About Clifton
Clifton Carden built a legal foundation at Christopher Newport University and refined it at the University of Richmond School of Law. He carries those academic years into a steady practice in New York. His background blends classroom training and courtroom experience.
He is admitted to practice in New York. Early in his career he moved into matters that touch everyday drivers: tickets, hearings and the ancillary proceedings that follow traffic encounters. Over time he has shaped a practice that responds to the practical needs of people caught up in the state’s traffic system.
Carden is a partner at Carden Dotzler Hammond, PLLC. In 2022 he helped launch The New York Traffic Ticket Lawyers and is a founding partner there. That firm was set up to concentrate resources on traffic ticket defense across the state and to offer a specialized option for individuals facing citations and administrative penalties.
His work often revolves around the procedures that govern traffic enforcement. He appears at administrative hearings, challenges tickets in court and handles the paperwork that can determine whether a driver keeps a license or faces a suspension. He also advises clients on the potential collateral consequences of traffic violations, such as increased insurance costs and points on a driving record.
Colleagues describe him as methodical in preparation and direct in court. He leans on a practical style of advocacy. Cases rarely hinge on dramatic moments; they depend on attention to detail and timely filings. Carden’s practice reflects that reality. He prepares for hearings the way others prepare for trials, leaving few surprises for opposing counsel or hearing officers.
His office association includes CDH Law PLLC, where he maintains his practice. He continues to handle contested tickets, license matters and related administrative proceedings. Clients who meet him will find a lawyer who prizes clarity and who aims to resolve driving-related legal issues efficiently.
As of 2026 he remains active in practice, splitting his time between partnership responsibilities and casework at both Carden Dotzler Hammond, PLLC and The New York Traffic Ticket Lawyers. He currently concentrates his practice on traffic ticket defense and driving-related administrative matters.
