Licensed for 39 years

State MO

Acquired 1984

Status
Good Standing, Active No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

Carl Matthew Ward

DUI and DWI Attorney at Washington, MO

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Resume

Great Attorney

Carl Ward

About Carl

Learn Carl’s areas of practice.

Practice areas

DUI and DWI

85%

Mr. Ward will represent any citizen accused of drinking and driving in any municipal, county or state court in the State of Missouri.

39 years, 5,000 cases
Personal injury

10%

Unlike other attorneys, I can utilize my years of experience and knowledge in DWI Detection to successfully prosecute your personal injury or wrongful death claim against an intoxicated driver.
... Read more
39 years, 500 cases
Criminal defense

5%

In addition to the many DWI cases Mr. Ward has handled, he has represented citizens accused of stealing, fraud, writing bad checks, assault, resisting arrest, driving while revoked, leaving the scene of an accident, drug possession and distribution, burglary, misdemeanor traffic offenses, and many more crimes.
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39 years, 4,000 cases

RATED HIGHEST LEGAL ABILITY IN DWI DEFENSE BY PEERS. TOP 100 NATIONAL TRIAL ATTORNEY AWARD WINNER.

Carl M. Ward is a nationally known criminal defense lawyer. A strong dedication to exemplary criminal defense has earned Mr. Ward the respect of his peers. He is rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell, holds a 10.0 AVVO “Superb” rating, has been included in Super Lawyers Magazine, and is listed in The Best Lawyers in America. U.S. News & World Report has also included his firm in its “Best Law Firms” ranking. Carl was the recipient of the Robert Duncan Appellate Excellence Award, the Bernard Edelman Tradition Award, and the President’s Award from the Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He was named to The National Trial Lawyers “Top 100” in the area of DWI/DUI defense, St. Louis Area’s Top Attorneys in the area of DUI/DWI Defense by St. Louis Magazine, the Top 10 Criminal Defense Lawyers in Missouri by the National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys, and the Nation’s “Top One Percent” in DWI/DUI Defense by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel.

Mr. Ward has been trained in the use and maintenance of breath alcohol testing devices and owns several breath testing instruments. Carl has also completed an extensive training course on the use of gas chromatography to test blood samples for alcohol. He has been a NHTSA/IACP trained Standardized Field Sobriety Testing and DWI Detection Instructor since 2000, and has served as an instructor at dozens of police training programs for state, county and municipal law enforcement officers since that time.

Mr. Ward frequently lectures on DWI law at continuing legal education programs and seminars. He chaired or moderated the largest DWI law seminars for lawyers in Missouri for twenty (20) consecutive years. He is a member of various bars and associations, including the Missouri Bar, Franklin County Bar Association, National College for DUI Defense, Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and the DUI Defense Lawyers Association. Carl is also the founder of the Missouri Society for Criminal Justice, and is a Past President of the Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. In 2018, he received the National Leadership Award for DWI Defense by the National College for DUI Defense. Carl currently serves as Governor of District 13 of the Missouri Bar Association.

Awards

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Contact Carl

LAW OFFICE OF CARL M. WARD | Trial Attorney

(877) 414-7370 Office

(314) 754-8178 Fax

305 W. 4th Street

Washington, MO, 63090

criminaldefensemo.com

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Reviews

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5.0 / 5.0

9 customer reviews

5 Star

100%

4 Star

3 Star

2 Star

1 Star

Posted by Anna | September 11, 2014

Great Attorney

Highly recommend this attorney. Carl has helped me out with 2 DWI cases & I couldn't thank him enough! Very professional, honest, responsive & knows his stuff. Thank you Mr. WARD!!!

Posted by Lori | October 5, 2010

Carl Ward

WE were very pleased with Carl he is very friendly and helpful and knows his job.

Posted by anonymous | July 25, 2023

Money well spent!

I was in a bad spot with #3 DWI and Carl was relentless in his negotiations to get me a fair plea that kept me out of jail and working. He knows his stuff and I would use his services and recommend him to anyone in a similar situation.

Posted by Vincent | August 31, 2022

Hands down the best!

I promise you you won’t regret going with Carl Ward! This man and his team are the best of the best always helpful and will do anything they can to give you the best outcome! Court can’t be so stressful and such a scary process with Carl and his team you can relax because they do all the hard work! If you want it done right and you want the best out of your situation go will Carl Ward!

