Ruben A. Garcia had been charged with first-degree attempted
murder. With a prior strike on his record for battery with serious
bodily injury, Garcia had faced a sentence, if convicted in a
potential trial, of 55 years to life in prison. He is set for
sentencing Sept. 28, when he likely will receive a 12-year term in
state prison.
The 41-year-old Hollister man accused of shooting his mother three times, once in the face, is headed toward a likely 12-year prison sentence after his attorney reached a plea deal with prosecutors last week.
Ruben A. Garcia had been charged with first-degree attempted murder. With a prior strike on his record for battery with serious bodily injury, Garcia had faced a sentence, if convicted in a potential trial, of 55 years to life in prison.
Authorities suspect Garcia shot his mother in her face, arm and hand June 1 of last year after an argument over finances. She survived the attack after treatment at a Bay Area hospital.
Two days later, police discovered Garcia locked into his home near Cerra Vista Elementary School on Brighton Avenue. Authorities then engaged in a four-hour standoff before the suspect turned himself in without further confrontation.
Below is this week’s installment of Hello Hollister featuring Public Defender Greg LaForge.
Public Defender Gregory LaForge struck the plea deal with prosecutors July 13, the same day Garcia was scheduled to start his jury trial, said LaForge, noting how he had been involved in negotiations for a plea agreement leading up to the planned proceeding. In the end, District Attorney Candice Hooper’s office agreed to lower the charges to a count of mayhem with a firearm enhancement, with the sentence likely set at 12 years, more than one of which Garcia already has served.
“Anytime you can take life off the table and get a set sentence, that’s a victory,” LaForge said.
He is set for sentencing Sept. 28, when he is set to receive the 12-year term in state prison.
