Atty. Thomas D. "Tom" Carver

Atty. Thomas D. "Tom" Carver

Tom Carver has over 36 years of experience handling serious criminal defense issues, including white collar crimes, federal drug crimes and capital murder charges, along with federal gun and sex crimes. A seasoned trial lawyer, he has been listed in "Best Lawyers in America," over the course of several years and also has been listed as a Missouri/Kansas Super Lawyer.

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Profile Summary

About Thomas D. "Tom" Carver at a glance

Thomas D. "Tom" Carver is a criminal defense and white collar attorney based in Springfield, Missouri, practicing at Wampler & Passanise. Admitted to practice in Missouri, The Missouri Bar. Educated at University of Missouri - Kansas City School of Law (J.D., 1973). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: General Practice (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Awards: (2026). Serands clients in Springfield, MO and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Tom Carver has over 36 years of experience handling serious criminal defense issues, including white collar crimes, federal drug crimes and capital murder charges, along with federal gun and sex crimes
  • A seasoned trial lawyer, he has been listed in "Best Lawyers in America," over the course of several years and also has been listed as a Missouri/Kansas Super Lawyer
  • He has been selected numerous times for designation as one of the best lawyers in Southwest Missouri by 417 Magazine and is a former member of the Missouri House of Representatives
  • Mr. Carver also received the Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers' Robert Duncan Award for Appellate Excellence and is a former president of the Missouri Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Practice Areas Explained

Thomas D. "Tom" Carver's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Thomas D. "Tom" Carver handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Criminal Defense

A criminal defense attorney protects your rights from arrest through trial. Find experienced lawyers handling DUI, drug, federal, theft, and violent-crime charges.

Thomas D. "Tom" Carver is one of 214,270 criminal defense attorneys indexed nationally. Browse criminal defense attorneys in Missouri →

White Collar Crimes

Thomas D. "Tom" Carver is one of 20,025 white collar attorneys indexed nationally. Browse white collar 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 Springfield 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 Springfield or all attorneys in Missouri.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about Thomas D. "Tom" Carver

Where is Thomas D. "Tom" Carver's law office located?
Thomas D. "Tom" Carver's law practice is located in Springfield, Missouri. The firm is Wampler & Passanise. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Thomas D. "Tom" Carver handle?
Thomas D. "Tom" Carver focuses on criminal defense, white collar. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Missouri.
Where did Thomas D. "Tom" Carver go to law school?
Thomas D. "Tom" Carver earned their education at (J.D., 1973).
How can I contact Thomas D. "Tom" Carver for a consultation?
You can contact Thomas D. "Tom" Carver directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has Thomas D. "Tom" Carver received?
Thomas D. "Tom" Carver's notable recognition includes: Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: General Practice; Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar; Best Lawyers in America — Awards:; Best Lawyers in America — Robert Duncan Excellence in Appellate Advocacy; Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: General Practice, Springfield (MO).

Education

J.D.
University of Missouri - Kansas City School of Law
- 1973

Awards

Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: General Practice
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Robert Duncan Excellence in Appellate Advocacy
- 2026
Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: General Practice, Springfield (MO)
- 2024
Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: White-Collar, Springfield (MO)
- 2024
Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: White-Collar, Springfield (MO)
- 2021
Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: General Practice, Springfield (MO)
- 2020
Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: General Practice, Springfield (MO)
- 2018
Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: White-Collar, Springfield (MO)
- 2016
Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: General Practice, Springfield (MO)
- 2015
Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: White-Collar, Springfield (MO)
- 2014
Lawyer of the Year — Criminal Defense: General Practice, Springfield (MO)
- 2013

Bar Admissions

Missouri, The Missouri Bar

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