574.5★ (6)17 mi
29Pamela Brown, Attorney at Law574.3★ (6)18 mi
30Andre Steven J Attorney At Law565.0★ (4)17 mi
31Law Office of Tony Escareno562.9★ (28)19 mi
32The Law Offices of Stuart D. Kirchick555.0★ (5)27 mi
33The Law Office of Leila Vaez-Iravani545.0★ (29)29 mi
34Monterey License Attorney545.0★ (8)15 mi
35Gonzalez & Jones, APC534.8★ (74)18 mi
36Jamyrson Law Firm APC533.7★ (3)29 mi
37Law Office of Cherish Om - Criminal Defense & Family Lawyer535.0★ (27)29 mi
38Lavorato & Scott523.8★ (22)In Salinas
39Allan, Arlene E Aty503.7★ (6)In Salinas
40Biegel Law Firm504.9★ (9)12 mi
41Jesse Ruben Law, PC474.0★ (14)25 mi
42Mark A. Garver Attorney at Law465.0★ (4)29 mi
43The Law Offices of Bryan J. Hackett454.3★ (6)29 mi
44Law Offices of Geoffrey W. Rawlings, Esq433.7★ (3)29 mi

Also serving Salinas

20 more criminal defense lawyers within 30 mi that we can't rank yet: too few reviews, or a practice area we couldn't confirm. Listed A to Z.

Unranked criminal defense lawyers serving Salinas
BusinessGoogle ratingDistance
Accident Recovery Legal Center3.9★ (15)In Salinas
Central Coast Bankruptcy, Inc.5.0★ (337)In Salinas
Cypress Coast Law - Clark A. Miller4.9★ (10)In Salinas
Dilles Law Group, PC4.9★ (58)In Salinas
Hempel and Mudd Law4.6★ (9)In Salinas
JRG Attorneys at Law4.1★ (22)In Salinas
Law Office of Magnolia Zarraga4.8★ (58)In Salinas
Law Office of Mario J. Martinez4.9★ (40)In Salinas
Law Offices of Bruce Julian Kitchin4.6★ (22)In Salinas
Law Offices of Lawrence & Peck4.3★ (12)In Salinas
Law Offices Of Sheri L Perlman3.9★ (23)In Salinas
Los Abogados de Accidentes5.0★ (39)In Salinas
Martinez Eugene J & Associates4.3★ (13)In Salinas
Mercado Kramer5.0★ (26)In Salinas
Nadrich Accident Injury Lawyers4.8★ (63)In Salinas
Rucka, O'Boyle, Lombardo & McKenna4.2★ (44)In Salinas
Silva Injury Law, Inc.5.0★ (87)In Salinas
Stephen H. Kim, Attorney at Law5.0★ (89)In Salinas
The May Firm - Car Accident and Injury Lawyers5.0★ (35)In Salinas
Wilson and Wisler, LLP4.8★ (12)In Salinas

How we ranked Salinas criminal defense lawyers

We scored 44 Salinas criminal defense lawyers on nine factors, weighted as shown. A law firm is ranked when its practice area is confirmed and it has 3 or more Google reviews or a claimed profile. A law firm with no Google reviews scores zero on rating, review volume and recency. Other unknown factors are left out, not counted as zero. Scores last refreshed November 9, 2026.

Paid placement never changes a rank or score. Attorney advertising businesses are paid, labelled, limited to 3 and shown above the ranking, outside it.

Read the full method: formula, sources and exclusions

LFR Score factors and weights
FactorWeightComputed fromIn Salinas data
Reputation25%Google star rating, adjusted for how many reviews back itMeasured
Bar status10%An active bar or law society record matched to a lawyer at the firm (not measured until a record source is loaded)Not yet collected
Review volume10%Number of Google reviews, compared with the most-reviewed firm on the listMeasured
Recency10%Share of reviews from the last 12 monthsNot yet collected
Availability5%Weekly office hours, Saturday, Sunday, and phones answered 24/7Measured
Practice focus15%How clearly the firm practises this area (its Google category and name)Measured
Proximity5%An office in the city scores highest, less the farther away it isMeasured
Claimed profile10%The firm has claimed its Law Firms Ranked profile (free and paid earn the same)Measured
Law Firms Ranked reviews10%Verified client reviews collected by Law Firms Ranked: their rating and how many there areMeasured

How to choose a criminal defense lawyer

  1. Check the lawyer’s status and any public discipline in the state bar or law society directory.
  2. Ask how many criminal defense matters the lawyer handles each year, and who at the firm will do the work.
  3. Get the fee arrangement in writing: hourly, flat or contingency, and which costs are charged on top.
  4. Ask how and how often the firm will update you, and how fast it answers calls and emails.
  5. Read recent reviews for how the firm communicated and billed, not only for outcomes.
  6. Ask whether the lawyer regularly appears in the court where your case is filed.
  7. Meet more than one firm; many offer a short first consultation, sometimes free.

Questions to ask a criminal defense lawyer

  • How would you approach a matter like mine, and what are the realistic options?
  • How do you charge, and what will the total likely cost?
  • Who will be my main contact, and how quickly do you reply?
  • What does the flat fee cover, and what costs extra if the case goes to trial?
  • Who will appear with me at each hearing?
  • Is there any conflict of interest that would stop you representing me?

