Thomas Crane Carter

Thomas Crane Carter

4.9
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 47 years

DUI and DWI Lawyer at Alexandria, VA
Practice Areas: DUI & DWI, Speeding & Traffic Ticket, Criminal Defense

510 King Street., Suite 301, Alexandria, VA

About Thomas

Biography

Practice Areas

3

Practice Areas

DUI and DWI 40%

48 years | 1,000 cases

40%
Speeding and Traffic Ticket 40%

48 years | 2,500 cases

40%
Criminal Defense 20%

48 years | 1,000 cases

20%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer


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Licenses

Licensed in Virginia for 47 years

State: Virginia

Acquired: 1978

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Redmon, Peyton & Braswell, L.L.P.

510 King Street., Suite 301, Alexandria, VA, 22314

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Thomas Crane Carter's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

36 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (36) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 12 reviews | Communication Style

Posted by Abdul | June 15, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Avoid if You Want Direct and Reliable Legal Help

I had a deeply frustrating experience with Thomas Carter. Once I signed the contract and paid the fee, communication became extremely difficult. It was hard to reach him directly, and he would often avoid phone calls or messages. Instead of handling my case personally — as promised — he delegated it ...to a junior or retired lawyer with little context or continuity. During such a serious legal matter, I expected clear, consistent guidance. Unfortunately, I was left feeling confused and unsupported. Important aspects of my case were not explained to me, including the long-term consequences of my guilty plea, which I was told couldn’t be changed. That turned out to be misleading. If you’re looking for someone who will actually follow through and personally guide you through your case, I would strongly advise getting a second opinion and making sure you have everything in writing.

Posted by Samuel | May 10, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket

Tom was Amazing!

Tom was very responsive when I reached out asking for assistance. Within hours he replied to my inquiry and offered assistance with my traffic ticket. I provided the information he needed, and he marked on his calendar when he would go to court for me so I didn't have to take off work! He walked me t...hrough the process that would be needed to get the ticket dismissed and answered any questions I had about the process. Then on the day of the trial, he managed to get the case dismissed!!! Making him a huge life saver and keeping my driving record clean. You cannot go wrong with Tom and you should go to him for all your traffic needs. 10/10 recommmend

Posted by Christian | January 04, 2021 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

DUI reckless driving case

DUI Charge dropped. Due to excessive amount of experience in this field Mr.Carter was able to clearly explained to me what would outcome would likely happen with the case and all the court proceedings with it.

Thomas Carter

Replied last February 07, 2022

I enjoy defending DUI cases more than any others. There are so many legal issues involved which can be used to my client's advantage. Over the years, I've had hundreds of such cases either dismissed or reduced. Every DUI defendant should realize that his or her case doesn't need to result in a DUI conviction.

Posted by Stephen | August 08, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Reckless Driving

I was charged with reckless driving (73/55), a misdemeanor in Virginia. As a DoD employee, I was very worried about the impact this would have on my clearance and my career. A family friend who is a retired police officer for Arlington recommended Mr. Carter, and I couldn't be more pleased!! From ...the first conversation, Mr. Carter was very calming and reassuring, and he explained the entire process. We got a better result than I could have hoped for!! He got my misdemeanor of reckless driving (73/55) (criminal offense) reduced to a civil charge of speeding (69/55) (traffic infraction). The nature of the charge was changed (criminal versus civil) as well as the severity (down to 19 over). I can't thank him enough, and I'm truly grateful that he saved my career!!

Thomas Carter

Replied last February 07, 2022

It's amazing that a conviction of Reckless Driving 73/55 could ruin someone's career. All I needed to do here was to meet with the Police Officer and the prosecutor and let them know about your job. Once they understood how much it meant, they agreed to the civil infraction. Most Police Officers and prosecutors are reasonable people who try to do the right thing.

Posted by AM | July 24, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Indeed a "Virginia SuperLawyer"

In his Avvo Bio, Tom received the recognition as one of Virginia's SuperLawyers, That's a well deserved and really an underestimate of what Tom is as an attorney. In reading all of the other 5 star reviews, I agree with every single word and more. I found myself having made a human mistake, one which... could have ended my career forever. In searching for counsel and representation, my husband asked our neighbor, who happens to be the Alexandria Chief of Police, who we should retain. Tom was on a list of 1. From my first interaction with him to the conclusion of my ordeal, I always felt that he was honest yet compassionate and never gave me false hope, only a realistic view of my case. His experience combined with his intelligence makes him the best criminal attorney you can find in this area. I'm NOT saying "hire Tom and you'll have your charges dropped"; I'm saying "if you hire Tom, you have hired the best attorney to get the very best outcome possible". I owe him my career and my livelihood, essentially my life. This review may sound hyperbolic but it is sincere and I thank Tom and God for helping me preserve my life. Tom should have a Superman "S" underneath is very nicely pressed white shirt and tie. Saying "Thank you" doesn't seem quite enough; Thanks Tom!

