Introduction
Over 400 felony jury trials represent the volume of courtroom experience Tom Carley brings to criminal defense work in Southwest Washington. That number, accumulated over many years of practice at Carley Legal Services, signals something specific: this is not a firm built on plea-deal volume, but on courtroom capability. Tom Carley operates from 2300 Main Street Suite 200 in Vancouver, Washington 98660, a location strategically positioned near the Clark County courthouse in downtown Vancouver.
The firm handles criminal defense exclusively, representing clients throughout Clark, Cowlitz, and Skamania Counties. The proximity to the courthouse matters in criminal practice, where quick access, familiarity with local judges, and knowledge of county-specific procedures can affect how a case moves.
Practice Areas
Carley Legal Services focuses on the full spectrum of criminal defense, from lower-level traffic matters to serious felony charges.
Specific areas include:
- DUI defense, including first offenses through felony DUI charges
- Reckless driving
- Domestic violence charges
- Assault
- Felony charges of various types
- Probation violations
DUI cases receive particular attention at the firm. Washington DUI law creates a critical seven-day deadline after arrest to request a Department of Licensing (DOL) hearing. Missing this window means automatic license suspension, separate from any criminal proceedings. Carley Legal Services addresses both the court case and the DOL hearing simultaneously.
The defense approach includes challenging field sobriety tests, questioning breathalyzer accuracy, and examining police procedures during the arrest and investigation. For clients facing alcohol dependency issues, the firm also explores deferred prosecution as a potential path.
Washington DUI cases involve separate tracks: the criminal prosecution in court and the administrative license proceeding through the DOL. Both require prompt action, and Tom Carley manages both tracks for his clients.
Beyond DUI, the firm handles domestic violence charges, which in Washington can carry mandatory arrest provisions, no-contact orders issued before any conviction, and firearms surrender requirements. Assault charges, probation violations, and general felony representation round out the practice.
Attorney Profiles
Tom Carley is the sole attorney at Carley Legal Services. He has defended thousands of clients over many years of practice, with over 400 of those cases involving felony jury trials. That trial experience is the foundation of the firm. Attorneys who have tried hundreds of cases understand how juries respond to evidence, how to cross-examine witnesses effectively, and how to present a defense narrative that holds up under scrutiny.
Carley is locally rooted in the Vancouver area. The firm operates near the courthouse in downtown Vancouver, and Tom understands the courts, prosecutors, and procedures specific to Clark, Cowlitz, and Skamania Counties. Local knowledge in criminal defense is not incidental. The same charge handled in different counties can follow different procedural patterns, and familiarity with those patterns matters.
The firm offers flexible payment plans to make quality representation accessible to clients who need it.
Location and Service Area
Carley Legal Services operates from:
2300 Main Street Suite 200
Vancouver, Washington 98660
Phone: 360-726-3571
The Vancouver office is positioned near the Clark County courthouse in downtown Vancouver. From this central location, the firm serves clients across:
- Clark County (Vancouver, Camas, Washougal, Battle Ground)
- Cowlitz County (Longview, Kelso)
- Skamania County
This geography covers the southwest corner of Washington state, bordered by the Columbia River to the south and the Cascade foothills to the east. For clients in Longview, the firm provides a DUI defense page specifically addressing representation in Cowlitz County courts.
The firm is available for consultation day and night at 360-726-3571. More information is available at carleylegal.com/
Client Focus
Criminal charges affect more than court outcomes. Tom Carley explicitly recognizes that the stakes include drivers licenses, employment records, and family stability. A DUI conviction in Washington can result in license suspension, ignition interlock device requirements, mandatory alcohol education, and consequences for commercial drivers or those with professional licenses.
Carley Legal Services serves clients who need an attorney who will answer questions promptly, explain what the evidence actually means, and fight aggressively rather than push for the fastest resolution. Free case reviews are available to discuss the specific circumstances and defense possibilities.
The firm’s track record includes dismissals, not-guilty verdicts, and creative resolutions. Flexible payment plans make the firm accessible to working clients who need quality representation but cannot pay large retainers upfront.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counties does Carley Legal Services cover?
The firm serves Clark, Cowlitz, and Skamania Counties, representing clients in communities including Vancouver, Camas, Battle Ground, Washougal, Longview, and surrounding areas.
What is the seven-day DUI deadline in Washington?
After a DUI arrest in Washington, clients have seven days to request a Department of Licensing hearing to contest license suspension. Missing this deadline triggers automatic suspension. Tom Carley handles both the court case and the DOL hearing.
Does Tom Carley handle felony cases?
Yes. Tom Carley has tried over 400 felony jury trials. The firm handles felony charges of various types throughout Southwest Washington.
How does Tom Carley challenge DUI evidence?
The defense approach includes challenging field sobriety test administration, questioning breathalyzer calibration and accuracy, and examining whether police procedures during the stop and arrest complied with constitutional requirements.
Are payment plans available?
Yes. Carley Legal Services offers flexible payment plans to make quality criminal defense representation accessible.
How do I reach the firm?
Call 360-726-3571 for a free case review, with day and night availability. Full information is available at carleylegal.com/
Closing
The courtroom volume Tom Carley has accumulated across thousands of cases, including over 400 felony jury trials, is the defining characteristic of Carley Legal Services. Criminal defense outcomes depend on preparation and the capacity to take a case to trial when the situation calls for it. A defense attorney whose experience is concentrated in courtroom work brings a different kind of use to negotiations and hearings than one whose background is primarily administrative.
For clients in Clark, Cowlitz, and Skamania Counties facing criminal charges, the firm offers free case reviews with day and night availability. Contact Carley Legal Services at 360-726-3571 or visit carleylegal.com/