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Posted by Donald | September 14, 2018

Looking for a professional, dedicated, highly skilled and motivated Team

Words cannot explain what this team and Mr. Ward have done for my family and I. I would highly recommend these professionals to anyone in need of help. They are on top of there game, willing to go above and beyond! I believe you get what you pay for. Truly blessed to have had such great representation. Hats off to you folks! Truly honored and blessed to have had you all on me and my family's side. Remarkable!!!

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Posted by Michael | June 9, 2018

Successful Conclusion

I was involved in an accident and had that sinking feeling that I was out of my depth. Ward and Childress came to my assistance and managed to steer me through the complexities and alternatives that were not only an invaluable source of comfort but managed to achieve a result in my favor that was fair to all concerned and better than I had any right to expect. God bless them.

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Posted by Maggie | May 16, 2018

Carl Ward is a true blessing

When I remembered I could call Carl Ward for my ticket I was so relieved! He handled my case completely for me, I didn't have to go to court. He sent me detailed directions in the mail after he got my violation amend to a parking ticket. I followed his simple directions, signed the form he sent, an with a money order, sent off my ticket payment. DONE Nightmare resolved. I so appreciate the efficiency of Carl and his team as they perform their magic. I am eternally grateful

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Posted by Craig | May 15, 2018

Very pleased with both Carl and his entire staff

One of the best lawyers as far as knowledge and keeping his clients informed throughout the entire process. Great staff. Always returns emails and phone calls promptly. One of the best !

Posted by Scott | June 26, 2016

Professionalism at it's finest

I received Another DWI and this time in Ellisville. I reside in St Charles County and due to numerous DWI's, Mr Ward suggested DWI Court in St Louis County after they took over the case. Stl County would not allow me to participate in their program and therefore I was looking at a Felony and possible jail time. Mr. Ward took this to the highest Missouri level possible so that I could gain access to the program. Needless to say, his expertise and professionalism allowed him to present this to the Missouri legislature and when new laws passed, his was a part of this. This allowed me to participate in the program. Once I received all the information concerning DWI court, I thought in my situation it was a no win situation as parts of the program would cause me to lose my employment and not be able to care for my children. He took this to the Prosecuting Attorney and suggested another plea, which included private DWI Court and Probation through Bridgeway as well as 30 days work release. At this point, I did have the SCRAM on for a total of 13 months. I believe a lot of this was possible because of Mr. Wards hard work and dedication to his profession. We signed the agreement and I have officially completed all my requirements except for the remaining probation period.

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Cost

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

Trial Attorney
CARL WARD LAW LLC a/k/a WARD & ASSOCIATES
1989 - Present

Senior Associate
Raskas, Ruthmeyer, Pomerantz and Wynn
1984 - 1989

Law Clerk
Raskas, Ruthmeyer, Pomerantz & Wynn
1983 - 1984

Education

Saint Louis University School of Law
Juris Doctor
1984

University of Missouri
BS - Bachelor of Science (Summa Cum Laude)
1981

Legal Cases

City v. T.C.
Refual revocation set aside; DWI charge dismissed

State v. L.G.
Motion to Suppress Granted. All evidence arising out of the illegal stop was suppressed. The case was then dismissed by the prosecutor.

S. v. Director of Revenue, 195 S.W.3d 452 (Mo. App. W.D. 2006)
Won

View all legal cases

Associations

Franklin County Bar Association
Member
2008 - Present

Missouri Society for Criminal Justice
Founder
2006 - Present

National College of DUI Defense
Member
1989 - Present

Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Member
1989 - Present

Missouri Bar
Member
1984 - Present

Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Immediate Past President
2016 - 2017

Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
President
2015 - 2016

Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Vice President
2014 - 2015

Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Secretary
2013 - 2014

Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Treasurer
2012 - 2013

Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Board of Directors
2007 - 2012

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Languages Spoken

English

Honors and Awards

AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated
Martindale-Hubbell®
2023

AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated
Martindale-Hubbell
2022

Client Champion Award
Martindale-Hubbell
2022

AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated
Martindale-Hubbell®
2021

AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated
Martindale-Hubbell®
2020

AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated
Martindale-Hubbell®
2019

Best Lawyers - DWI Defense
St. Louis Magazine
2019

Best Lawyers - DWI Defense
St. Louis Magazine
2018

AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated
Martindale-Hubbell®
2018

Best Lawyers - DWI Defense
St. Louis Magazine
2017

AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated
Martindale-Hubbell®
2017

AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated
Martindale-Hubbell
2016

