Clifton C. Carden
also known as Clifton C. Carden, III, Esq., Carden Dotzler Hammond, PLLC
About Clifton
Biography
Clifton has built a team of former prosecutors dedicated to protecting your rights. Before becoming the managing partner at Carden Dotzler Hammond, PLLC., Mr. Carden was an Assistant District Attorney with the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office in Syracuse, NY, where he was assigned to the DWI Bureau. Mr. Carden supervised a county-wide case load consisting of felony and misdemeanor driving while intoxicated, boating while intoxicated, snowmobiling while intoxicated, and aggravated unlicensed operation crimes.
Mr. Carden has instructed for the Prosecutor’s Training Institute, District Attorney’s Office, County Magistrates Association, Bar Association, and Stop DWI Driver Improvement Program.
In addition to his DWI duties, Mr. Carden coordinated the Veteran’s Diversion Program for the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office. The program ensured that the criminal justice system addresses the needs of combat veterans who have served our country, while maintaining the safety of our community.
Prior to being appointed to the DWI Bureau, he served in the Municipal Courts Bureau where he handled arraignments, preliminary hearings, suppression hearings, various courts throughout the county, and coordinated the ride-along program between law enforcement agencies and the office.
Mr. Carden served as an Assistant District Attorney for 5 years. Before joining the DA’s Office, Clifton served on active duty in the infantry of the United States Marine Corps. His active duty assignments included serving with the Marine Corps Security Force Company in Kings Bay, Ga. and two deployments with Kilo Company 3rd Battalion 8th Marines. After leaving active duty, he continued his service in the Army Reserve with the 88th Military Police Company of Fort Eustis, Virginia. As a civilian, Mr. Carden worked in the City of Norfolk, Virginia, at both the federal and local level, as a police officer until attending law school.
Mr. Carden received his law degree from the T.C. Williams School of Law at the University of Richmond and his undergraduate degree from Christopher Newport University.
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in New York for 18 years
State: New York
Acquired: 2007
No misconduct found
Location
Carden Dotzler Hammond, PLLC
100 Madison Street, Syracuse, NY, 13202
The New York Traffic Ticket Lawyers
100 Madison Street Tower 1, Suite 1220, Syracuse, NY, 13202
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Clifton C. Carden's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
58 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 58 reviews
Posted by anonymous | August 05, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Not a good trial lawyer
The absolute worst decision I ever made was to take my case to trial with Clifton as the lawyer. Halfway through the trial Clifton actually was worried that the case wasn't good enough for the prosecution.
Clifton Carden
Replied last August 05, 2019I find this review very suspicious as I have never had a bad review until the weekend that I cancel my membership with AVVO. Whats more, the only defense trial I have lost in the past 12 years was with a very nice and well spoken gentleman who had 3 previous DWI convictions but decided to go to trial on a felony rather than accept the misdemeanor plea which was negotiated and suggested. You don't fit any description of any client I have represented. l assume this is someone trolling the internet.
Posted by anonymous | March 05, 2019 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
DWI Lawyer
I was on my way home from a concert when we got stopped at a checkpoint... i received a ticket for dwi and contacted Clifton Carden the next day... it did take him a bit to get back to me but he was well worth the wait so if u find yourself in that same boat dont give up because he will get back to ...
Posted by Chris | October 15, 2018 | Hired Attorney
Highly Recommended!
A true master of the legal system! The absolute best representation I could have hoped for!
Posted by Jeremy | May 22, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
A great Divorce Attorney for Syracuse area!
Clifton recently helped me through my Divorce proceedings and I could not be more Satisfied! A very professional, knowledgeable and affordable attorney! Clifton along with everyone at the law firm are very personable, very easy to communicate with and willing to take that extra step. I Highly rec...
Posted by Mark | November 16, 2017 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
From despair to elation!
