El Centro Mayor makes first court appearance for DUI charges

El Centro mayor Edgard Garcia pleaded not guilty at his DUI arraignment Tuesday morning at the Imperial County Courthouse.

Garcia stood in front of four different judges who all recused themselves from the case.

Local attorney Ryan Childers says, it’s not uncommon for a judge to recuse himself in a small county like Imperial Valley, where a conflict of interest might come into play.

“The law is pretty clear about when judges have to recuse themselves, and they might decide to recuse themselves if they feel like they can’t be impartial or fair,” said Childers.

Presiding Judge L. Brooks Anderholt , ultimately decided there was no local judge left to take the case.

Judge Anderholt handled Garcia’s arraignment, where he pleaded not guilty on two DUI counts.

Judge Anderholt said an impartial judge would be contacted to preside on Garcia’s case, naming retired Judge Donal Donnelly, as an option.

” Judges who retire actually have the option to come sit, sort of like a substitute teacher, so to speak. He wouldn’t be passing judgment on someone who’s going to be appearing in front of him in the future because he’s a retired judge and there’s no favor to be gained or an appearance that he may be harsh, ” said Childers.

Garcia was pulled over by the El Centro Police Department on suspicion of driving under the influence in early May. Police records show Garcia refused to take a field sobriety test and was picked up at the police station by a third party.

The City of El Centro says they support Garcia and are respecting his privacy.

Mayor Garcia is expected back in court on August 5.