Syracuse Criminal Defense Law Firm
If you are entangled in a legal problem for the first time, the anxiety can be overwhelming. Why not turn to our highly skilled attorneys who will help you navigate the complexities of the legal system and put you at ease? Our track record of successful outcomes will give you confidence. You can rely on the fact that once you become our client we will support you every inch of the way.
At CDH Law PLLC we are well-prepared to protect your rights and minimize your risk. We have superior negotiating skills. Depending on the circumstances of your particular case, we may be able to have your charges dropped entirely or help you plea bargain to a lesser charge. We are always on your side, working diligently to protect your interests.
Criminal Defense
When you are accused of, and arrested for, committing a crime, your first reaction is likely to be fear. The smartest thing you can do is promptly contact our office since the sooner we are involved in your case, the more helpful our intervention will be.
DWI & DWAI Defense
With so many deaths on our highways attributed to driving while intoxicated or impaired, there has been increased enforcement of DWI (Driving While Intoxicated, sometimes referred to as DUI) and DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired) laws.
Traffic Defense
Though a traffic ticket may seem like simply an annoyance and an expense, traffic tickets can have major financial impact. Beyond fines and surcharges, in New York State, a guilty plea or conviction on a traffic violation can result points on your license.
Family Law
If you are dealing with divorce, child custody or child support issues (including modification or violations of child support orders), the family law attorneys at Carden Dotzler Hammond are ready to assist you in working out a reasonable and just solution.
Personal Injury
When you have been severely injured in a traffic accident or a slip and fall, or suffered harm due to a defective product or a negligent healthcare provider, your world is turned upside down. At CDH Law, we fully understand that your trauma is threefold: physical, emotional, and financial, and that it affects not only you but your loved ones.
Real Estate
We handle residential real estate closings with precision, guiding buyers and sellers through each step to ensure smooth, timely transactions. Our team also reviews and secures title insurance to protect your ownership rights and prevent costly issues after closing.

Our Criminal Defense Practice Areas
Our criminal defense attorneys always assume that you are innocent until proven guilty and will use legal tactics that have proven successful in past cases. We will do everything possible to get you acquitted. In cases where the evidence weighs heavily against you, we will use our negotiating skills to get your charges reduced.
Our criminal defense team routinely handles offenses such as:
- DWI
- Petit Larceny (e.g. Shoplifting)
- Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle (driving without a valid license, or with a suspended or revoked license)
- Reckless Driving
- Harassment (typically involving physical altercation that does not result in physical injury).
- Assault
- Resisting Arrest
- Sex Offenses
- Murder
- Manslaughter

Our Personal Injury Practice Areas
If you have suffered serious harm due to the negligence or recklessness of another party, our personal injury attorneys will fight vigorously for your right to just compensation. We have the in-depth knowledge of federal and state law and sharp litigation skills to bring you the damages you deserve. Though no personal injury claim has guaranteed results, we have an impressive record of successful outcomes.
Our attorneys have extensive experience in all areas of personal injury law, including:
- Car accidents
- Truck accidents
- Motorcycle accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Pedestrian accidents
- Premises liability
- Product liability
- Medical malpractice
- Nursing home abuse
Meet Our Team
Versatile Legal Advocacy Across Multiple Areas of Law
If you are searching for an outstanding law firm in Onondaga County and the surrounding counties of Central New York, you should take a careful look at Carden Dotzler Hammond, PLLC. Our veteran owned and operated practice has a well-earned reputation for compassionate and efficient service as well as for powerful legal counsel. We have excellent Google and Avvo reviews, and two of us have been designated Super Lawyers.
Family Law Matters
Our goal is to restore stability and order to the chaos that may precede the marital split. When you work with our practice, you can rest assured that communication will be a major part of the process.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
A great deal is at stake when you are charged with an alcohol-related driving offense. Carden Dotzler Hammond will pull out all the stops to limit your financial stress and to guard your freedom.
Drug & Controlled Substance Offenses
Our firm also provides criminal defense for more heavy duty drug arrests, such as drug distribution, trafficking and manufacturing. As you may or may not know, New York has some of the toughest drug laws in the country.

Carden Dotzler Hammond, PLLC is here for you in what may seem like your darkest hour. Our dedicated attorneys are well-trained and experienced and we have a track record of satisfied clients. Just take a look at our testimonials and you will see how trustworthy and effective we really are. Instead of worrying, give us a call or fill in one of the contact forms on our website. Consulting with us may be the best decision you ever make.
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Contact Us Today
When you need a lawyer working hard to protect your rights in Syracuse and Central New York, the office of Carden Dotzler Hammond, PLLC is just a call away. Contact us to request your initial consultation.
Syracuse, NY 13204