Terms explained

Contingency fee
A fee that is a share of the money recovered, paid only if there is a recovery. Common in injury cases; not allowed for criminal defense or for securing a divorce.
Retainer
Money paid up front and held in a trust account, which the lawyer draws on as fees are earned.
Flat fee
One set price for a defined piece of work, such as a will or an uncontested matter.
Limited-scope representation
Paying a lawyer for part of a matter only, such as reviewing documents or coaching for one hearing (also called unbundled services).
Statute of limitations
The deadline to file a lawsuit or charge. It differs by state or province and by type of claim.
Good standing
A lawyer’s status as active and eligible to practise with a state bar or law society.
Law society
The body that licenses and disciplines lawyers in a Canadian province or territory.
Board certification
Recognition in a field of law by a state program or an organisation accredited for that purpose. Lawyers may only claim it when they hold it, naming the certifying body.
Attorney–client privilege
The rule that keeps confidential communications between a client and lawyer, made for legal advice, out of court.
Conflict check
The search a firm runs before taking a matter to make sure it does not represent someone on the other side.
Pro bono
Legal work done for free, usually for people who cannot afford a lawyer.
Legal aid
Publicly funded legal help for people with low incomes, through legal aid offices, public defenders or provincial legal aid plans.

Criminal defense lawyers in Salinas: frequently asked questions

Which criminal defense lawyer has the highest LFR Score in Salinas?

By LFR Score, the highest-ranked criminal defense lawyer in Salinas, CA is Pernik Law, APC with an LFR Score of 74/100. It has 5.0★ from 146 Google reviews. It is open 24/7. The Worthington Law Centre (#2) and James H. Dozier Jr. Attorney at Law (#3) follow. We ranked 44 criminal defense lawyers on nine factors, last updated November 9, 2026.

How many criminal defense lawyers are there in Salinas?

LawFirmsRanked ranks 44 criminal defense lawyers serving Salinas, CA. 16 of them are based in Salinas; the rest serve it from nearby towns. Another 20 within 30 mi are listed but not ranked yet. Counts are as of November 2026.

Which criminal defense lawyers in Salinas are open 24/7?

17 ranked criminal defense lawyers in Salinas post 24/7 hours. The highest-ranked are Pernik Law, APC (#1), The Worthington Law Centre (#2) and James H. Dozier Jr. Attorney at Law (#3). Hours come from each law firm's Google listing as of November 2026, so call to confirm.

Which criminal defense lawyers in Salinas work on weekends?

17 of 44 ranked criminal defense lawyers post Saturday hours and 16 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays are Pernik Law, APC (#1), The Worthington Law Centre (#2) and James H. Dozier Jr. Attorney at Law (#3). Posted hours are office hours; many firms meet clients by appointment outside them.

What Google rating do Salinas criminal defense lawyers have?

The median Google rating among 44 rated criminal defense lawyers in Salinas is 4.9★, with a median of 18 reviews. Chris Cain Law has the most, 221 reviews, and ranks #4. We adjust ratings for review count, so a few five-star reviews cannot top the list.

How does LawFirmsRanked rank criminal defense lawyers?

Each criminal defense lawyer gets a 0–100 LFR Score from nine published factors, led by reputation (25%), practice focus (15%), review volume (10%) and recency (10%). A law firm with no Google reviews scores zero on rating, review volume and recency; other factors we cannot measure are left out. Only law firms with a confirmed practice area and 3 or more reviews, or a claimed profile, are ranked.

Do criminal defense lawyers outside Salinas count in this ranking?

Yes, if they are within 30 mi of the Salinas city center, our service radius for criminal defense lawyers. Each listing shows where the law firm is based and how far away it is. Proximity is 5% of the LFR Score, so a nearby law firm gets a small edge.

Can criminal defense lawyers pay to rank higher on LawFirmsRanked?

No. The LFR Score never reads payment status, and this ranking has 0 paid placements. Up to 3 Featured law firms may appear above the list, labelled Attorney advertising and showing their honest rank.

How do criminal defense lawyers in Salinas, CA charge?

Criminal defense lawyers usually charge a flat fee per stage (for example, through a plea or through trial) or an hourly rate. Contingency fees are not allowed in criminal cases under ABA Model Rule 1.5(d). Lawyers using Clio billed an average of $219 an hour in this area (Clio Legal Trends data, October 2026; all areas $362). Ask for the fee arrangement in writing before you agree.

What if I can’t afford a criminal defense lawyer?

If a charge can lead to jail, the court must appoint a lawyer for you if you cannot afford one (Gideon v. Wainwright, 1963; Argersinger v. Hamlin, 1972). Ask about a public defender at your first court appearance. This is general information, not legal advice.

How is this list of criminal defense lawyers in Salinas, CA ranked?

By LFR Score only, from public data on reviews, practice focus, office location and hours. Firms labelled “Attorney advertising” paid for that placement; payment never changes a rank, and a rank is not an endorsement.

Does a lawyer need an office in Salinas?

No, but the lawyer must be licensed in your state (or, for federal matters such as immigration, in some state). A local office makes meetings and court appearances easier, so proximity is one of our factors.

Update log for Salinas

  1. November 2026: LFR Scores recalculated for 44 criminal defense lawyers serving Salinas.

More criminal defense lawyers and Salinas pages