U.S. News - Best Law Firms
U.S. News - Best Lawyers
2016

Best Lawyers - DWI Defense
St. Louis Magazine
2016

Best Lawyers - DWI Defense
St. Louis Magazine
2015

AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated
Martindale-Hubbell
2015

U.S. News - Best Law Firms
U.S. News - Best Lawyers
2015

U.S. News - Best Law Firms
U.S. News - Best Lawyers
2014

AV® "Preeminent" Peer Review Rating
Martindale-Hubbell
2014

Client Distinction Award
Lawyers.com
2014

AV® Preeminent™Peer Review Rating for 10 consecutive years
Martindale-Hubbell
2014

Named Top 10 Criminal Defense Lawyers in Mo.
National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys
2014

Top 100 Trial Lawyers
The National Trial Lawyers
2014

Super Lawyer
Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers Magazine
2014

Best Lawyers - DWI Defense
St. Louis Magazine
2014

Best Lawyers - DWI Defense - St. Louis Area
St. Louis Magazine
2013

AV® "Preeminent" Peer Review Rating
Martindale-Hubbell
2013

Top 100 Trial Lawyers
The National Trial Lawyers
2013

Super Lawyer
Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers Magazine
2013

Client Distinction Award
Lawyers.Com
2013

Super Lawyer
Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers Magazine
2012

AV® "Preeminent" Peer Review Rating
Martindale-Hubbell®
2012

Avvo Superb Rating of 10 out of 10
American Registry
2012

Best Lawyers - DWI Defense - St. Louis Area
St. Louis Magazine
2012

Top Attorneys in Missouri and Kansas
KC Magazine
2012

AV® "Preeminent" Peer Review Rating
Martindale-Hubbell®
2011

Super Lawyer
Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers Magazine
2011

Best Lawyers - DWI Defense - St. Louis Area
St. Louis Magazine
2011

Avvo Superb Rating of 10 out of 10
American Registry
2011

Best Lawyers in America
American Lawyers & Law Firms Directory
2010

Super Lawyer
Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers Magazine
2010

AV® "Preeminent" Peer Review Rating
Martindale-Hubbell®
2010

AV® "Preeminent" Peer Review Rating
Martindale-Hubbell
2009

Super Lawyer
Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers Magazine
2009

Bernard Edelman Tradition Award
Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
2009

Best Lawyers in America
American Lawyers & Law Firms Directory
2009

Best Lawyers in America
American Lawyers & Law Firms Directory
2008

Super Lawyer
Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers Magazine
2008

Super Lawyer
Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers Magazine
2007

Super Lawyer
Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers Magazine
2006

Robert Duncan Award of Appellate Excellence
Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
2006

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Publications

Carl M. Ward
Defending Your Client's Driver's License Following a DWI Arrest
2006

Speaking Engagements

Law Enforcement Traffic Safety Annual Conference
DWI Law Update
2016

Defending Your Client's Driver's License
Administrative DWI Law
2016

8th Annual Bernard Edeman DWI Law and Science Seminar
Administrative DWI Law
2015

7th Annual Bernard Edelman DWI Law and Science Seminar
Administrative DWI Law
2014

6th Annual Bernard Edelman DWI Law and Science Seminar
Ethical Considerations; Case Review
2013

5th Annual Bernard Edelman DWI Law and Science Seminar, Osage Beach, Mo.
Breath Testing Regulation Changes
2012

Defending your client's driver's license following a dwi arrest
Administrative DWI Law
2011

4th Annual Bernard Edelman DWI Law and Science Seminar, Osage Beach, Mo.
Probable Cause and Reasonable Suspicion
2011

Missouri Municipal and Associate Circuit Judges Association Conference
Probable Cause in a DWI Case
2011

Missouri Public Defenders Annual College
DWI Law
2011

Law Enforcement Traffic Safety Annual Conference
DWI Law Update
2011

1st Annual MAAD Tool Box
DWI Law Update
2011

3rd Annual Bernard Edelman DWI Law and Science Seminar, Lake Ozark, Mo.
"How to Win an Administrative DWI Suspension Hearing"
2010

Missouri Association of Probate and Associate Circuit Judges Annual Meeting Activities
Informal Datamaster, PBT and HGN Demonstration
2010

Missouri State Public Defenders Annual College, Branson, Mo.
"Defending DWI Cases"
2010

2nd Annual Bernard Edelman DWI Law and Science Seminar, Lake Ozark, Mo.
"Future of DWI Law in Missouri"
2009

