Attorneys

Carl M. Ward

TRIAL ATTORNEY
 
Location: Washington, Missouri
 
Phone: 314-394-2150
  877-384-9255
 
Fax: 314-754-8178
 
Email: Click here to E-mail Me
 

Carl M. Ward is a nationally recognized attorney who defends the rights of those accused of driving while intoxicated. Mr. Ward’s areas of practice include criminal law, traffic law, administrative law, constitutional law, civil appeals, criminal appeals, and personal injury cases, such as motor vehicle accidents and wrongful death claims. Carl has represented thousands of citizens accused of DWI in nearly 90 counties and 200 courts in Missouri.  He has handled dozens of appeals and argued cases before the Missouri Supreme Court, the Western District Court of Appeals, the Eastern District Court of Appeals, and the Southern District Court of Appeals.

A strong dedication to exemplary DUI/DWI defense has earned Mr. Ward the respect of his peers. He has been 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 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. In 2018, Carl was awarded the National Leadership Award for the National College for DUI Defense.

Mr. Ward has been trained in the use and maintenance of breath alcohol testing device and owns several breath alcohol testing instruments. Carl has also completed an extensive training course on the use of gas chromatography instruments to test blood samples for alcohol. He has been a NHTSA/IACP trained DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Instructor since 2000. Carl has served as an instructor or lecturer 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 co-chaired the largest DWI law seminars for lawyers in Missouri from 1997 to 2017. 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 DUI Defense Lawyers Association.  Carl is also the founder of the Missouri Society for Criminal Justice. He was the President of the Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers from 2015-2016.

Carl was born in Peoria, Illinois and moved with his family to St. Charles, Missouri at a very young age. He is a graduate of St. Charles High School. After receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in 1981 from the University of Missouri, graduating with the college’s highest honors [Summa Cum Laude], Carl earned his Juris Doctor from Saint Louis University School of Law in 1984. He was admitted to practice in Missouri that same year.

Carl has been married to his wife, Judy, for 41 years. He has two daughters and two grandchildren. Carl is an avid NASCAR and sprint car racing fan, and frequently attends racing events with his 92 year-old father. He enjoys target shooting, believes citizens should carry weapons for the protection of their friends, family and neighbors, and is a strong supporter of the 2nd Amendment. Mr. Ward also works closely with the Special Forces Association [“Green Berets”] in St. Louis to assist the families of local servicemen and servicewomen who have been killed or wounded in the service of their Country.

AREAS OF PRACTICE   
Criminal Defense

Administrative Law

Appellate Law

Traffic Offenses

Personal Injury

Bar Admissions
Missouri. 1984

Education
Saint Louis University School of Law, St. Louis, Missouri
J.D. 1984

University of Missouri, St Louis, Missouri
B.A. Political Science. 1981 (Summa cum laude)

