U.S. Military Defense Lawyer Stephen P. Karns

When Results Matter, Call Stephen P. Karns

If you need an experienced, aggressive attorney to protect your rights, Mr. Karns is ready to defend you, whether it is for a pretrial investigation, reprimand, NJP/Article 15, Administrative Separation Board, Court-Martial, or other military procedure. Member of the National Trial Lawyers Association Top 100: Criminal Defense Trial Lawyers and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

U.S. Military Attorney Stephen P. Karns
Experienced Lawyer

30+ Years of Experience

Global Services

Worldwide Representation

Successful Results

1,000+ Cases Handled

How We Can Help You

Protect Your Rights

  • Are you being treated as if you are guilty until proven innocent?
  • Are you being kept in the dark about a complaint someone made against you or the results of an investigation?
  • Did agents ignore your Miranda Rights and requests for an attorney?
  • Did agents fail to follow the correct procedures or ignore the witnesses or evidence in your favor?
  • Is your leadership taking too long or ignoring you?

If you are suspected of or have been questioned about or charged with a criminal offense under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, start preparing your best defense now with a free consultation from attorney Stephen P. Karns.

Attorney Karns will aggressively protect your rights, advise you of the law, scrutinize the evidence against you, and help you develop your best defense.

Stephen P. Karns represented a client at sea on the carrier USS John C. Stennis (2018)
In October 2018, Mr. Karns represented a client in a rare general court-martial at sea on the carrier USS John C. Stennis.
Our Areas of Expertise

Practice Areas

BAH Fraud or Travel Voucher Fraud typically comprises two offenses – False Official Statement and Larceny. The reason for that is the service member completes a form which is later claimed by the government to be false in some manner 

Rape is an incredibly serious criminal charge for which Mr. Karns has represented numerous service members. It is the type of offense for which the accused is often prejudged to be guilty, regardless of the evidence. Just being accused of rape can have a significant personal impact and potentially ruin a career.

 If you are accused of having any level of involvement with child pornography, the representation of an experienced military attorney such as Mr. Karns is essential to protect your rights and save your freedom and/or career.

If a service member is absent without leave (AWOL) from the military, then the member probably knows that he or she has left the service illegally, that is, committed an offense against the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). In other words, the member has committed a criminal offense and is in an illegal status.

Each branch of the military prohibits personal and business relationships between officers and enlisted members. Personal relationships are defined as those which include dating, cohabitation, and any form sexual relationship. Business relationships are defined as those which include loaning and borrowing money and other business partnerships.

While adultery is still a criminal offense under the UCMJ, this Art. 134 offense was recently broadened to cover “extramarital sexual conduct.” However, there is now an affirmative defense to the conduct if the married parties were legally separated.

There are a number of ways in which involvement with illegal drugs can get you in trouble in the military. All branches of the military take a zero tolerance approach to drug use and vigorously prosecute drug offenders.

A charge of assault or domestic violence can be a very serious matter because of the far-reaching consequences that a conviction may entail. It is the type of offense for which the accused is often prejudged to be guilty, regardless of the evidence. Just being accused of domestic violence can have an adverse career impact, even if you are falsely accused.

 

If accused of a minor Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) violation, a service member might face nonjudicial punishment (NJP), known as “Article 15” in the Army, “Captain’s Mast” in the Navy and Marines, and “Office Hours” in the Air Force. Service members have the option to accept this NJP or request a court-martial trial. Accepting NJP means allowing the commander to decide guilt without a judicial process.

Experienced. Aggressive. Advocacy.

How Stephen P. Karns Is Different

When results matter, the military defense attorney you hire to represent you is one of the most important decisions you will make. Attorney Stephen P. Karns has over 30+ years of military defense experience, so you can trust his evaluation of your case and be confident in the advice he provides.

More than that, Attorney Karns is not just your lawyer, he is your advocate, always pushing to ensure that you are heard, and that the resolution of your case is consistent with your goals.

When results matter, you need advice you can trust.

Newsroom

Coverage of Military Law Cases In The Media

Watch television interviews and coverage of Mr. Karns’ military law cases, including the Iraq Abu Ghraib Prison scandal.

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MSNBC Interview

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Fox News Interview
CNN Interview
CNN Interview
Fox News Interview
On Anderson Cooper 360
Contact Stephen P. Karns today

Stephen P. Karns: Your Results-Oriented Advocate

Reviews & Testimonials

What Past Clients Have to Say

5/5

I’m Beyond Excited!

Since you got me through all of that I figured I owed it to you to let you know that I had my assignment last night and I’m going on to fly *********!! I’m beyond excited! Usually it’s a ************* aircraft only and I’ll be the first female direct hire to ****** so it’s pretty cool! Anyway just thought I would let you know, thanks again for everything, sir.

— Lt.
5/5

Great Advice and Knowledge

Thank you for all your help after I was informed that I had a positive UA come back. I have been found not guilty at my second reading mostly due to your help. Thank God that I hired you. I will be ETSing on time now and will be back with my family soon. Thank you for all your quick responses and great advice and knowledge. I will be recommending you to any other military brothers and sisters that are in any sort of similar situation. Thank you again.

— A.G.
5/5

Highly Recommended

I also want to say how impressed I am with your operation, from returning the original phone call at 4:45 on a Sunday to now. Everything you have done in these last 5 days has given my brother better than a fighting chance in my eyes and I know our family is appreciative and hoping for the best outcome. I will keep your info close, and you will come highly recommended if anyone is ever needing your expertise in a matter such as this.

— T.K.
5/5

Have Been a True Blessing

I appreciate you and knowing I have a fantastic attorney in my corner who understands the trauma I am going through. Your willingness to fight for me has been the only thing that keeps me from going into a dark place. Our phone call today helped tremendously knowing there is a chance to save my job during this whole process. You have been a true blessing, and my family extends their thanks. We trust in you and will let this process play out. Thank you again sir. Thank you so much.

— T.K.
5/5

Thank You Very Much for All You Do

I wanted to inform you that I have received my DD 214 for Medical Retirement with Honorable Character of Service. My last day of Active Duty is 31 March 2021. Please extend my gratitude and appreciation to your team members. Thank you very much for all you do for us.

— C.H.
5/5

Eternally Grateful for Your Help

I cried tears of joy when I received the news. I honestly didn’t think this would be possible! I seriously could not thank you both enough and I will be eternally grateful for your help. I know you were just doing your jobs, but I doubt I would’ve gotten this result without your counsel.

— D.M.
GET IN TOUCH WITH US

Schedule Your Free Consultation

Call toll-free for a free consultation of your case. The military will bring tremendous assets to bear on you as it investigates, prosecutes, and then punishes you for any proven illegality or impropriety.

Please note we do not handle disability claims or divorce, child support or other family law issues.

Call Now 866-750-9010