PRO
Virtual Consultation Available
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.
3
Practice Areas
42 years | 5,000 cases
42 years | 500 cases
42 years | 4,000 cases
We have not found any cost information for this lawyer
State: Missouri
Acquired: 1984
No misconduct found
Fax
305 W. 4th Street, Washington, MO, 63090
criminaldefensemo.com
Other places you can find Carl online.
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 review | Communication Style
Posted by Maggie | May 16, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket
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, a...
"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."
"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."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
"Mr. Ward is not only passionate about DUI & DWI defense, he is incredibly knowledgeable about the law and science of intoxication and driving."
"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."
"Carl is the best in the business, period."
"I endorse Carl. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
"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"
"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."
"Carl is the best of the best. He is a true teacher, and the most zealous advocate for his clients that I have known."
"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."
"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."
"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."
DUI and DWI lawyer
DUI and DWI lawyer
DUI and DWI lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
DUI and DWI lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
DUI and DWI lawyer
DUI and DWI lawyer
DUI and DWI lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
DUI and DWI lawyer
DUI and DWI lawyer
DUI and DWI lawyer
DUI and DWI lawyer
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2024
Client Champion Award, Martindale-Hubbell
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2022
Client Champion Award, Martindale-Hubbell
2021
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2021
AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®
2020
AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®
2020
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2019
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2019
AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®
2019
Best Lawyers - DWI Defense, St. Louis Magazine
2018
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2018
AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®
2018
Best Lawyers - DWI Defense, St. Louis Magazine
2017
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2017
AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®
2017
Best Lawyers - DWI Defense, St. Louis Magazine
2016
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2016
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
2015
Best Lawyers - DWI Defense, St. Louis Magazine
2015
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2015
AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
U.S. News - Best Law Firms, U.S. News - Best Lawyers
2014
Best Lawyers - DWI Defense, St. Louis Magazine
2014
Super Lawyer, Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers Magazine
2014
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers
2014
Named Top 10 Criminal Defense Lawyers in Mo., National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys
2014
AV® Preeminent™Peer Review Rating for 10 consecutive years, Martindale-Hubbell
2014
Client Distinction Award, Lawyers.com
2014
AV® "Preeminent" Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2014
U.S. News - Best Law Firms, U.S. News - Best Lawyers
2013
Super Lawyer, Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers Magazine
2013
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers
2013
Best Lawyers - DWI Defense - St. Louis Area, St. Louis Magazine
2013
AV® "Preeminent" Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2013
Client Distinction Award, Lawyers.Com
2012
AV® "Preeminent" Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell®
2012
Best Lawyers - DWI Defense - St. Louis Area, St. Louis Magazine
2012
Avvo Superb Rating of 10 out of 10, American Registry
2012
Super Lawyer, Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers Magazine
2012
Top Attorneys in Missouri and Kansas, KC Magazine
2011
AV® "Preeminent" Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell®
2011
Avvo Superb Rating of 10 out of 10, American Registry
2011
Best Lawyers - DWI Defense - St. Louis Area, St. Louis Magazine
2011
Super Lawyer, Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers Magazine
2010
AV® "Preeminent" Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell®
2010
Best Lawyers in America, American Lawyers & Law Firms Directory
2010
Super Lawyer, Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers Magazine
2009
AV® "Preeminent" Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2009
Best Lawyers in America, American Lawyers & Law Firms Directory
2009
Bernard Edelman Tradition Award, Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
2009
Super Lawyer, Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers Magazine
2008
Super Lawyer, Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers Magazine
2008
Best Lawyers in America, American Lawyers & Law Firms Directory
2007
Super Lawyer, Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers Magazine
2006
Super Lawyer, Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers Magazine
2006
Robert Duncan Award of Appellate Excellence, Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
1989 - Present
Trial Attorney, CARL WARD LAW LLC a/k/a WARD & ASSOCIATES
1984 - 1989
Senior Associate, Raskas, Ruthmeyer, Pomerantz and Wynn
1983 - 1984
Law Clerk, Raskas, Ruthmeyer, Pomerantz & Wynn
2008 - Present
Franklin County Bar AssociationMember
2006 - Present
Missouri Society for Criminal JusticeFounder
1989 - Present
National College of DUI DefenseMember
1989 - Present
Missouri Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
1984 - Present
Missouri BarMember
2016 - 2017
Missouri Association of Criminal Defense LawyersImmediate Past President
2015 - 2016
Missouri Association of Criminal Defense LawyersPresident
2014 - 2015
Missouri Association of Criminal Defense LawyersVice President
2013 - 2014
Missouri Association of Criminal Defense LawyersSecretary
2012 - 2013
Missouri Association of Criminal Defense LawyersTreasurer
2007 - 2012
Missouri Association of Criminal Defense LawyersBoard of Directors
Refual revocation set aside; DWI charge dismissed
Motion to Suppress Granted. All evidence arising out of the illegal stop was suppressed. The case was then dismissed by the prosecutor.
