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.

Syracuse Criminal Defense Law Firm

Helping The Wrongfully Accused Throughout Central New York

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.

Our Criminal Defense Practice Areas

Providing Legal Representation Throughout Onondaga County

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:

Unlawful Possession of Marijuana
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

Carden Dotzler Hammond, PLLC has multiple areas of specialization. Our practice areas include:

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.

News & Updates

MEET OUR TEAM

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.

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.

Clifton C. Carden III, Esq.

MANAGING PARTNER

A founding member of CDH Law and the firm’s Managing Partner, Mr. Carden leads the family law and divorce practice group. His no-nonsense, results-oriented approach to his practice has garnered a cult-like following from his clients.

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Matthew D. Dotzler, Esq.

PARTNER

Mr. Dotzler is a founding partner of Carden Dotzler Hammond, PLLC. He concentrates his practice on criminal defense, DWI defense and traffic defense.

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J. David Hammond, Esq.

PARTNER

Mr. Hammond is a former military trial and appellate lawyer with over a decade of experience fighting for service members and their families. He served nine years and two combat tours as an active duty US Army officer before joining CDH Law.

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Brian Nelson Tedd, Esq.

Senior Associate

Brian is an associate at CDH Law, where he leads the firm’s estate planning practice and is a key player in its criminal defense practice.

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Tricia M. Dorn, Esq.

OF COUNSEL

Tricia Dorn is a specialized family law attorney working closely with CDH Law on a daily basis. For the past decade she has focused exclusively on family and matrimonial legal issues.

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Joshua M. Gillette, Esq.

OF COUNSEL

Joshua Gillette is a civil litigator with expertise in plaintiff's medical malpractice, catastrophic injury and personal injury cases. Before he represented plaintiffs he spend nearly a decade defending physicians and other healthcare professionals against malpractice

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Karen E. Balman, MSW

MITIGATION SPECIALIST

Karen Balman serves as CDH Law’s mitigation specialist. A Central New York native, Karen graduated from LeMoyne College with a bachelor of arts degree in sociology and holds a Master of Social Work at Syracuse University.

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Investigator Curtis A. Brown

PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR

Often, our clients need professional investigation to support a complex criminal defense or divorce case. CDH Law is proud to partner with Mr. Brown and 1st Choice Private Investigations L.L.C. for its investigative needs.

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Investigator Dan Myers

Private Investigator

Dan is a retired Onondaga County Deputy Sheriff and a licensed private investigator. CDH Law proudly partners with Dan and Intrigue Investigations when clients need investigations to support their case, whether it is defending against a complex criminal prosecution or

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Brandon M. Jones

Paralegal

Brandon is a paralegal for our Vehicle and Traffic Practice. He is knowledgeable in the Vehicle and Traffic Law and if you are a client with a traffic ticket or dealing with a DWI charge, you will frequently encounter his smooth and calm demeanor.

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Elyssa C. Vernold

Paralegal

Elyssa is CDH Law’s Criminal Law Paralegal Specialist. She graduated from college at Syracuse University and is preparing to attend law school. She works with all of our criminal defense clients in the management of their cases.

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WHAT OUR CLIENTS HAVE TO SAY

HE IS PROFESSIONAL TO THE ENTH DEGREE!

Look NO further for a DWI attorney! Hands down, Clifton Carden is “the man”! I have a very good job and travel the country for work, so having a regular liscence is a necessity. I was pulled over for a traffic infraction and it went south from there. Aressted and charged with four charges including DWI. (First timer) Through a very good friend, I found out about Clifton. After talking to Clifton (On a Saturday), he put me at ease and I hired him immediately. We sat down, made a plan and commenced to carry out that plan. Long story short, he saved my job, my house, my livelihood! I was completely blown away by what he did for me and my family and will be forever grateful! He is a professional to the enth degree! Semper Fi Cliff !

- Eric

GREAT LAWYER.

Mr. Hammond made sure that I was not taken advantage of. He spoke up for me to make sure I was heard. He made sure I knew what was going on before he spoke also what the outcome was when he finished. He stayed in contact with me throughout the whole ordeal. Great lawyer.

- Jonathan

WE WERE ECSTATIC WITH THE FINAL RESULT

Clifton Carden worked with our family to procure the most favorable outcome for my son in a matter that occurred not only in another county but also several years in the past. We were ecstatic with the final result, and the professional manner that was used throughout the process. Step-by-step, my son was made aware of what was happening and what would happen in the future so as to alleviate his stress in this matter. Thank you to all the staff for a very satisfactory result, and should there be any other matters in the future for our family or others, we will surely contact Clifton Carden again or recommend him to others.

- Barb

THIS IS THE GUY FOR YOU NO DOUBT.

When I got my first speeding ticket, I was so upset and just mad at myself for my mistake. After I called and discussed it with Matt my worries were gone. He reduced my speeding ticket and was more than helpful in the entire process. This is the guy for you no doubt. Why keep looking for over prices lawyers when you can get help here for a decent price. Thanks Matt Dotzler.

- Mike

I WAS EXTREMELY PLEASED WITH THE OUTCOME.

Cliff and his team were very helpful and went the extra mile for me. He explained all my options clearly and didn’t force me to make any decisions in was unsure of. He was very thorough with my case and I was extremely pleased with the outcome. If I am ever in need of legal advise on the future his team is my first choice. Thanks for everything.

- Chris

GREAT LAWYER!

He informed me on all possible outcomes. Very easy to get ahold of, I felt comfortable with him in charge of my case . I did my part so he was able to easily provide me with the best case scenario for me. Great lawyer!

- Kristine

MAIN NUMBER:

315.930.4077

FAX NUMBER:

315.930.4075

ADDRESS:

100 Madison Street Tower 1, Floor 12
Syracuse, NY 13202