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Carl S. Spector
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About Carl
Biography
Carl S. Spector is a New Jersey and New York criminal defense attorney and the founder of the Law Office of Carl Spector, located at 555 Goffle Road, Suite 204, Ridgewood, New Jersey. He represents individuals charged with criminal offenses, driving while intoxicated (DWI/DUI), domestic violence, and traffic violations in New Jersey and New York.
Mr. Spector has practiced law since 1986 and has concentrated on criminal defense since 1992. During his career, he has represented thousands of clients in municipal, state, and federal courts. His practice includes DWI and refusal charges, drug offenses, assault, domestic violence, theft and fraud allegations, gun charges, shoplifting, juvenile offenses, serious traffic violations, license-suspension matters, and indictable criminal cases. He has also defended clients in complex felony cases, including cases involving allegations of arson and homicide.
Mr. Spector’s experience is distinguished by his service on both sides of the criminal justice system. He began his legal career in the Bronx County District Attorney’s Office in New York, where he served as an Assistant District Attorney for six years. He worked in the Criminal Court Bureau, Felony Evaluation Unit, and Narcotics Bureau and prosecuted cases ranging from misdemeanors to serious felony and homicide matters.
Mr. Spector later served for three years as Municipal Prosecutor for the Borough of Fair Lawn in Bergen County, New Jersey. In that position, he prosecuted DWI cases, traffic violations, disorderly-persons offenses, drug charges, domestic-violence matters, and other municipal offenses. He subsequently served as an alternate public defender for Fair Lawn.
His combined experience as a New York Assistant District Attorney, New Jersey municipal prosecutor, public defender, and private criminal defense attorney gives him an informed understanding of how police officers investigate cases, how prosecutors evaluate evidence, and how criminal and DWI charges are prepared for negotiation or trial.
Mr. Spector earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication from the State University of New York at Buffalo. He received his Juris Doctor degree from Nova Southeastern University in 1986. He is admitted to practice law in New Jersey and New York and is an inactive member of the Florida Bar. His federal admissions include the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey and the United States District Courts for the Southern and Eastern Districts of New York.
In addition to his courtroom practice, Mr. Spector has taught and written about criminal law. He served as an adjunct professor at Strayer University, lectured for continuing legal education programs, and presented courses to other attorneys on criminal procedure, courtroom advocacy, and the handling of criminal cases. His teaching and publications include “The Anatomy of a Criminal Law Case” and “Criminal Cases from Arrest to Trial in New York.”
Mr. Spector’s professional recognition includes selection among the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Criminal Defense Trial Lawyers and multiple Avvo Clients’ Choice awards. He has been associated with professional organizations including the New Jersey State Bar Association, New York State Bar Association, New York Criminal Bar Association, National College for DUI Defense, and New Jersey State Bar Foundation.
Through the Law Office of Carl Spector, he provides personalized criminal and DWI defense representation to clients in Bergen County and throughout northern and central New Jersey, as well as in New York. His approach emphasizes thorough preparation, careful analysis of police evidence, regular client communication, and defense strategies tailored to the facts of each case.
The Lawyer You Chose Can Make All The Difference
Former Bronx, New York Prosecutor looking to PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS!
Carl Spector is named to List of Top New York DWI-DUI Lawyers.
Practice Areas
11
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
30%
39 years | 10,000 cases
DUI and DWI
25%
39 years | 10,000 cases
Domestic Violence
10%
Drug Crime
5%
Fees and Rates
Cost
Retainer
Sometimes
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2024 2023 2022
...
+
11
2019 2015 2014
...
+
1
Licenses
Licensed in New York for 39 years
State: New York
Acquired: 1987
No misconduct found
Licensed in New Jersey for 39 years
State: New Jersey
Acquired: 1986
No misconduct found
Licensed in Florida for 35 years
State: Florida
Acquired: 1991
No misconduct found
Location
Law Office of Carl Spector
555 Goffle Road, Suite 204, Ridgewood, NJ, 07452
bergencriminalattorney.com/Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Carl online.
Carl S. Spector's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
256 Client Reviews
Client Insights
Avvo uses AI to summarize reviews left for lawyers, providing a helpful overview of overall sentiment. Each summary is based on up to 500 of the most recent reviews and is refreshed upon submission of each new review. The number of reviews used may be displayed.
