David J. Garcia received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from California State University at Fresno in 1995.  He earned his Juris Doctorate at University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law in 1999.
Before joining Goyette & Associates, David worked for another law enforcement/public employee defense firm.  During his tenure, David represented peace officers and firefighters in a wide variety of labor/employment matters.  He gained valuable experience in the application of the Police Officer Bill of Rights, Fair Employment and Housing Act, California Labor Code, and the Fair Labor Standards Act.  He also represented his clients’ interests at the Public Employee Relations Board (PERB), PERS Disability Retirement hearings, and has successfully defended his clients at Permanent Restraining Order hearings.  David was responsible for disciplinary cases from their inception through arbitration or administrative appeal hearing.  He has substantial experience representing officers in internal affairs investigations, Skelly hearings and grievances.  His prior experience is highlighted by two termination cases that included allegations of dishonesty wherein he obtained successful arbitration orders of reinstatement for each officer.  In one of those cases, David successfully opposed a Writ of Mandamus filed by the chief of police/City seeking to avoid its obligation to reinstate the officer and attempting to ignore the arbitration order.  Following thorough legal briefing and spirited oral argument, David persuaded the Judge to issue a Writ of Mandate ordering the City to reinstate the officer with full back pay and benefits.  It is these types of favorable results on difficult cases that motivate David to continue working to enforce the rights of peace officers and their families throughout the state.  If you have any questions, feel free to contact David at [email protected].