Associations

Professional Speaking Engagements

  1. Speaker: Annual DWI Law seminar. “Successful Strategies in Defending a DWI Case.” Mizzou Law School. St. Louis, Mo. March 22, 1996
  2. Program Moderator and Speaker: MU Annual DWI Law seminar. “Field Sobriety Testing and Practical Tips on Dealing with the Testimony of the Arresting Officer” Mizzou Law School. Clayton, Mo. June 20, 1997
  3. Program Chair and Speaker: “Field Sobriety Testing and Dealing with the Testimony of the Arresting Officer.” Mizzou Law School. Town & Country, Mo. June 12, 1998
  4. Program Chair and Speaker: Annual DWI Law seminar. “What Happened to the Bill of Rights and the Rules of Evidence in Department of Revenue Cases? Retreat or Fix Bayonets?” Mizzou Law School. Lake Ozark, Mo. May 7, 1999
  5. Program Chair and Speaker: Annual DWI Law seminar. “Standardized Field Sobriety Testing.” Mizzou Law School. Clayton, Mo. October 6-7, 2000
  6. Speaker: Criminal Defense seminar. “DWI Law.” The Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. Kansas City, Mo. Oct. 19, 2001
  7. Program Chair and Speaker: Annual DWI Law seminar. “Direct Examination of Defendant’s Field Sobriety Test Expert.” Mizzou Law School. Lake Ozark, Mo. May 10-11, 2002
  8. Speaker: Criminal Defense seminar. “DWI: Cross Examination on Field Sobriety Tests” Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. Kansas City, Mo. April 12-13, 2002
  9. Faculty Member & Speaker: Missouri Judicial College. “Department of Revenue Cases” Missouri Judicial College. Lake Ozark, Mo. August 5, 2002
  10. Faculty Member & Speaker: Missouri Judicial College. “Department of Revenue Cases.” Kansas City, Mo. Oct. 28, 2002
  11. Program Co-Chair and Speaker: Annual DWI Law seminar. “Standardized Field Sobriety Testing.” The Missouri Bar. Clayton, Mo. 2003
  12. Program Co-Chair and Speaker: DWI Law seminar. “Standardized Field Sobriety Testing.” Mizzou Law School. Kansas City, Mo. June 6, 2003
  13. Program Co-Chair and Speaker: Annual DWI Law seminar. “Field Sobriety Testing.” The Missouri Bar. Kansas City, Mo. June 24, 2004
  14. Program Co-Chair and Speaker: Annual DWI law seminar. “Field Sobriety Testing.” The Missouri Bar. Defending DWI and DOR Cases. Clayton, Mo. June 25, 2004
  15. Program Co-Chair and Speaker: Annual DWI Law seminar. “Field Sobriety Testing.” Mizzou Law School. St. Louis, Mo. 2004
  16. Speaker: Missouri Public Defender’s College. “Attacking Field Sobriety, Breath and Blood Tests.” Kansas City, Mo. April 23, 2004
  17. Speaker: DWI Law Seminar. “Standardized Field Sobriety Testing.” Lorman Education Services. Maryland Heights, Mo. June 24, 2004
  18. Program Co-Chair and Speaker: Annual DWI Law Seminar. “Challenging Administrative Suspensions and Refusals.” The Missouri Bar. St. Louis, Mo. June 24, 2005
  19. Program Co-Chair and Speaker: Annual DWI Law seminar. “Challenging Administrative Suspensions and Refusals.” The Missouri Bar. Kansas City, Mo. June 25, 2005
  20. Program Co-Chair and Speaker: Annual DWI Law Seminar. “Winning Moves in a DOR Case.” Effective Challenges to the Traffic Stop, Arrest, Field Sobriety Tests, and Blood Test. The Missouri Bar. Lake Ozark, Mo. July 28-29, 2006
  21. Program Host and Instructor: DWI Boot Camp #1 “Defending Your Client’s Driver’s License Following a DWI Arrest.” Clayton, Mo. October 6, 2006
  22. Program Host and Instructor: DWI Boot Camp #2 “Defending Your Client’s Driver’s License Following a DWI Arrest.” Clayton, Mo. November 10, 2006
  23. Speaker: Missouri State Public Defender’s College. “Blood and Breath Testing.” St. Louis, Mo. 2006
  24. Program Co-Chair and Speaker: Annual DWI Law seminar. “Breath and Blood Testing. “The Missouri Bar. Lake Ozark, Mo. July 27-28, 2007
  25. Program Host and Speaker: DWI Boot Camp #3 “Defending Your Client’s Driver’s License Following a DWI Arrest.” Columbia, Mo. March 30, 2007
  26. Speaker: Interactive Telephone seminar. “Defending Administrative Alcohol Suspension Cases.” The Missouri Bar- How to Series: DWI/DUI.  September 11, 2007
  27. Speaker: District VII Justice Phi Alpha Delta Fraternity International Meeting. “Breath Alcohol Testing.” Washington, Mo. September 29, 2007
  28. Presenter: Missouri Bar Solo and Small Firm Conference. “Saturday Morning Hangover – The Headaches of Representing a Client with a DWI case.” Osage Beach, Mo. June 9, 2007
  29. Program Co-Chair and Speaker: 1st Annual Bernard Edelman DWI Law and Science seminar. “Direct Examination of Defendant’s Field Sobriety Test Expert.” The Missouri Bar and MACDL. Lake Ozark, Mo. July 25-26, 2008