AI-summarized from Avvo client reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (256)
Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense (131)
DUI & DWI (72)
Lawsuits & Disputes (53)
Speeding & Traffic Ticket (37)
Drug Crime (7)
Expungement (6)
Juvenile (3)
Car Accidents (2)
Libel & Slander (2)
Litigation (2)
Personal Injury (2)
Administrative Law (1)
Business (1)
Domestic Violence (1)
Immigration (1)
Real Estate (1)
Sex Crime (1)
What Clients Mention
Case Results (200)
Recommendation (126)
Advocacy (121)
Professionalism (86)
Communication Style (76)
General Knowledge (70)
Responsiveness (61)
Practice Area Knowledge (55)
Character & Conduct (45)
Trustworthiness (34)
Compassion (29)
Cost of Services (28)
Punctuality (15)
Free Consultations (4)
Payment Plans (2)
Staff & Support (1)
Showing 16 - 20 of 250 reviews | 5 stars
Posted by anonymous | June 27, 2023 | Hired Attorney
Extraordinary Attorney
Carl Spector is an excellent attorney. He handled my case with class, diligence and the utmost care. He is an expert in his field who worked hard to get my case dismissed. If you are faced with a criminal court situation, I would highly recommend Attorney Spector.
Carl Spector
Replied last July 27, 2023Thank you for taking the time to write and post this review. I am very pleased that your case worked out so well. Please let me know if you have any follow up questions. Yours, Carl
Posted by anonymous | April 10, 2023 | Hired Attorney
Couldn’t be more happier
Couldn’t be more happier of the outcome really amazing lawyer if you listen to him, he will walk you through everything that you need to know, and he will find the best outcome for your case very happy and very pleased.
Carl Spector
Replied last July 27, 2023Thank you for your feedback on your experience with me. I truly appreciate the time and effort that you made to write and post this review. Let me know if you have any questions. Be well, Carl
Posted by Eric | March 29, 2023 | Hired Attorney
Dr
Carl was wonderful, clear and concise and was able to carry me through the process in a professional and sensitive manner.
Posted by Garo | March 14, 2023 | Hired Attorney
Garo
Carl handed my case with flying colors I'll highly recommend him for his professionalism
Posted by anonymous | February 24, 2023 | Hired Attorney
Anonymous
Thank goodness, I hired Carl! My DWI charges were SEVERE. I had thought that my case was hopeless. I was facing losing my license for easily six months, not to mention numerous other penalties. Carl meticulously went through my police reports and found minor details in order to argue for leniency wit...
Carl S. Spector's Lawyer Endorsements
"Carl is an experienced criminal defense and driving while intoxicated (DWI) attorney in New York and New Jersey. We have worked together on several cases and I refer clients to him on a regular basis in New York since I only practice in New Jersey. Carl is a great attorney and an even better guy."
"Carl is the type of person with whom anyone would be happy to work. In addition to being a focused and knowledgeable attorney, he is one of the nicest people. He takes great pride in his work and is well respected by other members of the legal community, especially other members of the criminal defense section of the bar."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Carl for over twenty years Carl is an excellent lawyer . Carl is well respected and very Knowledgeable. You cannot go wrong Hire Carl"
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Carl and I worked together as Assistant District Attorneys over 25 years ago and have stayed in touch and worked on matters since. He is a diligent, well respected criminal defense attorney. I highly recommend him"
"Carl is a compassionate, clever, and well-respected advocate. His level of devotion to his clients is impressive. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Attorney Spector is a dedicated, highly-skilled lawyer well-respected within the legal community. I fully endorse him."
"I endorse this lawyer. Carl is an experienced attorney whose participation and comments in Avvo show his commitment to serving clients as well as his level of experience. He is an excellent attorney that I recommend wholeheartedly."
"I endorse Carl. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"I have seen Carl in action in both NY and NJ. In either state he is a zealous, passionate, and personable advocate. He goes above and beyond for his clients and is always one to generously share ideas and strategies with his fellow lawyers."
"As a criminal defense lawyer in New Jersey, I have known Carl Spector for years. He is a former DWI prosecutor and now handles defense cases in those areas. I send a lot of my New York cases to Carl as well. He is a top notch attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer. His education, experience and zeal for client advocacy make him a good criminal attorney who gets positive results. The courts in New York can be complicated, confusing and downright unfair. You want a competent criminal law attorney by your side when dealing with sensitive issues involving your children and their future. Mr. Spector is a guy who knows the ropes and will help you through the mess to a safe landing"
"I wholeheartedly endorse Carl Spector. His reputation as a top criminal/DWI attorney is due, undoubtedly, to his extensive experience, knowledge, and skill sets. My firm sends all of our NY criminal/DWI work to Carl because we are confident that he will get the job done and keep our clients' best interests in mind. Any criminal/DWI client will be well-served by Carl!"