Missouri Municipal Court Clerk's Association Annual Meeting, Osage Beach, Mo.
"Mock Jury Trial of a DWI Case"
2009

Missouri Association of Probate and Associate Circuit Judges Annual Meeting Activities
"Informal Datamaster Breath Testing Demonstration"
2009

National Association of Legal Secretaries Annual Meeting
"Mock Jury Trial of a DWI Case"
2009

How to Series: DWI/DUI Interactive telephone seminar
Administrative Alcohol Suspensions
2008

1st Annual Bernard Edelman DWI Law and Science Seminar
Mock Jury Trial of a DWI Case
2008

National Association of Legal Secretaries Annual Meeting
CDL and Abuse and Lose Law in Missouri
2008

Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers - Spring Seminar
Creating Drama in the Courtroom
2008

Phi Alpha Delta International Meeting
Breath Alcohol Testing
2007

Solo and Small Firm Conference
Representing a Client in a DWI Case
2007

Carl Ward's Lawyer Training Camp #3
"Defending Your Client's Driver's License Following A DWI Arrest"
2007

How to Series: DWI/DUI Interactive telephone seminar
"Defending Administrative Alcohol Suspension Cases"
2007

Bernard Edelman DWI Law and Science Seminar, Lake Ozark, Mo.
"Breath and Blood Testing"
2007

Missouri State Public Defender's College, St. Louis, Mo.
Blood and Breath Testing
2006

Carl Ward's Lawyer Traning Camp #1
Defending Your Client's Driver's License Following A DWI Arrest
2006

Carl Ward's Lawyer Training Camp #2
Defending Your Client's Driver's License Following A DWI Arrest
2006

DWI Law and Science Seminar, Lake Ozark, Mo.
Winning Moves in a DOR Case
2006

Nuts and Bolts of DWI Defense
"Challenging Administrative Suspensions and Refusals"
2005

Defending DWI and DOR Cases, St. Louis, Mo.
"Field Sobriety Testing"
2004

Defending DWI and DOR Cases, Kansas City, Mo.
"Field Sobriety Testing"
2004

Missouri Public Defender's College, Kansas City, Mo.
Attacking Field Sobriety, Breath and Blood Tests
2004

Strategies in Handling DWI Cases, Maryland Heights, Mo.
"Field Sobriety Testing"
2004

Defending the Accused Driver: Intoxication by Alcohol or Drugs and Felony Driving Charges - Clayton, Missouri
"Standardized Field Sobriety Testing"
2003

Defending the Accused Driver: Intoxication by Alcohol or Drugs and Felony Driving Charges - Kansas City
"Standardized Field Sobriety Testing"
2003

The 2002 Missouri Judicial College - Lake Ozark
"Department of Revenue Cases"
2002

The 2002 Missouri Judicial College - Kansas City
"Department of Revenue Cases"
2002

6th Annual DWI Defense Institute - Defending the Drinking Driver: Anatomy of a Felony DWI Trial
"DWI - Cross Examination on Field Sobriety Tests."
2002

Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers - Spring Seminar, Kansas City, Mo.
"DWI - Cross Examination on Field Sobriety Tests."
2002

Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers - Fall Seminar, Kansas City
"DWI Law"
2001

5th Annual DWI Defense Institute - Defending the Drinking Driver, Clayton, Mo.
"Standardized Field Sobriety Testing"
2000

4th Annual DWI Defense Institute - Defending the Drinking Driver, Lake Ozark, Mo.
"What Happened to the Bill of Rights and the Rules of Evidence in Department of Revenue Cases?"
1999

Getting Tough on DWI - The Defense, Town & Country, Mo.
"Field Sobriety Testing and Dealing with the Testimony of the Arresting Officer."
1998

A Practical Approach to DWI Defense, Clayton, Mo.
"Field Sobriety Testing and Practical Tips on Dealing With the Testimony of the Arresting Officer
1997

Defending Your Client in a DWI Case
"Successful Strategies in Defending a DWI Case."
1996

View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (33)

Given (15)

Endorse Carl

David Casey

DUI and DWI Attorney | Feb 21
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I was an assistant prosecuting attorney in Jefferson County and had the privilege or working with (against) Carl on a number of cases over the years. He was ALWAYS prepared, thorough, and knowledgeable. Tough but treated everyone with dignity. He certainly gained my respect."