  30. Speaker: Interactive telephone seminar. “Administrative Alcohol Suspensions.” The Missouri Bar – How to Series: DWI/DUI. December 10, 2008
  31. Speaker: Criminal Defense seminar. “Creating Drama in the Courtroom.” The Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers – Making the Courtroom Your Stage.  Branson, Mo. April 18, 2008
  32. Speaker: National Association of Legal Secretaries annual meeting. “CDL and Abuse and Lose Law in Missouri.” St. Louis, Mo. May 3, 2008
  33. Program Co-Chair and Speaker:  2nd Annual Bernard Edelman DWI Law and Science seminar. “Mock Jury Trial of a DWI Case.” The Missouri Bar and MACDL. Science and Law in a DWI Case. Lake Ozark, Mo. July 24-25, 2009
  34. Speaker: Missouri Municipal Court Clerk’s Association annual meeting.” Mock Jury Trial of a DWI Case.” Osage Beach, Mo. 2009
  35. Speaker: National Association of Legal Secretaries annual meeting. “Mock Jury Trial of a DWI Case.” Washington, Mo. February 7, 2009
  36. Program Co-Chair and Speaker: 3rd Annual Bernard Edelman DWI Law and Science seminar. “How to Win an Administrative DWI Suspension Hearing.” Lake Ozark, Mo. July 2010
  37. Speaker: Missouri State Public Defenders Annual College. “Defending DWI Cases.” Branson, Mo. April 8, 2010
  38. Speaker: 1st annual MADD Tool Box seminar. “DWI Law Update.” St. Louis, Mo. 2010.
  39. Program Co-Chair and Speaker: 4th Annual Bernard Edelman DWI Law and Science seminar. “Probable Cause and Reasonable Suspicion.” The Missouri Bar and MACDL. Osage Beach, Mo. July 2011
  40. Program Host and Instructor: DWI Boot Camp #4. “Defending Your Client’s Driver’s License Following a DWI Arrest.” St. Louis, Mo. 2011
  41. Speaker: Law Enforcement Traffic Safety Annual Conference. “DWI Law Update.” Lake Ozark, Mo. 2011
  42. Speaker: Missouri Municipal and Associate Circuit Judges Association Conference. “Probable Cause in a DWI Case.” Lake Ozark, Mo., 2011
  43. Speaker: Missouri Public Defenders College. “DWI Law in Missouri.” Branson, Mo., 2011
  44. Program Co-Chair and Speaker: 5th Annual Bernard Edelman DWI Law and Science seminar. “Breath Testing Regulation Changes.” The Missouri Bar. Osage Beach, Mo. July 2012
  45. Program Co-Chair and Speaker: 6th Annual Bernard Edelman DWI Law and Science Seminar. “Ethical Considerations in a DWI Case.” The Missouri Bar. Osage Beach, Mo. July 2013
  46. Program Co-Chair and Speaker: 7th Annual Bernard Edelman DWI Law and Science Seminar. “Administrative DWI 101.” The Missouri Bar. Osage Beach, Mo. July 18-19, 2014
  47. Program Host and Instructor: DWI Boot Camp #5. “Defending Your Client’s Driver’s License Following a DWI Arrest.” Washington, Mo. September 2014
  48. Breath Alcohol Testing Demonstrations. Missouri Association of Probate & Associate Circuit Judges Annual Meeting. March 25, 2015
  49. Speaker, Bench, Bar & Boardroom Conference. “DUI: Understanding (and observing) the Limits.” May 15, 2015
  50. Speaker, DOR’s Annual Hearing Officer and Trial Staff Training Program.  May 29, 2015
  51. Program Co-Chair and Speaker: 8th Annual Bernard Edelman DWI Law and Science Seminar. “How to Save Your Clients’ Drivers Licenses.” The Missouri Bar & MACDL. Osage Beach, Mo. July 16-18, 2015
  52. Instructor, “Defending Your Client’s Driver’s License Following a DWI Arrest.” The Missouri Bar & MACDL. Kansas City, Mo. February 19, 2016
  53. Instructor, “Defending Your Client’s Driver’s License Following a DWI Arrest.” The Missouri Bar & MACDL. St. Louis, Mo. March 3, 2016
  54. Program Co-Chair and Speaker: 9th Annual Bernard Edelman DWI Law and Science Seminar. “Cross-Examination of the Arresting Officer.” The Missouri Bar & MACDL. Osage Beach, Mo. July 21-23, 2016
  55. Speaker: Wyoming Trial Lawyers College. “Attacking Probable Cause for the Arrest.” Casper, Wyoming. November 4, 2017
  56. Speaker: 10th Annual Bernard Edelman DWI Law and Science Seminar. “Probable Cause for the Arrest. The Missouri Bar & MACDL. Osage Beach, Mo. July 21-22, 2017
  57. Speaker: Missouri Municipal and Associate Circuit Judges Association. “DWI Enforcement.” Lake Ozark, Mo. May 22, 2019
  58. Speaker: 12th Annual Bernard Edelman DWI Law and Science Seminar. “Cross-Examination of Law Enforcement Officers. The        Missouri Bar & MACDL. Lake Ozark, Mo. July 18, 2019
  59. Speaker: Missouri DWI Institute Online Conference. “Effective Plea Negotiations.” July 24, 2020
  60. Instructor: Missouri Association of Probate and Associate Circuit Judge’s Annual Conference.  “DWI Law Update.: Branson, Mo. April 8, 2021