Look NO further for a DWI attorney! Hands down, Clifton Carden is "the man"! I have a very good job and travel the country for work, so having a regular liscence is a necessity. I was pulled over for a traffic infraction and it went south from there. Aressted and charged with four charges including D...
Clifton C. Carden's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer. What sets Cliff apart from other attorneys is that he has attention to detain and seemingly really cares for his client's overall welfare. Cliff has earned my respect and the respect of the legal community."
"Cliff is an intelligent, energetic, experienced and knowledgeable attorney. Having someone on your side who has been a prosecutor is an invaluable benefit. I was searching for someone for a particularly difficult referral and Judge I know recommended Mr. Carden (not in his Court!). There is no substitute for Expertise and knowledge of the Court and Offense."
"I endorse this lawyer. You could not find a nicer individual. He was always very responsive and professional as a prosecutor. I have seen him in court and admire his level of preparedness and knowledge of the law. He will represent you well."
"A brilliant, trustworthy and highly respected attorney in the legal community. I wholeheartedly recommend Clifton Carden to anyone looking for an attorney who knows the law and truly cares about protecting the rights of his clients and getting them the most favorable result possible."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Clifton Carden aggressively pursues every angle of a case on behalf of his clients. He is thorough, detail-orientated, and works tirelessly to protect his clients rights. I highly recommend him."
"Clifton Carden is prompt, thorough, and dedicated to his clients. I would recommend his services to anyone looking for representation in a DUI and DWI law matter."
"I defended cases against Cliff when he was in the Onondaga County District Attorney's Office and now work with him on some matters in private practice. He is a skillful attorney and a consummate gentleman. I highly endorse him."
"I know Clifton well. He is the epitome of professionalism and a top-notch attorney. His greatest attribute: an unrivaled ability to influence people and obtain results. I endorse this lawyer."
"Mr. Carden is a hard working and dedicated advocate. He has built his reputation on defending the rights of others."
"I know Clifton to be an excellent attorney who always has his clients' best interests at heart. It is always reassuring to see him help his clients in the courtroom and elsewhere. I endorse this lawyer."
"I know Cliff both from his days as a prosecutor and now as a defense attorney. I remember a trial where my client, who Cliff was prosecuting, was impressed with Cliff's ability to relate to the potential jurors during jury selection. Cliff brings a Marine's work ethic to the practice of law. Cliff's work ethic coupled with his experience prosecuting DWI cases serves his clients well. I endorse this attorney."
"The one thing you always get with Cliff is an honest, true assessment of where you stand and what you can expect. Cliff is never shy to tell his clients the truth, but always works hard to get them the best results they are entitled to. Cliff is an extremely hard worker and always presents himself well in Court. I highly endorse this lawyer."
"Clifton takes time to assist the general public in answering questions and offers sage advice."
"I endorse Mr. Carden. As a prior Assistant Deputuy District Attorney he has one distinct advantage. "They know that he knows what they know". Read the excellent reviews and endorsements and than don't hesitate in setting up a consultation if you in or near Syracuse."
"I highly endorse Cliff as a criminal defense lawyer, particularly in the area of DWI. I had many cases with Cliff when he was a DWI prosecutor. He was a strong advocate, and always had a great command of the legal and factual issues in what is a very intricate area of the law. He has a great depth of experience in the area of DWI, and his skill and knowledge would be a tremendous advantage to any client he represents!"
"Clif was a competent prosecutor and has had several notable victories since leaving that position. Clif certainly has the background to mount a credible defense to a DWI or criminal charge."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Mr. Carden since we attended law school together at the University of Richmond. I have always known him to be a sharp and intelligent legal mind."
"Attorney Carden has an impressive background in civilian and military law enforcement coupled with his experience handling DWI prosecutions for the Onondaga County District Attorney's Office. Such a background is invaluable for an attorney in the defense of drunk driving and drugged driving prosecutions. I endorse this lawyer."