Ronald Mondello
Speeding and traffic ticket lawyer | Feb 07
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"Carl has a special gift. It is called cross-examination. Not many attorneys are as skilled in cross-examination as Carl is. This is a very valuable tool in criminal defense. I highly recommend Carl."
"I am endorsing Carl for his knowledge and abilities as a criminal defense attorney. Over the past few years, I have referred close friends and other individuals in need of a criminal attorney, as I practice in this field. The people whom I have referred to Carl have always been very satisfied with his breadth of knowledge and professionalism. I endorse Carl's legal skills and will continue to refer clients to his practice."
"Carl Spector's is an excellent attorney who blends his experience as prosecutor with his experience defending clients rights to help clients reach their goals. He will go the distance and will exceed his clients expectations. I highly recommend Carl Spector as an attorney for all matters involving Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI and speeding and traffic tickets in New York and New Jersey."
"I endorse this lawyer. Carl is a very caring, efficient, professional and knowledgable DWI attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse Carl Spector, Esq. We have had several DWI trials together. He is extremely thorough and intellectual … and he is a respected adversary and Lawyer."
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Experience
Honors
2015
BBB Accredition, Better Business Bureau
2014
Top 100 Trial Lawyers-Criminal Defense, The National Trial Lawyers
2014
BBB Accreditaion, Better Business Bureau
2013
BBB Accreditation, Better Business Bureau
2012
BBB Accreditation, Better Business Bureau
2011
Top New York Lawyers, Arrive Magazine
Work Experience
2012 - Present
Alternate Public Defender, Borough Of Fair Lawn
1992 - Present
Attorney at Law, Law Offices of Carl Spector
2011 - 2013
Adjunct Professor, Strayer University
2009 - 2011
Municipal Prosecutor, Borough of Fair Lawn
2008 - 2009
Loan Closer, Quality Closer LLP
2006 - 2008
County Tax Board Attorney, Borough of Fair Lawn
2004 - 2006
Planning Board of Adjustments, Borough of Fair Lawn
2002 - 2008
Attorney, Of Counsel Myers and Pico
1986 - 1992
Assistant District Attorney, Bronx County District Attorneys Office
Associations
2015 - Present
National College of DUI DefenseMember
2014 - Present
The National Trial LawyersTop 100 Trial Lawyers
2011 - Present
New Jersey State Bar FoundationMember
1986 - Present
New York Criminal Bar AssociationNew York State Bar Association
Sample of Legal Cases
DWI - New Jersey
ALLL CHARGES DISMISSED
DWI - New Jersey
ALLL CHARGES DISMISSED
New Jersey DWI - Reckless Driving Plea
DWI DISMISSED
Not Guilty After Trial
Verdict- Not Guilty of All Charges
Narcotics Sale and Possession - Dismissed
Case Dismissed
Robbery Case Dismissed
Case Dismissed
Trial - Not Guilty -Traffic Ticket
Found Not Guilty after Trial
Disorderly Conduct case - Dismissed
CASE DISMISSED
DWI Reduced Speeding 100 MPH Reduced
Case reduced to impaired instead of DWI
Education
1986
Nova Southeastern University - Shepard Broad Law Center
Juris Doctorate
1983
State University of New York at Buffalo
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2021
The Anatomy of a Criminal Law Case
Criminal Law Seminalr - Continuing Legal Education
2009
16 Hour Bridge-The-Gap
The Anatomy of a Criminal Law Case
2005
Litigation Skills for the Legal Staff
How to Handle a Criminal Case in New York
2005
Litigation Skills For Legal Staff in New York
Litigation Skills For Legal Staff in New York
2004
Criminal Cases from Arrest to Trial
Criminal Arrests and Processing for Attorneys
Publications
2004
Lorman Education Services publication
Criminal Cases From Arrest to Trial in New York
Languages
Spanish
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Top Contributor
Carl earned significant contribution points in 2019.
Legal Answers
Q&A
Don't have I have the right to know who my informant is? I cant plea to something I dunno what I did
19 Aug 2026
Q&A
Should my DUI conditional discharge from 2010 be sealed?
28 Mar 2024
Q&A
In New Jersey, arrested for Domestic Violence and the Case was dismissed by the Court, how long does arrest show on my record?
15 Jan 2024
Legal Guides
Legal Guide
New York Department of Motor Vehicle Chemical Test Refusal Hearing
21 Nov 2014
Legal Guide
How to Chose A New York DWI Lawyer - How Do We Make A Difference
10 Dec 2011
Legal Guide
Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) Arrest in New York - What's My Next Step?
02 Apr 2011