Thomas Carter

Replied last February 07, 2022

I can't begin to tell you how much this case meant to me. This client is a wonderful person. Hard-working, honest, successful, great job with even greater prospects. A DUI conviction meant losing the job, going to jail, losing the driver's license, paying a fortune for insurance and more. When we got the DUI .15-.20 reduced to DUI (no stated B.A.C.) in the General District Court, we were out from under the mandatory, minimum 5 day jail sentence. Still, we appealed, ending up with only a Reckless Driving conviction. The loophole we found that resulted in the further-reduced charges was later corrected by the Police Department. I know that every case is important so defense attorneys take every case seriously. However, when the deck is really stacked against you and you win, it's very satisfying.

See All Client Reviews

Thomas Crane Carter's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Thomas
Jonathan L Katz headshot
Jonathan Katz

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Numerous times over the years I have spoken with Tom about some challenging issues for my criminal defense clients. His viewpoints have always been kindly stated, clear and on the money. I recommend Tom's services."

Gregory Bruce English headshot
Gregory English

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 26

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Tom for over 25 years and worked with him on many cases. We jointly represented defendants in two federal murder cases in which our clients were acquitted. He is an outstanding advocate"

Damon Dewayne Colbert headshot
Damon Colbert

DUI and DWI lawyer | Sep 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Tom is a stellar attorney who is highly regarded by judges, lawyers, law-enforcement officials, and courthouse personnel. If I got a DWI in Virginia, I would hire Tom. His knowledge of Virginia DWI law is vast. When I am wrestling with a thorny legal issue in my practice, I contact Tom because I know if anyone has encountered the issue, Tom has. In addition to his legal prowess, Tom is a genuinely nice person who cares deeply about his clients. He is a gem who makes our profession better."

Paul L Mickelsen headshot
Paul Mickelsen

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"If you are in serious trouble, Tom is one of a handful attorneys you go to in Northern Virginia. He is a true gentleman and an outstanding trial lawyer. His skills and experience combined with the warmth of his personality make him one of the best."

Jeremy Stephen Letnick headshot
Jeremy Letnick

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Tom is a leader in the legal profession. As a former prosecutor, as well as his many years as a defense attorney, Tom does a fantastic job for his clients and I strongly recommend his services to anyone needing a defense attorney. Thank you Tom for the many years of advice and I look forward to more advice in the future!"

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Thomas. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

Orval Keith Hallam Jr. headshot
Orval Hallam

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Tom is an excellent attorney. He is a zealous advocate, who is very knowledgeable, and a true asset to the community. I endorse this lawyer."

Brian Daniel Geno headshot
Brian Geno

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Paul McGlone headshot
Paul McGlone

Federal crime lawyer | Feb 10

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Tom Carter is one of the most respected defenders of the citizens of Northern Viriginia. I have known Tom for over 20 years and I am proud to recommend him. We refer to his office for cases that we can't handle in Federal Court and Alexandria all the time."

View All Endorsements
Jonathan L Katz headshot
Jonathan Katz

Criminal defense lawyer

Patrick Timothy O’Brien headshot
Patrick O’Brien

Criminal defense lawyer

Gregory Bruce English headshot
Gregory English

Federal crime lawyer

Damon Dewayne Colbert headshot
Damon Colbert

Criminal defense lawyer

Paul L Mickelsen headshot
Paul Mickelsen

Criminal defense lawyer

Rebecca Larson headshot
Rebecca Larson

Real estate lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2023

Super Lawyer, Virginia Super Lawyers

2022

Super Lawyer, Virginia Super Lawyers

2021

Super Lawyer, Virginia Super Lawyers

2020

AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2020

Super Lawyer, Virginia Super Lawyers

2019

Super Lawyer, Virginia Super Lawyers

2018

Super Lawyer, Virginia Super Lawyers

2017

Super Lawyer, Virginia Super Lawyers

2016

Super Lawyer, Virginia Super Lawyers

2015

Super Lawyer, Virginia Super Lawyers

2014

Super Lawyer, Virginia Super Lawyers

2013

Super Lawyer, Virginia Super Lawyers

2012

Super Lawyer, Virginia Super Lawyers

Work Experience

1980 - 1985

Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney, Alexandria Commonwealth's Attorney's Office

1978 - 1979

Law Clerk, Circuit Court Judges of Fairfax County

Associations

1980 - Present

Alexandria Bar Association

Member

1978 - Present

Virginia State Bar

Member

1978 - Present

Fairfax Bar Association

Member

Education

1978

College of William and Mary, Marshall-Wythe School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1975

Holy Cross College

Languages

English

Avvo Rating

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  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution