Free Consultation
$0 first 30 minutes
Stephen Santos Garcia
also known as Steve Garcia
About Stephen
Biography
Before becoming an experienced trial lawyer, Stephen Garcia graduated from Arizona State University and then traveled back East 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 successfully handling probation violation matters and 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. As a former prosecutor, 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 appeared and defended people in city courts, justice courts, superior courts, and appellate courts all across Arizona. In his experience, 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 successful experience not only includes jury and bench trials, but also effective representation for appeals, petitions for post-conviction relief, setting aside convictions, terminating probation, MVD hearings, Simpson hearings, and Restitution hearings.
Practice Areas
1
Practice Area
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.
Search our directory
Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.
Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.
Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.
Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Arizona for 20 years
State: Arizona
Acquired: 2005
Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2020
Location
Garcia Law, PLLC
2 N Central Avenue, Suite 1800, Phoenix, AZ, 85004
Ad
Transform legal challenges into solutions.
Connect now to review your situation.
Stephen Santos Garcia's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
3 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (3)
Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 review | Practice Area Knowledge
Posted by anonymous | March 01, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Incredibly professional
I worked with Stephen on a very sensitive case that was highly impactful on my life. He went way above and beyond the call of duty in preparing for my case, consulting with other attorneys to find the best defense and presenting my case to the judge. He was ready for anything, had an incredible kno...
Stephen Santos Garcia's Lawyer Endorsements
"Stephen and I formerly worked together at another firm. I consulted with Stephen on a number of matters and witnessed his legendary trial advocacy skills. I recommend him highly."
"I highly recommend Stephen."
"Stephen is an excellent attorney. He is a skilled litigator and capable of representing anyone for any charge. Stephen is a gracious and humble person who has an excellent reputation and excellent relationships with prosecutors and court staff. When I first met Stephen he was a prosecutor and I was a defense attorney, he was reasonable in his approach to cases and one of the best prosecutors I knew. When he became a defense attorney I was impressed with his litigation skills and his dedication to his clients. If I were in a position where I had to hire an attorney Stephen would be at the top of my list."
"I first met Stephen when he was a prosecutor, and I was immediately struck by how reasonable he was. I knew then that he would become a great criminal defense lawyer. His charm and wit appeals to both judges and juries alike. He fights vigorously for his clients and obtains excellent results."
"Stephen is a great guy and an excellent lawyer. He is very professional and cares about his clients and the outcomes of their cases. Stephen has a lot of experience in several different courts in Arizona. I would highly recommend Stephen!"
"I have gone up against Stephen in criminal matters, and when he moved to Defense, I approached Stephen to be a part of my Defense Lawyer Team. He is a fantastic lawyer, and a very likeable guy. He embodies the best of both words in the legal community, and it definitely benefits his clients."
"Steve is honest and knowledgeable. When he was a prosecutor, he was fair and straightforward. As a defense attorney, he maintains his reputation for diligence, honesty, and compassion. Steve is a great advocate."
"Steve is an excellent attorney who works tirelessly for his clients with the utmost competency. With Steve you are guaranteed excellent representation."
"Steve is an intelligent hard working attorney with a strong knowledge of the law. In my time working with him as a prosecutor, he displayed am unmatched work ethic and strong passion for the law and his work. I have no doubt he will represent his clients well and work tirelessly."
Brian Sloan
DUI and DWI lawyer
Armando Nava
Criminal defense lawyer
Roland Rillos
Criminal defense lawyer
Derek Oliverson
Criminal defense lawyer
Experience
Professional misconduct
This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2020.
Reprimand and Probation issued in AZ, 2020
updated on 03/10/2021Reprimand means the attorney did something wrong but may still practice law. While on probation, the State monitors the attorney's activities for a period of time in hopes that he or she will not repeat the behavior.
Honors
2018
Certified Specialist in Criminal Law, State Bar of Arizona
Work Experience
2017 - Present
Criminal Defense Attorney, Garcia Law, P.L.L.C.
2014 - 2017
Associate, The Law Offices of David Michael Cantor
2011 - 2014
Assistant City Attorney, City of Glendale Prosecutor's Office
2007 - 2011
Deputy County Attorney, Maricopa County Attorney's Office
2006 - 2007
Litigation Associate, Buchalter Nemer, PC
2005 - 2006
Assistant Attorney General, Arizona Attorney General's Office
2003 - 2004
Litigation Law Clerk, Shestack & Young, LLP
2002 - 2003
Clerk, New York County District Attorney's Office
Associations
State Bar of Arizona
American Bar Association
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice
American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
Education
2004
New York Law School
JD - Juris Doctor
2000
Arizona State University
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Languages
English