Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
4.9 /5.0
175 Client Reviews
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Marcos M. Garza
also known as Marcos Garza
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About Marcos
Biography
Mr. Garza is a native of East Tennessee. He is a graduate of Vanderbilt University. He obtained his Masters of Science from the University of Tennessee and his Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Tennessee College of Law. Marcos M. Garza of the Garza Law Firm, PLLC is best known for his defense of those accused of DUI, criminal charges and for his representation of individuals who have suffered serious personal injury.
In 2010 through 2014, Marcos Garza was one of only four lawyers in the states of Arkansas, Tennessee and Mississippi, under the age of 40 to be selected as a “Mid-South Super Lawyer Rising-Star,” in the area of DUI/DWI Defense, a distinction given to the top 2.5% of all lawyers under the age of 40 or in the first 10 years of practice. Mr. Garza has consistently been recognized in CityView, Newsweek, Forbes and Time magazines for his accomplishments as an outstanding attorney. Mr. Garza has also been recognized as one of the top 40 trial lawyers under 40 years of age in the state of Tennessee, as selected by the National Trial Lawyers Association, and was also selected as one of their top 100 trial lawyers. He has also been rated AV-Pre-eminent, the highest distinction given by the distinguished Martindale attorney rating system.
Mr. Garza lectures both in the state of Tennessee and nationally in the areas of Criminal Defense, DUI and trial skills. Mr. Garza has literally attended hundreds of hours of legal and scientific education related to the defense of the citizen accused and prides himself in staying on the cutting edge of trial techniques and the underlying law and science that is necessary to effectively defend those accused of crime or those who have suffered serious personal injury. Mr. Garza is trained in the science and techniques of Gas Chromatography (the method used to test drugs and alcohol in the blood), the EC/IR II breath testing device and is both a student and Instructor of the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests, Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) and Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) courses.
Mr. Garza is also a graduate of the prestigious National Criminal Defense College (NCDC) in Macon, Georgia and a graduated of the well-respected Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College® in Dubois, Wyoming, an intensive 24-day trial skills college.
After a tour as a Judge Advocate and Captain in the United States Marine Corps, Mr. Garza returned to practice law in his home of East Tennessee. He routinely travels across East Tennessee handling criminal and personal injury cases for a relatively small number of clients. Marcos Garza is committed to handling fewer cases in the areas of Criminal, DUI and Personal Injury law in order to achieve the best results possible. This system enables Mr. Garza to get to know his clients personally and thoroughly, and he believes this not only produces better results but is also a more rewarding way of practicing law. He is available during the week and on weekends for free consultations. Mr. Garza is a husband and father of four young children and enjoys running and charcoal grilling on the weekends.
AV Rated - Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College Graduate; ACS Lawyer-Scientist
AV Rated; Only American Chemical Society "Lawyer-Scientist" attorney in TN.
AV Rated - Only American Chemical Society "Lawyer-Scientist" attorney in TN.
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
DUI and DWI
40%
26 years
Car Accident
20%
26 years
Criminal Defense
20%
26 years
Personal Injury
10%
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Licenses
Licensed in Tennessee for 25 years
State: Tennessee
Acquired: 2001
No misconduct found
Location
Garza Law Firm, PLLC
(865) 474-9397
Fax
550 W. Main Street, Suite 340, Bank of America Building, Knoxville, TN, 37902-2515
garzalaw.comGallery
Marcos M. Garza's Reviews
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Practice Areas
Criminal Defense (102)
DUI & DWI (70)
Lawsuits & Disputes (29)
Expungement (13)
Speeding & Traffic Ticket (11)
Litigation (5)
Car Accidents (4)
Drug Crime (4)
Social Security Disability (4)
Personal Injury (3)
Federal Crime (2)
Insurance (2)
Workers Compensation (2)
Debt Settlement (1)
Divorce & Separation (1)
Domestic Violence (1)
Family (1)
Gun Law (1)
Juvenile (1)
Slip and Fall Accident (1)
Violent Crime (1)
Wrongful Death (1)
What Clients Mention
Case Results (140)
Advocacy (93)
Recommendation (76)
Professionalism (57)
Practice Area Knowledge (46)
Character & Conduct (41)
Communication Style (37)
General Knowledge (36)
Responsiveness (36)
Compassion (30)
Cost of Services (29)
Staff & Support (26)
Trustworthiness (25)
Payment Plans (5)
Punctuality (3)
Free Consultations (2)
Showing 21 - 25 of 37 reviews | Communication Style
Posted by Larry | February 03, 2012 | DUI & DWI
First DUI
I contacted Marcos on Christmas Eve of 2010 because I had been arrested the night before for my first DUI. I had called a couple of other lawyers that day, but none of them had called me back. He took time away from his family to call me back that day for a consultation, explaining the situation, wha...
