Falsely accused of 2x sexual harassment allegations and underwent as many 15-6 investigations. However, even though cleared both times by two (2) different Investigating Officers (IOs), the CG sent me notification that he intended to separate me through a Withdrawal of Federal Recognition Board (WoF...R); but was going to ensure that he succeeded by not only, in addition to adding 2 GOMORs to my AMHRR, having both my Rater and Senior Rater submit a substandard RFC OER “Capable/Qualified” rating. This after an 18+ year Enlisted and Commissioned career, with the majority of the OERs at “Outstanding Performance/Best Qualified” and “Excels/Most Qualified” – “promote ahead of peers” ratings. I contacted Mr. Carpenter and he represented me at the WoFR Board hearing. The board, handpicked by the CG, was comprised of 4 COLs, one of which, the President of the Board, held 2 votes. All the cards stacked against me, as the Board proceeded through a very long day, Mr. Carpenter submitted several objections, noting outdated regulations as well as a multitude of additional discrepancies, to include violations of due process; pointing out to the Board that, while attempting to contact government witnesses, all witnesses/accusers refused to speak/communicate with him; to include the government’s “expert witness,” a fulltime SM. In March 2020 I was notified that the WoFR Board Majority decided for my Separation. The CG submitted my WoFR through NGB and had me Involuntarily Separated. I proceeded to appeal the WoFR Board’s decision to the Army Board of Corrections Military Records (ABCMR). Considering the conditions, Mr. Carpenter represented me to the best of his abilities; and his objections, while ignored by both the President of the Board and the Legal Counsel for the Board -a LTC, also handpicked by the CG, were “noted” by the ABCMR and in June 2025, determined the evidence presented was sufficient to warrant a recommendation of partial relief. As a result, the Board recommended, unanimously, that all Department of the Army records be corrected vacating the WoFR Board findings and decision. I recommend Mr. Carpenter to anyone facing adverse actions potentially affecting their career.

Military law is a confusing and frustrating process. There will be periods of no movement when you want resolution and then move rapidly at inopportune times, none of which will be on your schedule. It can understandably lead to anger, frustration, and many questions. Your command, sadly, is not your... friend. You are doing them no favors by volunteering statements or evidence. Anything you think may look favorably on you for cooperation will be unlikely to yield tangible leniency, and will ultimately be used against you. Do not participate in questioning or offer any statements. Pick up the phone and call Stephen. Have him involved as early as possible. I was always under the assumption that if you were under investigation, you had access to military defense counsel to advise you. Wrong. There is no free legal advice available, and you will not be detailed an attorney until charges are preferred or until you have received notice of NJP, whatever the case it, it is usually very late in the game to receive counsel. After speaking with numerous lawyers, Stephen set himself apart at the consultation. His approach was always focused around what my desired outcome was. Stephen was able to provide sound advice based off of his extensive experience. Facing a case that followed me through different commands, he was able to achieve my desired outcome while navigating the complex and politically charged hallways of the Pentagon. He was aggressive when necessary, but never came off as arrogant or disrespectful, enabling him to engage with people and agencies that initially refused to speak with a lawyer. Most importantly, Stephen was able to keep me calm and positive as I watched a stellar 14 year reputation be drug through the mud. Not only did Stephen represent me in Virginia, but he also represented me when I was compelled to testify in a connected case in California. I cannot recommend Stephen anymore. If you think you need a lawyer, you likely should already have one. Call Stephen.

I, like many of you, have made mistakes along the way. And if you’ve served, you know—sometimes the weight we carry doesn’t allow us to be the perfect service member. Mental health, stress, and the pressure to cope in silence can lead us down hard paths. If you’re in that space right now, feeling los...t, overwhelmed, or in need of someone to throw you a lifeline—I cannot recommend Mr. Carpenter enough. After struggling through months of uncertainty during my second Article 15 in a year and a half span, I found myself in a place no one wants to be: feeling unheard, unsupported, and utterly alone. My assigned military lawyer—though trying—was juggling far too much, and I felt like just another case file on an overcrowded desk. I had to dive into the administrative separation instructions myself, trying to become my own paralegal just to survive the process. Eventually, my wife and I decided something had to change. We began researching military lawyers throughout the European AOR, and after combing through every review we could find, one name kept standing out: Mr. Carpenter. It was nearly impossible to find anything but praise for his work and his results. So I picked up the phone. From the very first conversation, he made me feel something I hadn’t in months—hope. He didn’t just take my case—he took the weight off my shoulders. For the first time in ages, I felt like someone was truly in my corner in the military. Before hiring him, I was so stressed I could barely eat, sleep, or think about anything beyond the uncertainty of my future. But Mr. Carpenter changed all of that. Over the next few months, he worked tirelessly. He traveled over three hours to meet with me and everyone who would testify on my behalf. I watched him build my defense like a craftsman—careful, precise, relentless. When the day of the board hearing arrived, I walked in calm, collected, and confident—not because I wasn’t afraid, but because I knew I had the best beside me. The hearing lasted two full days. I still don’t know how he managed to get one of my former supervisors—a Major—to testify for me at 2 a.m. his time, in full dress blues, but he did. Mr. Carpenter left nothing on the table. After three hours of deliberation, the board decided on an Under Honorable Conditions (General) discharge. For me, after everything, that was a win. It gave me a path forward—a chance to continue serving this country I love, possibly with the National Guard. A second chance. If you’re on the edge, wondering whether to hire a lawyer—do it. The sleepless nights, the anxiety, the silence you face when you're just another case to an overworked military defense system—it’s not worth it. You deserve someone who will fight for you the way you’ve fought for others. Mr. Carpenter is that person. I hope my story helps someone else out there who’s standing where I once stood. You're not alone. And there's still a way forward. Good luck—and keep your head up. -AD

Stephen Carpenter defended me with a professionalism and skill that I am in extreme gratitude for. I have a better chance at life because of him than I would have had without him. A wise man will never choose to go to war, but sometimes enemies will attack you in ways you never though humanity was ca...pable of. In these situations, men like Stephen carpenter are your guardian where you didn't even think you needed defenses. I believe he is a man who is truly standing for justice.

Stephen is the reason I remain in the U.S. Army. Facing a complex case involving both UNCLASSIFIED and CLASSIFIED evidence, he meticulously crafted a winning argument, drafted critical appeal documents, and filed a DoD IG complaint. His dedication was unwavering—reviewing countless official documents..., corresponding with Commanders, and offering in-person guidance through IG interviews. Despite coordinating across six time zones through multiple VTCs, Stephen remained accessible, flexible, and responsive. His candid legal assessments ensured the best strategy for success, and his deep understanding of victim rights guaranteed proper protection throughout the process. A huge plus—Stephen holds a current security clearance and is willing to travel to classified work areas for meetings, ensuring seamless communication in sensitive cases. If you’re a service member in need of legal representation for administrative or criminal matters, I highly recommend Stephen—his expertise and commitment are unmatched!