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Thomas C. Carter is a near lifelong northern Virginian. He graduated from the Marshall-Wythe School of Law at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. He was admitted to the Virginia State Bar in 1978 and was appointed to a position as a law clerk to the Circuit Court Judges of Fairfax County.
In 1980, he was sworn in as an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney for the City of Alexandria. During his five years in the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, he tried many criminal and traffic cases, both felonies and misdemeanors, jury and non-jury trials. Since 1985, he has been in private practice concentrating on criminal and traffic matters.
Mr. Carter has lectured extensively on criminal and traffic defense. Recently, he has been a guest speaker at Alexandria and Fairfax Bar Association Continuing Legal Education seminars. He is always willing to help lawyers less familiar with northern Virginia state and federal practice.
Since 1978, attorney Thomas C. Carter has been helping the people of Virginia resolve their criminal and traffic offenses in both state and federal courts. Recently, Mr. Carter was selected to the 2017 List of Virginia SuperLawyers.
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Practice Areas
48 years | 1,000 cases
48 years | 2,500 cases
48 years | 1,000 cases
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Chat withState: Virginia
Acquired: 1978
No misconduct found
510 King Street., Suite 301, Alexandria, VA, 22314
36 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 reviews | Compassion
Posted by Khaleda Jasmin | August 11, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket
Exceptional Legal Expertise with Genuine Compassion
We hired Mr. Thomas Carter to represent my husband in a traffic-related case, and we are beyond grateful for his work. Mr. Carter is the kind of attorney you hope to find but rarely do-professional, honest, and deeply experienced. He laid out a clear strategy, treated us with respect, and brought ca...
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 ...
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...
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.
Posted by Atul | July 03, 2014 | DUI & DWI
Most Outstanding Attorney in Northern Virginia
Mr. Carter recently represented me in a DWI case, and the recommendation to attain his services from a friend of mine in the legal industry prompted me to do so. Hiring him was the best decision I could have made during my case. He was direct, honest, and exceptionally helpful and supportive th...
Posted by anonymous | February 06, 2013 | Criminal Defense
Excellent advocate
Tom Carter recently represented me in a criminal defense matter and, in short, I was thoroughly impressed with his professionalism, substantive knowledge, and grasp of local practices. Further, out of all the attorneys I consulted with, he stood out as genuinely empathetic and passionate about my cas...
"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."
"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"
"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."
"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."
"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!"
"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."
"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."
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Federal crime lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Real estate lawyer
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
1980 - 1985
Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney, Alexandria Commonwealth's Attorney's Office
1978 - 1979
Law Clerk, Circuit Court Judges of Fairfax County
1980 - Present
Alexandria Bar AssociationMember
1978 - Present
Virginia State BarMember
1978 - Present
Fairfax Bar AssociationMember
1978
JD - Juris Doctor
1975
English