Alma Garcia

Ms. Garcia called me on the day of my preliminary hearing to ask me to tell her “what happened.” To make matters worse, this was 20 minutes after the required hearing time. I have never met her and was surprised and disappointed to learn that she would be handling my hearing 20 minutes after the ...hearing was set to begin. I did not hire her. I hired her associate. I was not told in advance nor consulted at all prior to the hearing. I was blindsided. She had no information about my case, and was completely unprepared. The prosecutor essentially walked all over her. She had no confidence, stammered and used the filler “ummm” more than a professional should. The only reason the hearing was reset and not sent directly to trial was because I interjected (which I was technically not supposed to do, but it worked). The prosecutor excused herself and said she would rejoin later to give me time to discuss the case with Ms. Garcia. She had not reviewed the evidence which I had shared weeks prior. Once I informed her of this, and the prosecutor rejoined the hearing, the date was reset. From my experience, she was not the caliber of attorney I would have chosen for myself. After doing thorough research, I hired her associate based on what I found. With this incident, I felt as if I was given the bait and switch routine. I am deeply disappointed and disillusioned by this. I should at, at minimum, been notified well in advance and given the opportunity to meet her prior to my hearing. At best, I should have been represented by the attorney that I specifically hired. I expect better at my next hearing and will update my review accordingly.