Won
Won
Won
Won
Won
Lost the Battle, Won the War
Won
Won
Judgment for DOR reversed
Won
1984
Juris Doctor
1981
BS - Bachelor of Science (Summa Cum Laude)
2016
DWI Law Update
2016
Administrative DWI Law
2015
Administrative DWI Law
2014
Administrative DWI Law
2013
Ethical Considerations; Case Review
2012
Breath Testing Regulation Changes
2011
DWI Law
2011
Probable Cause in a DWI Case
2011
DWI Law Update
2011
Administrative DWI Law
2011
Probable Cause and Reasonable Suspicion
2011
DWI Law Update
2010
"Defending DWI Cases"
2010
Informal Datamaster, PBT and HGN Demonstration
2010
"How to Win an Administrative DWI Suspension Hearing"
2009
"Mock Jury Trial of a DWI Case"
2009
"Mock Jury Trial of a DWI Case"
2009
"Informal Datamaster Breath Testing Demonstration"
2009
"Future of DWI Law in Missouri"
2008
CDL and Abuse and Lose Law in Missouri
2008
Creating Drama in the Courtroom
2008
Administrative Alcohol Suspensions
2008
Mock Jury Trial of a DWI Case
2007
Representing a Client in a DWI Case
2007
Breath Alcohol Testing
2007
"Defending Administrative Alcohol Suspension Cases"
2007
"Defending Your Client's Driver's License Following A DWI Arrest"
2007
"Breath and Blood Testing"
2006
Blood and Breath Testing
2006
Winning Moves in a DOR Case
2006
Defending Your Client's Driver's License Following A DWI Arrest
2006
Defending Your Client's Driver's License Following A DWI Arrest
2005
"Challenging Administrative Suspensions and Refusals"
2004
"Field Sobriety Testing"
2004
Attacking Field Sobriety, Breath and Blood Tests
2004
"Field Sobriety Testing"
2004
"Field Sobriety Testing"
2003
"Standardized Field Sobriety Testing"
2003
"Standardized Field Sobriety Testing"
2002
"Department of Revenue Cases"
2002
"Department of Revenue Cases"
2002
"DWI - Cross Examination on Field Sobriety Tests."
2002
"DWI - Cross Examination on Field Sobriety Tests."
2001
"DWI Law"
2000
"Standardized Field Sobriety Testing"
1999
"What Happened to the Bill of Rights and the Rules of Evidence in Department of Revenue Cases?"
1998
"Field Sobriety Testing and Dealing with the Testimony of the Arresting Officer."
1997
"Field Sobriety Testing and Practical Tips on Dealing With the Testimony of the Arresting Officer
1996
"Successful Strategies in Defending a DWI Case."
2006
English
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Will I be convicted of 3rd dui?
22 Mar 2025
Should I contact an attorney regarding damage to my vehicle due to negligence caused by a tire shop?
10 Jun 2024
Why would there be a preliminary hearing?
11 Jun 2024
Top 10 Most Impractical Ways to Avoid a DWI
05 Jun 2010
Top 10 Defenses in a DWI Case in Missouri
17 Apr 2010