Attorney Biography
Before becoming an experienced trial lawyer, Stephen Garcia graduated from Arizona State University and then moved to New York City where he attended New York Law School. There, he began his formal training in criminal law, serving as a law clerk at the New York County Attorney's Office. He assessed whether or not cases submitted by the NYPD would actually be charged as criminal offenses.
After graduating from law school, Stephen returned to Arizona. He has now been practicing criminal law for over ten years. Stephen is a former prosecutor with the Maricopa County Attorney's Office. He gained a wealth of knowledge and experience prosecuting cases ranging from misdemeanors to felonies, from disorderly conduct to violent and dangerous offenses.
After being assigned to a trial group, Stephen was assigned to the Vehicular Crimes Bureau. As a major crimes prosecutor, he gained specific and detailed knowledge prosecuting Aggravated DUI's and other serious vehicular-related offenses. Stephen has the insight to assess a case from the inside out.
Since leaving the Maricopa County Attorney's Office, Stephen has defended the accused in federal and state court. He joined one of the largest and most well-respected criminal defense firms in the state. Stephen has defended people in city courts, justice courts, superior courts, and appellate courts all across Arizona. He's handled cases involving charges and violations such as civil traffic tickets, simple drug possession, possessing drugs for sale, misconduct involving weapons, robbery, armed robbery, auto theft, misdemeanor DUI, felony Aggravated DUI, leaving the scene of an accident, unlawful flight, resisting arrest, shoplifting, domestic violence, forgery, fraud, sexual assault, sexual abuse, molestation, and dangerous crimes against children.
His success record not only includes jury and bench trials, but also effective representation for appeals, petitions for post-conviction relief, setting aside convictions, special actions, terminating probation, MVD hearings, Simpson hearings, and Restitution hearings.
Stephen launched Garcia Law fueled by passion for the people he represents and for the due process that exists for each and every person. Experience has taught him that due process cannot be taken for granted.
Education
J.D., New York Law School, 2004
- National Quarter-Finalist at 2003 University of Wisconsin Law School Evan A. Evans Constitutional Law Moot Court Competition
- Award-Winning Brief at 2003 University of Wisconsin Law School Evan A. Evans Constitutional Law Moot Court Competition
- Best Brief at 2002 Charles W. Froessel Moot Court Competition
B.A., Arizona State University, 2000
- 4-Year Member, ASU Football
- Maroon & Gold Scholar Athlete Award Winner
Admitted to Practice
- Arizona
- U.S. District Court, District of Arizona
- U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit