Marcos M. Garza, Civil Rights Attorney in Knoxville, Tennessee
Over 25 years of legal practice · focused on Civil Rights, Criminal Defense, and DUI/DWI · 4.9/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews
MemberatThe Garza Law Firm, PLLC
Knoxville, TN
Practicing civil rights in Knoxville since 2001.
- 25+
- Years practicing
- 4.9 ★
- 2 client reviews
- 2
- Bar admissions
Are you Marcos M. Garza?
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Quick answer
Marcos M. Garza is a member based in Knoxville, TN. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Criminal Defense, and DUI/DWI. Marcos has over 25 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at The Garza Law Firm, PLLC. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
- Based in
- Knoxville, TN
- Experience
- over 25 years
- Known for
- Civil Rights · Criminal Defense · DUI/DWI
- Handles Civil Rights, Criminal Defense, and DUI/DWI matters from Knoxville, TN.
- Over 25 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Marcos M. Garza: Marcos M. Garza is a member based in Knoxville, TN. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Criminal Defense, and DUI/DWI. Marcos has over 25 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at The Garza Law Firm, PLLC. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Marcos takes on
Marcos concentrates on civil rights, criminal defense, dui/dwi, insurance, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Marcos handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Civil Rights
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Criminal Defense
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DUI/DWI
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Insurance
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Litigation
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Military
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Personal Injury
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Civil Rights cases in Knoxville, Tennessee
Marcos takes civil rights matters in Knoxville, Tennessee. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Marcos agrees to represent you.
Criminal Defense cases in Knoxville, Tennessee
Marcos takes criminal defense matters in Knoxville, Tennessee. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Marcos agrees to represent you.
DUI/DWI cases in Knoxville, Tennessee
Marcos takes dui/dwi matters in Knoxville, Tennessee. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Marcos agrees to represent you.
Insurance cases in Knoxville, Tennessee
Marcos takes insurance matters in Knoxville, Tennessee. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Marcos agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Knoxville, Tennessee
Marcos takes litigation matters in Knoxville, Tennessee. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Marcos agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Marcos M. Garza — civil rights lawyer in Knoxville
Marcos M. Garza is a member based in Knoxville, TN. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Criminal Defense, and DUI/DWI. Marcos has over 25 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at The Garza Law Firm, PLLC. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
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 graduate 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. Read legal reviews on Marcos Garza.
Awards
2016
- AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
- Knoxville’s Top Lawyers, CityView Magazine
2015
- Knoxville’s Top Lawyers, CityView Magazine
- Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Assoc.
- AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martingale-Hubbell
2014
- Ultimate Trial Advocacy Course, American Association for Justice
- Forensic Lawyer-Scientist, American Chemistry Society
- Driving Under the Influence of Drugs Course III, American Chemistry Society
- 14 Best Criminal Defense Lawyers, Newsweek Magazine
- AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
- Rising Star Mid-South, Super Lawyers
- Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Assoc.
- Knoxville’sTop Lawyers, CityView Magazine
2013
- AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
- Spence Trial Lawyers College 3-Week Course, Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College
- Rising Star Mid-South, Super Lawyers
- Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Assoc.
- Hands-On DNA Analysis Course, Dr. Greg Hampikian, Justin McShane & Josh Lee
- Legal Leaders—Tennessee’s Top Rated Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell
- 2013 Standardized Field Sobriety Tests Update, Impaired Driving Specialists, LLC
- Leading Criminal Defense Attorneys, Newsweek Magazine
- Knoxville’s Top Lawyers, CityView Magazine
- Forensic Chromatography: Solid Drug Dose Testing, Axion Analytical Laboratories, Inc.
2012
- Rising Star Mid-South, Super Lawyers
- AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
- Knoxville’s Top Lawyers, CityView Magazine
- Pharmacology/Toxicology Principles—DUI-D & Drug Cases Scientific Law Forums, Inc.
- Top 40 Under 40, National Trial Lawyers Assoc.
- Learning at the Footsteps of the Master: Cross Examination Terry MacCarthy & Josh Lee
2011
- Rising Star Mid-South, Super Lawyers
- Outstanding Lawyers, Newsweek Magazine
- Featured Tennessee Legal Profiles, Forbes Magazine
- Forensic Gas Chromatography Course, American Chemical Society-Axion Labs-Drs. Harold McNair & Lee Polite, Justine McShane & Josh Lee
2010
- Drug Recognition Expert Course Overview, Impaired Driving Specialists, LLC
- Intoximeter EC/IR II Breathalyzer Device Course, Arkansas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement Course, Impaired Driving Specialists, LLC
- Multi Device Breath Testing Mega-Course, Georgia Defense of Drinking Drivers
- Behind the Secrets of Highway Drug Interdiction Seminar, Impaired Driving Specialists, LLC
- Forensic Chromatography Course, American Chemical Society
- “Taking Care of Business” (DUI Seminar), Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- Rising Star Mid-South, Super Lawyers
2009
- Standardized Field Sobriety Test Instructor, Impaired Driving Specialists, LLC
2008
- National Trial Practice Institute, National Criminal Defense College
- Standardized Field Sobriety Test Training Certificate, LaPier & Associates
- Leadership Law, Tennessee Bar Association
2004
- Navy & Marine Corps Achievement Medal, United States Marine Corps
- Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, United States Marine Corps
- Captain, Judge Advocate, United States Marine Corps
2003
- National Defense Service Medal, United States Marine Corps
Speaking Engagements
- Self-Defense, Defense of Others, Escalation of Force, & Right to Counsel Issues, 2018
- U.S. Law Shield (Tennessee & Kentucky), 2017, 2018
- Trial Techniques and Issues Regarding Phase Two and Other Defenses, 2017
- Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Annual DUI Seminar, 2017
- Issues of Science McMinn County Bar Association, 2017
- How to Win Your Trial at Preliminary Hearing Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Annual DUI Seminar, 2016
- Implied Consent and other DUI Defense Issues TACDL Annual DUI Defense Conference, 2014
- The CSI Effect: All the bloody details about Blood Testing, Breath Testing & Field Sobriety Testing Smoky Mountain Paralegal Association Annual Seminar, 2014
- Preparing the DUI Case Knox County Public Defenders Office Training, 2014
- Drug Recognition Expert Cross Examination Attacks DUI Seminar – Cobb County Bar Association, 2014
- 20 Ways to Win a DUI Case TACDL’s 6th Annual DUI Seminar & Training, 2013
- Preliminary Hearings TACDL General Sessions Court Training, 2013
- Debunking the Drug Recognition Expert Ohio Assoc. of Criminal Defense Lawyers Advanced DUI Conference, 2013
- 20 Trial Tips for DWI Winning Arkansas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Annual Seminar, 2013
- Drug Recognition Defense 2013 DUI Conference Breckenridge, CO, 2013
- Demystifying the Drug Recognition Evaluator TACDL’S DUI 2012 Seminar & Training, 2012
- Drugged Driving TACDL’s 2011 DUI Training, 2011
- NHTSA’s Standardized Field Sobriety Tests Standardized Field Sobriety Test Course, 2010
- DUI/DWI Strategies in Defending DWI and DUI Cases, 2009
- Planning your legal profession Planning your future as a legal professional, 2009
Working with Marcos on a civil rights matter
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…
Who Marcos represents
Marcos reviews new inquiries case-by-case for civil rights, criminal defense, and dui/dwi matters in Knoxville and the surrounding Tennessee area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of Tennessee at Knoxville College of Law
J.D. · 2001
University of Tennessee at Nashville
M.S.S.W. Vanderbilt · 1998
Jurisdictions
Marcos's state bar admissions
United States Distri
2004 · ACTIVE
Tennessee
2001 · ACTIVE
Marcos studied at J.D. in University of Tennessee at Knoxville College of Law and M.S.S.W. Vanderbilt in University of Tennessee at Nashville.
Law school and academic background
Marcos completed J.D. in University of Tennessee at Knoxville College of Law and M.S.S.W. Vanderbilt in University of Tennessee at Nashville. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Marcos runs in Tennessee is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Marcos has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Locations
Marcos M. Garza's office in Knoxville
Marcos's primary office is at Bank of America Center, 550 West Main Street, Suite 340, Knoxville, TN, 37902. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
The Garza Law Firm, PLLC
Bank of America Center, 550 West Main Street, Suite 340
Knoxville, TN 37902
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Marcos M. Garza — 4.9/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Marcos. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing civil rights attorneys in Knoxville.
4.9
2 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Marcos M. Garza claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Marcos M. Garza — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new civil rights attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Marcos usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Marcos charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Marcos's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Marcos will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a civil rights attorney in Knoxville, Tennessee
A short list to run through before you commit: How many civil rights matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Marcos
Marcos discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in civil rights practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every civil rights matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Marcos confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Marcos's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many civil rights practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Marcos M. Garza
How much does it cost to hire Marcos for a civil rights case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Marcos walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Marcos offer a free consultation?
Marcos charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Marcos's office. Some civil rights attorneys offer free consults — check Marcos's current terms during booking.
How long do civil rights cases in Tennessee typically take?
Simple civil rights matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Marcos gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Marcos take my case if I'm outside Knoxville?
Marcos is licensed in Tennessee. Matters governed by Tennessee law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Marcos will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Marcos?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Marcos will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Marcos accepting new civil rights clients right now?
Marcos's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Civil Rights attorneys serving Knoxville, Nashville and Memphis in Tennessee
Marcos handles civil rights matters throughout Tennessee. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified civil rights attorneys in that community.
More counsel
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If Marcos's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these civil rights attorneys in Knoxville handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.