Police Training Programs Taught

  1. Instructor: DWI Law Update. Chesterfield Police Department. January 16, 2004
  2. Instructor: DWI Law Update. Chesterfield Police Department. January 23, 2004
  3. Instructor: DWI Law Update. Chesterfield Police Department. January 26, 2004
  4. Instructor: DWI Law Update. Chesterfield Police Department. January 29, 2004
  5. Instructor: DWI Law Update. Chesterfield Police Department. February 6, 2004
  6. Instructor: DWI Law Update. Chesterfield Police Department. February 9, 2004
  7. Instructor: DWI Law Update. Washington, Missouri Police Department. March 10, 2006
  8. Instructor: NHTSA DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Student course. Creve Coeur Police Department. March 15, 2006
  9. Instructor: NHTSA DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Student course. Washington Police Department. March 17, 2006
  10. Instructor: NHTSA DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Student course. Jefferson College Police Academy. June 15, 2006
  11. Instructor: NHTSA DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Student course. Overland Police Department. August 9, 2006
  12. Instructor: NHTSA DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Student course. St. Louis County Police Training Center. January 31, 2007
  13. Instructor: NHTSA DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Student course. Washington Missouri Public Safety Building. March 13-16, 2007
  14. Instructor: NHTSA DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Student course. Ballwin Police Department. August 24, 2007
  15. Instructor:  NHTSA DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Student course. Kirksville, Mo. March 19, 2008
  16. Instructor:  NHTSA DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Student course. Kirksville, Mo. April 1, 2008
  17. Instructor: NHTSA DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Student course. Kirkwood, Mo. January 14, 2009
  18. NHTSA DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Student course. Eastern Missouri Police Academy. February 18, 2009
  19. Instructor: NHTSA DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Student course. Kirkwood, Mo. March 18, 2009
  20. Instructor: NHTSA DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Student course. Kirkwood, Mo. April 21, 2009
  21. Moot Court Instructor: NHTSA DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Student course. Missouri State Highway Patrol Academy. June 1, 2009
  22. Moot Court Instructor: NHTSA DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Student course. Missouri State Highway Patrol Academy. June 2, 2009
  23. Instructor: DWI Practical Training Program. Eastern Missouri Police Academy. June 21, 2009
  24. Lecturer:  DWI Law Update. Franklin County Sheriff’s Department. August 6, 2009
  25. Instructor: DWI Law and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing. Missouri Deputy Sheriff’s Association Annual Conference.  Lake Ozark, Mo. September 28-29, 2009
  26. Moot Court Instructor: NHTSA DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Student course. Missouri State Highway Patrol Academy. December 3, 2009
  27. Moot Court Instructor: NHTSA DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Student course. Missouri State Highway Patrol Academy. December 10, 2009
  28. Instructor: NHTSA DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Student course. Washington, Mo. May 20 -22, 2010
  29. Moot Court Instructor: NHTSA DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Student course. Missouri State Highway Patrol Academy. July 13, 2010
  30. Moot Court Instructor: NHTSA DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Student course. Missouri State Highway Patrol Academy. July 14, 2010
  31. Speaker:  DWI Law. Law Enforcement Traffic Safety Annual Conference, Lake Ozark, Mo. July 2010
  32. Moot Court Instructor: NHTSA DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Student course. Missouri State Highway Patrol Academy. December 7, 2010
  33. Moot Court Instructor: NHTSA DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Student course.  Missouri State Highway Patrol Academy. June 14, 2011
  34. Moot Court Instructor: NHTSA DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Student course. Missouri State Highway Patrol Academy. June 15, 2011
  35. Instructor: NHTSA DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Student course. Eastern Missouri Police Academy. June 21, 2011
  36. Instructor: NHTSA DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Student course. Union, Mo. March 1, 2011
  37. Speaker: DWI Law Update. MADD Toolbox Conference. St. Louis, Mo. 2011
  38. Speaker: DWI Law. Law Enforcement Traffic Safety Annual Conference, Lake Ozark, Mo. July 14, 2016
  39. Instructor: NHTSA DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Student course. St. Louis County Police Academy. February 17, 2017
  40. Instructor: NHTSA DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Student course. St. Louis County Police Academy. May 12, 2017
  41. Instructor: NHTSA DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Student course. St. Louis County Police Academy, August 11, 2017
  42. Instructor: NHTSA DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Student course. St. Louis County Police Academy, May 4, 2018
  43. Instructor: NHTSA DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Student course. St. Louis County Police Academy, August 3, 2018