Ben Faber

DUI and DWI Attorney | Sep 15
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Carl is one of the best, if not the best, DWI lawyers in the state. I am familiar with many of his cases in which he created or changed legal standards statewide. He is truly an impressive attorney, and I would recommend him to anyone."

J. Denise Carter

Unknown Attorney | Jul 23
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Karl is one of the top attorneys in the state. He has devoted so much of his career to trading and improving the rest of the bar, myself included. An excellent choice."

Tylor Whitham

Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 27
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Ryan Munro

Criminal defense Attorney | Jun 29
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Ross Buehler

DUI and DWI Attorney | May 26
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer as one of the preeminent attorneys for DWI defense in the country. He is also highly proficient regarding all collateral matters relating to DWIs."

Nathan Swanson

DUI and DWI Attorney | Apr 14
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Ward is not only passionate about DUI & DWI defense, he is incredibly knowledgeable about the law and science of intoxication and driving."

George Johnson

DUI and DWI Attorney | Nov 10
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Carl is without a doubt one of the finest DUI lawyers in Missouri. I have frequently consulted him on legal issues and strategy. He is generous with his time and his advice is excellent. He also is the founder of the Missouri Society For Criminal Justice, a peer forum for DUI defense lawyers in Missouri, and he has been a sponsor of the Missouri Bar's DUI seminars for many years."

Michael Randazzo

DUI and DWI Attorney | Jan 09
Relationship: Co-worker

"Carl is the best in the business, period."

Michael Waddington

Criminal defense Attorney | May 30
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

Benjamin Kuipers

DUI and DWI Attorney | Nov 06
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Matthew Lowe

DUI and DWI Attorney | Oct 24
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Carl Ward basically wrote the book on defending the accused driver. He is notoriously known as one of the best DWI lawyers in the Midwest. Carl has served as a mentor to countless attorneys across Missouri who look to him anytime they have questions about a DWI case. He has spent his career fighting tirelessly for his clients. If you find yourself in a situation where you need a DWI lawyer, let Carl fight tirelessly for you."

Anthony Muhlenkamp

DUI and DWI Attorney | Oct 21
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Lance Thurman

DUI and DWI Attorney | Oct 21
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Carl Ward has raised the bar in challenging the state to meet its burden, and in doing so, inspired other lawyers to do the same. In addition to being extremely knowledgeable on the topic, he is a passionate, zealous advocate for his client, and is outstanding in the courtroom."

Steven Davis

DUI and DWI Attorney | Oct 20
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Carl Ward is one of the most experienced DWI attorneys in the State of Missouri if not the country. He is a leader among lawyers who believe in the defense of their clients. Steven Davis BA, MPA, JD"

Chad Oliver

DUI and DWI Attorney | Jul 29
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I highly recommend Mr. Ward to anyone who wants to learn how to defend a DWI case or for anyone who has been charged with a DWI or DWI drug case. Mr. Ward has an encyclopedic knowledge of DWI law and the science behind the law, which is essential to winning these cases. I have attended numerous seminars at which Mr. Ward has either presented and they are all top quality and full of useful information. Mr. Ward is an asset to the criminal defense community and the Missouri DWI/criminal defense bar is stronger due to his efforts and example."

Duane Randle

DUI and DWI Attorney | Jul 09
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Carl is the best of the best. He is a true teacher, and the most zealous advocate for his clients that I have known."

R. Shane Batchelor

DUI and DWI Attorney | May 28
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Ward is someone who teaches other lawyers in our legal community how to defend DWI cases. He also instructs police officers, the very people he goes against, how to be better officers on DWI cases. I have attended almost every seminar he has hosted. All of the manuals I have on my shelf regarding DWI defense are written by or contain materials from Mr. Ward. Finally, I often refer cases to Mr. Ward's office."

George Gilmore

DUI and DWI Attorney | May 17
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Carl is one of the top DWI attorneys in the business. Excellent communication skills...with clients, Judges and juries. Carl is at "the top of the game"....lectures and teaches attorneys on DWI laws, procedures, SFST's, etc."

Denise Kirby

DUI and DWI Attorney | May 17
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. You couldn't possibly find a better DWI lawyer in Missouri. Carl is regarded by ALL of his peers, as well as prosecutors, judges, and law enforcement officers, as the best in his field. He is passionate about representing his clients as well as educating other attorneys on how to best represent their clients. Those qualities, as well as his tireless efforts to support military veterans and their families, have earned Carl the respect of all who know him."

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