Posted by anonymous | October 05, 2011 | Criminal Defense
Great Lawyer and a Great Person
Marcos comes across differently from most other lawyers you will meet. He is genuine and sincere, and judging from my personal experience he is more respectable than 99.9% of the lawyers in Knoxville. He works harder than anyone I have ever seen and he tries with genuine personal concern to get your ...
Posted by Chris | August 23, 2011 | DUI & DWI
Marcos Garza's Review
I have never had any need to work with a lawyer up until the past 3-4 months. I turned 21 years old about 7 months ago and had already been arrested for suspicion of DUI. Mr. Garza had been recommended to me by a family member who spoke very highly of him so I called his office to schedule an appoint...
Posted by anonymous | June 27, 2011 | Litigation
Very professional, intelligent, caring, concerned, and knowledgable.
I called the office on Thurs. afternoon and had an appointment for the next day, which I liked...no waiting. The staff was very helpful, kind, knowledgable, and answered my questions quickly. Mr. Garza made me feel at ease with his interest and concern for my case. He was never in a hurry and did not...
Posted by anonymous | June 08, 2011 | Lawsuits & Disputes
As good as it gets...........Extraordinary attorney........Money well spent
I originally hired an attorney in Loudon, TN. Following the 1st hearing, all looked hopeless. It looked like I was going to lose my license & my job. The attorney I was working with had no direction and was too arrogant to even return phone calls. I decided to shop around for another attorney and...
Marcos M. Garza's Lawyer Endorsements
"I strongly endorse Marcos and his firm. Marcos is smart, hard working and he really cares for his clients. He is also a great person."
"Marcos fights for his clients both in and out of court. He is well respected by judges and his fellow attorneys. I highly recommend this lawyer."
"I have known Marcos now for several years. His reputation as one of the best DUI attorneys in the Knoxville is well deserved. His dedication to effectively represent his clients is evident every time he is in the court room. He is a lawyer I would recommend to my own family and friends."
"Marcos Garza is a very rare attorney whose great talent is evidenced by his ability to balance the multitude of different factors that must come together to make a great lawyer. His top notch results and amazing courtroom advocacy truly reflect his skill, intelligence, caring that he fully devotes to his clients and their issues."
"If you have a DUI in the Knoxville area and need a proficient criminal defense attorney, Marcos Garza is an excellent advocate for your case."
"I endorse this lawyer. He is a great attorney and counsel. You cannot go wrong entrusting him with your case. I would hire him if "I" needed an attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Garza has earned a well deserved reputation for being a fearless and very skilled courtroom attorney who has the intelligence and experience needed to win tough DUI/DWI cases. On top of that, Mr. Garza cares about each client and works tirelessly on their behalf."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Mr. Garza is a one of the leaders in the field of DUI. He has a stellar reputation, and is well known in the legal community. He genuinely cares about his clients, thinks fast on his feet, and remains calm and collected no matter what faces him. He is an aggressive leader in the DUI field, and you can't go wrong with his firm. I endorse him without reservation."
"Marcos is the kind of lawyer I would trust my closest friends and family with if they should ever need his help. He has an incredible legal mind and a caring heart for his clients. He makes sure every case is prepared thoroughly and that every angle is explored for each client, no matter how big or small the case is. I count myself lucky to call Marcos my mentor, and I know that my clients will benefit from everything he passes along to me."
"I highly endorse this lawyer. Marcos is driven to get the very best results for his clients. He zealously and tirelessly advocates for his clients and achieves great results."
"I endorse Marcos. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"Marcos Garza is a talented and dedicated criminal defense attorney. I have absolutely no hesitation recommending Attorney Garza for DUI/DWI defense."
"Recently, I had the privilege of being a speaker with Marcos at a DUI conference in Tunica, Mississippi for several hundred lawyers. He absolutely won the audience over with his presentation, and lawyers are not an easy bunch to impress. I am certain that he is equally impressive in front of juries. Marcos has an outstanding reputation among his peers in the criminal defense bar, and is one of the leaders of the statewide association. Time and again, he is recognized for his excellence by his peers. If you are searching for a criminal defense attorney in Knoxville, Marcos Garza would be an excellent choice."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Marcos is one of the hardest working attorneys I know. His mind is always searching for different angles to address the issues. We have offered each other guidance over the past several years. Never one to be too busy to lend a hand."