Representative Appeals

Mr. Ward has handled dozens of appeals and has argued cases before the Eastern, Western and Southern District courts of appeal as well as the Missouri Supreme Court. His cases have had a significant impact on the law in the areas of field sobriety testing, probable cause analysis, breath testing, and standards of review.

Honors and Awards

Fraternities

Advanced Technical & Scientific Training Courses Completed

Counties Where Mr. Ward has Represented Clients

  1. Adair
  2. Atchison
  3. Audrain
  4. Bates
  5. Barton
  6. Benton
  7. Bollinger
  8. Boone
  9. Butler
  10. Caldwell
  11. Callaway
  12. Camden
  13. Cape Girardeau
  14. Carter
  15. Cass
  16. Cedar
  17. Christian
  18. Clark
  19. Clay
  20. Clinton
  21. Cole
  22. Cooper
  23. Crawford
  24. Dallas
  25. Daviess
  26. De Kalb
  27. Dent
  28. Dunklin
  29. Franklin
  30. Gasconade
  31. Greene
  32. Hickory
  33. Henry
  34. Howard
  35. Howell
  36. Iron
  37. Jackson
  38. Jasper
  39. Jefferson
  40. Johnson
  41. Laclede
  42. Lewis
  43. Lincoln
  44. Linn
  45. Macon
  46. Madison
  47. Maries
  48. Marion
  49. Miller
  50. Mississippi
  51. Monroe
  52. Montgomery
  53. Morgan
  54. Moniteau
  55. New Madrid
  56. Newton
  57. Osage
  58. Ozark
  59. Pemiscot
  60. Perry
  61. Phelps
  62. Pike
  63. Platte
  64. Pulaski
  65. Ralls
  66. Randolph
  67. Reynolds
  68. Ripley
  69. Schuyler
  70. Scotland
  71. Scott
  72. Shannon
  73. Shelby
  74. St. Charles
  75. St. Clair
  76. St. Francois
  77. Ste. Genevieve
  78. St. Louis City
  79. St. Louis County
  80. Stoddard
  81. Stone
  82. Taney
  83. Texas
  84. Vernon
  85. Warren
  86. Washington
  87. Wayne
  88. Webster
  89. Wright.