"I have known Clifton in a professional capacity for the better part of five years, both as a former Assistant District Attorney and current defense attorney, and I wholly and unreservedly endorse Clifton. I have found his commitment to his work focused and determined. Not only is his knowledge of the DWI laws impressive, but his ability to isolate the relevant issues renders that grasp of the subject matter most productive. He is a man of unassailable integrity and character. As a former ADA myself who has handled numerous DWI cases, Cliff is on a short list of those whom I would highly recommend. To anyone who is seeking to engage a reliable, substantive lawyer to defend their interest in DWI defense, Cliff is your man."
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Experience
Honors
2017
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2015
For efforts dedicated to citizens accused of DUI., National College for DUI Defense
2013
For tireless dedication and devotion, Onondaga County District Attorney
Work Experience
2015 - Present
Managing Partner, Carden Dotzler, PLLC.
2013 - 2015
Partner, Azria Law Office
2008 - 2013
Assistant District Attorney, Onondaga County District Attorney's Office
2007 - 2008
Owner, Office of Clifton C. Carden, III, Esq.
2003 - 2004
Law Clerk, Hanover County Commonwealth Attorney's Office
1998 - 2002
Sergeant, United States Army Reserves
1994 - 1998
Sergeant, United State Marine Corps
Associations
2015 - Present
New York State Defenders AssociationMember
2015 - Present
National College of DUI DefenseMember
2015 - Present
New York State Bar Association, Criminal Justice SectionMember: Town, Village and Justice Court Committee
2008 - Present
New York State Bar AssociationMember
2007 - Present
Onondaga County Bar AssociationMember
2012 - 2015
Onondaga County Bar FoundationEditorial Board
Sample of Legal Cases
Three charges reduced to traffic violation with no need for the ignition interlock device.
Traffic Violation, fine and surcharge.
1st Court date the matter was reduced to a violation with minumum fine and surcharge and no loss of license.
Closed case at first court appearance with traffic violation and fine.
No jail or probation. Plea to one offense with $750 fine. Client eligible for conditional license during suspension.
One plea to lowest DWI charge, no jail or probation, minimum fine and surcharge allowed, permitted to drive on conditional license while case was pending.
Plea to traffic violation without the need for an ignition interlock device or license revocation.
Dismissed
Violation, minimum fine, and no need for the ignition interlock
DWAI, minimum fine, and no need for the ignition interlock
Adjourned in contemplation of dismissal, no order of protection
After a review of the plea, case, and equites the sentence was reduced to 6 months incarceration
Traffic violaiton with no need for ignition interlock device. Conditional license granted upon settlement of the case.
Non-Alcohol Disposition, no suspension, no interlock
Traffic violaiton with no need for ignition interlock device
All charges dismissed
All charges adjourned in contemplation of dismissal
Violation with minimum fine and no need for ignition interlock device
Violation, minimum fine, driving privileges maintained and no need for the ignition interlock
A violation with no need for the ignition interlock device.
Reduced to a violation with minimum fine and no need for the ignition interlock device.
Reduced to a violation with minimum fine and no need for the ignition interlock device.
Education
2010
Homicide Investigation Certificate
2006
JD - Juris Doctor
2002
BS - Bachelor of Science
2000
DWI Detection & Standardized Field Sobriety Certification
Speaking Engagements
2017
2013
The consequences of DWI for government employees
2013
The rights of drivers upon New York roadways
2013
Publications
2013
2012
2010
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
My brother was charged with 265.03 fc (criminal possession weapon-2nd degree C felony?
10 Jan 2022
DMV a year suspension of my license vs. 90 day suspension and a current conditional license.
29 Nov 2017
What does "pending investigation" mean?
14 Sep 2016
Legal Guides
What you need to know about possessing or selling powdered alcohol in New York.
18 Aug 2015
New York Grand Jury Standards of Proof and Evidence
19 Feb 2015
Do I have to install the ignition interlock device?
04 Feb 2015