"I endorse this lawyer. He is cool under fire and knows his stuff. Whenever anyone asks for a referral to a criminal defense lawyer in east Tennessee, this former Marine JAG officer gets the nod."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Marcos is a fantastic criminal defense attorney but more specifically he is on the Dude's list of "go to" DWI attorneys when I am asked who to use in Tennessee when trouble lands. I met Marcos years ago while attending one of the top National DWI seminars put on by the National College of DUI Defense. Marcos immediately impressed me with his high level of knowledge, character and integrity. Marcos is highly respected across the nation as a top notch DWI Trial Attorney by those of us who practice in this area. Just because someone claims to be a DWI attorney does not make them the real deal. I have watched Marcos presenting at seminars and I have interacted with him personally. Marcos gives his very best efforts to protect and fight for his clients and that is a must in DWI defense. I am the DWI Dude out of Texas and I wholeheartedly endorse Marcos Garza as the DWI trial lawyer to help win your case, protect your good name and end your nightmare of a DWI arrest. Jamie "Dude" Balagia"
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Mr. Garza for many years in the National College for DUI Defense. I have attended many seminars and lectures with Mr. Garza all over the country. Mr. Garza is one of the best DUI lawyers in the country and a better man and friend. Mr. Garza is an instructor at every level in DUI Defense from SFSTs, breath testing, and blood testing. I would not hesitate for a minute to recommend Mr. Garza for a family member or good friend who was arrested in Tenn."
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James Balagia
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Experience
Honors
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2021
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2020
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2019
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2018
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2018
Super Lawyer, Mid-South Super Lawyers
2018
Knoxville’s Top Lawyers, CityView Magazine
2017
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association
2017
Super Lawyer, Mid-South Super Lawyers
2017
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®
2017
Knoxville’s Top Lawyers, CityView Magazine
2016
Graduate Course I, Gerry Spence’s Trial Lawyer College
2016
Super Lawyer, Mid-South Super Lawyers
2016
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association
2016
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2016
Knoxville's Top Lawyers, CityView Magazine
2015
Top Lawyers, CityView Magazine
2015
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2015
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2014
Forensic Lawyer-Scientist, American Chemistry Society
2014
Driving Under the Influence of Drugs Course III, American Chemistry Society
2014
14 Best Criminal Defense Lawyers, Newsweek Magazine
2014
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2014
Rising Star, Mid-South Super Lawyers
2014
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2014
Ultimate Trial Advocacy Course, American Association for Justice
2014
Top Lawyers, CityView Magazine
2013
Leading Criminal Defense Attorneys, Newsweek Magazine
2013
Top Lawyers, CityView Magazine
2013
2013 Standardized Field Sobriety Tests Update, Impaired Driving Specialists, LLC
2013
Legal Leaders - Tennessee's Top Rated Lawyers of 2013, Martindale-Hubbell
2013
Hands-On DNA Analysis Course, Dr. Greg Hampikian, Justin McShane & Josh Lee
2013
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2013
Rising Star, Mid-South Super Lawyers
2013
Spence Trial Lawyers College 3-Week Course, Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College
2013
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2013
Forensic Chromatography: Solid Drug Dose Testing, Axion Analytical Laboratories, Inc.
2012
Rising Star, Mid-South Super Lawyers
2012
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2012
Top Lawyers, CityView Magazine
2012
Pharmacology/Toxicology Principles - DUI-D & Drug Cases, Scientific Law Forums, Inc.
2012
Top 40 Under 40, National Trial Lawyers
2011
Rising Star, Mid-South Super Lawyers
2011
Learning at the Footsteps of the Master - Cross Examination, Terry MacCarthy & Josh Lee
2011
Outstanding Lawyers, Newsweek Magazine
2011
Featured Tennessee Legal Profiles, Forbes Magazine
2011
Forensic Gas Chromatography Course, American Chemical Society-Axion Labs-Drs. Harold McNair & Lee Polite, Justine McShane & Josh Lee
2010
Rising Star, Mid-South Super Lawyers
2010
"Taking Care of Business" (DUI Seminar), Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
2010
Forensic Chromatography Course, American Chemical Society
2010
Behind the Secrets of Highway Drug Interdiction Seminar, Impaired Driving Specialists, LLC
2010
Multi Device Breath Testing Mega-Course, Georgia Defense of Drinking Drivers
2010
Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement Course, Impaired Driving Specialists, LLC
2010
Intoximeter EC/IR II Breathalyzer Device Course, Arkansas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
2010
Drug Recognition Expert Course Overview, Impaired Driving Specialists, LLC
2009
Standardized Field Sobriety Test Instructor, Impaired Driving Specialists, LLC
2008
National Trial Practice Institute, National Criminal Defense College
2008
Standardized Field Sobriety Test Training Certificate, LaPier & Associates
2008
Leadership Law, Tennessee Bar Association
2004
Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal, United States Marine Corps
2004
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, United States Marine Corps
2004
Captain, Judge Advocate, United States Marine Corps
2003
National Defense Service Medal, United States Marine Corps
Work Experience
2007 - Present
Owner, Garza Law Firm, PLLC
2005 - 2007
Associate, The Law Offices of James A.H. Bell, P.C.
