Atty. Carl Matthew Ward
Carl M. Ward is a nationally recognized attorney who has represented thousands of citizens accused of DWI across the State of Missouri.
Profile Summary
About Carl Matthew Ward at a glance
Carl Matthew Ward is a Founder based in Washington, Missouri, practicing at Law Office of Carl M. Ward. They have 42+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1984. Their practice focuses on dui/dwi, car accidents, wrongful death, personal injury, and criminal defense. Admitted to practice in Missouri (1984). Educated at St. Louis University School of Law (J.D., 1984) and University of Missouri at St. Louis (B.A. Political, 1981). Recognitions include AV Preeminent. Serands clients in Washington, MO and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About
- Carl M. Ward is a nationally recognized attorney who has represented thousands of citizens accused of DWI across the State of Missouri
- He has handled dozens of appeals and argued cases before the Missouri Supreme Court and all three Missouri district Courts of Appeal
- Mr. Ward the respect of his peers
- He has been rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell since 2004, 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 by 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
- He is currently the Governor of District 13 for the Missouri Bar Association, and organization composed of more than 30,000 lawyers
- 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 43 years
- He has two daughters and three grandchildren
- Carl is an avid sprint car (World of Outlaws, Kubota High Limit, USAC, and ASCS) racing fan, and frequently attends racing events with his 94 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 catastrophically wounded in the service of their Country
- 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 61
Speaker
- 16th Annual Bernard Edelman DWI Law and Science Seminar. "Attacking Probable Cause for the Arrest
- The Missouri Bar & MACDL
- Lake Ozark, Mo
- July 27, 2023
- 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 • AV® Preeminent™ Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Rating. • Client Distinction Award
- Martindale-Hubbell® • Listed in “Top Attorneys in Missouri and Kansas.” KC Magazine • Listed in “Best Lawyers in America” in the area of DUI/DWI Defense
- Best Lawyers Magazine • Listed in “Best Lawyers in St. Louis” in the area of DWI/DUI Law
- Best Lawyers Magazine • Robert Duncan Award of Appellate Excellence
- Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Practice Areas Explained
Carl Matthew Ward's Areas of Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Carl Matthew Ward handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.
Find experienced DUI and DWI defense attorneys near you. Compare verified profiles, read client reviews, and consult about your case for free.
Carl Matthew Ward is one of 29,976 dui/dwi attorneys indexed nationally. Browse dui/dwi attorneys in Missouri →
Hurt in a car crash? Car accident lawyers fight insurance companies for fair compensation — free consult, no fee unless you win.
Carl Matthew Ward is one of 36,807 car accidents attorneys indexed nationally. Browse car accidents attorneys in Missouri →
Carl Matthew Ward is one of 31,253 wrongful death attorneys indexed nationally. Browse wrongful death attorneys in Missouri →
Personal injury attorneys help accident victims recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain & suffering. Most work on contingency — no fee unless you win.
Carl Matthew Ward is one of 264,852 personal injury attorneys indexed nationally. Browse personal injury attorneys in Missouri →
A criminal defense attorney protects your rights from arrest through trial. Find experienced lawyers handling DUI, drug, federal, theft, and violent-crime charges.
Carl Matthew Ward is one of 214,270 criminal defense attorneys indexed nationally. Browse criminal defense attorneys in Missouri →
Jurisdictional Context
Why local counsel matters in Missouri
Practicing law in Missouri. Legal matters in Missouri are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Washington are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Missouri state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Missouri brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Missouri courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Looking for additional Missouri attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Washington or all attorneys in Missouri.
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