Clifton has built a team of former prosecutors dedicated to protecting your rights. Before becoming the managing partner at Carden Dotzler Hammond, PLLC., Mr. Carden was an Assistant District Attorney with the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office in Syracuse, NY, where he was assigned to the DWI Bureau. Mr. Carden supervised a county-wide case load consisting of felony and misdemeanor driving while intoxicated, boating while intoxicated, snowmobiling while intoxicated, and aggravated unlicensed operation crimes. 

Mr. Carden has instructed for the Prosecutor’s Training Institute, District Attorney’s Office, County Magistrates Association, Bar Association, and Stop DWI Driver Improvement Program. 

In addition to his DWI duties, Mr. Carden coordinated the Veteran’s Diversion Program for the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office. The program ensured that the criminal justice system addresses the needs of combat veterans who have served our country, while maintaining the safety of our community. 

Prior to being appointed to the DWI Bureau, he served in the Municipal Courts Bureau where he handled arraignments, preliminary hearings, suppression hearings, various courts throughout the county, and coordinated the ride-along program between law enforcement agencies and the office. 

Mr. Carden served as an Assistant District Attorney for 5 years. Before joining the DA’s Office, Clifton served on active duty in the infantry of the United States Marine Corps.  His active duty assignments included serving with the Marine Corps Security Force Company in Kings Bay, Ga. and two deployments with Kilo Company 3rd Battalion 8th Marines.  After leaving active duty, he continued his service in the Army Reserve with the 88th Military Police Company of Fort Eustis, Virginia.  As a civilian, Mr. Carden worked in the City of Norfolk, Virginia, at both the federal and local level, as a police officer until attending law school. 

Mr. Carden received his law degree from the T.C. Williams School of Law at the University of Richmond and his undergraduate degree from Christopher Newport University.