2005 - 2005
Owner, Marcos M. Garza, P.C.
1999 - 2005
Officer, Judge Advocate, U.S. Marine Corps
Associations
2014 - Present
DUI Defense Lawyers AssociationSustaining Member
2012 - Present
Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense LawyersBoard Member
2012 - Present
National College of DUI DefenseSustaining Member
2010 - Present
Tennessee Association for JusticeBoard Member
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Life Member
American Association for Justice
Member
Knox County Bar Association
Member
Tennessee Bar Association
Member
Sevier County Bar Association
Member
American Bar Association
Member
American Chemistry Society
Member
2014 - 2016
DUI Defense Lawyers AssociationVice President
Sample of Legal Cases
.178 Blood Alcohol Case
Dismissed after hearing
DUI & Possession of a Handgun while impaired
Reckless Driving
.20 Blood Alcohol, Poor performance on Field Sobriety Tests, Stumbling in Parking Lot
Dismissed Upon Payment of Court costs
Client passed out at red light with throw up on pants with blood alcohol test of .09.
Reckless Driving
Motorcycle Accident
$535,000 settlement
Motorcycle Accident
Policy Limits Settlement: $300,000
Motor Vehicle Accident
Policy Limits: $300,000 settlement
DUI with Accident Case and Refusal
Dismissed after Preliminary Hearing
Education
2001
UNIV TN
Law
1998
University of Tennessee
Master of Science in Social Work
1996
Vanderbilt University
BS - Bachelor of Science
Speaking Engagements
2019
DUI Defense Lawyers Association Spring Seminar Nashville
Overlooked NHTSA Manual Gems
2017
McMinn County Bar Association
Gas Chromatography and Other Issues of Science
2017
2017 Annual DUI Defense Seminar
Using the Field Sobriety Manual to Build Your Case
2016
Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Annual DUI Seminar
How to Win Your Trial at Preliminary Hearing
2014
TACDL Annual DUI Defense Conference
Implied Consent and other DUI Defense Issues
2014
Smoky Mountain Paralegal Association Annual Seminar
The CSI Effect: All the bloody details about Blood Testing, Breath Testing & Field Sobriety Testing
2014
Knox County Public Defenders Office Training
Preparing the DUI Case
2014
DUI Seminar - Cobb County Bar Association
Drug Recognition Expert Cross Examination Attacks
2013
TACDL's 6th Annual DUI Seminar & Training
20 Ways to Win a DUI Case
2013
TACDL General Sessions Court Training
Preliminary Hearings
2013
Ohio Assoc. of Criminal Defense Lawyers Advanced DUI Conference
Debunking the Drug Recognition Expert
2013
Arkansas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Annual Seminar
20 Trial Tips for DWI Winning
2013
2013 DUI Conference Breckenridge CO
Drug Recognition Defense
2012
TACDL'S DUI 2012 Seminar & Training
Demystifying the Drug Recognition Evaluator
2011
TACDL's 2011 DUI Training
Drugged Driving
2010
Standardized Field Sobriety Test Course
NHTSA's Standardized Field Sobriety Tests
2009
Strategies in Defending DWI and DUI Cases
DUI/DWI
2009
Planning your future as a legal professional
Planning your legal profession
Publications
2014
TN DUI Book
TN DUI Handbook
2013
TN Criminal Law Handbook
TN Criminal Law Handbook
2011
CityView Magazine
The Dilemma About Field Sobriety Tests
2010
Knoxville's CityView Magazine
Walking the Line
2009
What to Do If Your Pulled Over Or Arrested For DUI
http://ezinearticles.com/?What-to-Do-If-Your-Pulled-Over-Or-Arrested-For-DUI&id=1728945
2008
Knoxville Bar Association Dicta
What It Means to Be a Lawyer
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
Will a previous reduction of DUI to reckless driving from 8 years ago be held against me for my current DUI charge in TN.
05 May 2014
Q&A
Dui in Indiana, now 2nd in KY? What next ?
13 Apr 2010
Q&A
Can I still drive a moped on county roads if my license is revoked from a DUI in Tennessee?
10 Apr 2010