It wasn't until I hired Stephen that I was finally able to sleep at night. He saved my career and my retirement. Stephen's professionalism brought everything into perspective; he described the steps fully and what preparation was needed at each level. My administrative case lasted over 2 years and ...he was ALWAYS AVAILABLE despite being in tremendous demand and traveling frequently. He returned my calls promptly, worked feverishly when needed and never relaxed despite my case being drawn out over two years - he diligently saw it through until the very end with a great outcome.

I was under investigation for article 92 from a drug addict whose sworn statement with many lies mixed with truths which has been proven multiple times, the company commander used me as the main person to blame and put me on a bar to reenlist since since he can't court martial me knowing this investi...gation was bull. About one year being under investigation from CID and 30 days after the bar was initiated I was told the investigation was founded. I found a email on the share drive of the Commanders plan to chapter me from the army, knowing this was against regulation I went to IG, they told me the commander can do that. I than hired Mr. Carpenter told him the situation, he sent 2 email's to IG and retention inquiring to this case, the next morning I get a call IG frantic and wanting to meet asking why did I get a civilian lawyer instead of TDS and changing there story of what they told me. 1 hour later I was in the squadron commanders office being told my bar if lifted and the CID investigation was unfounded 45 days later I PCSed. It's amazing how powerful 2 simple emails can be when a civillian lawyer send it and the unit knows they are doing wrong. I only wish that others did this too as there were a lot of others wrongfully kicked because they didn't get civilian military defense. Most expensive emails ever but totally worth it. Mr Carpenter is my goto if anything unfortunate were to happen while im still in

Steve was referred by colleagues as “one of the best, if not the best trial attorney in the country, aggressive and a master strategist.” My case speaks to this. It was lengthy and complicated. I received a GOMOR for sexual harassment in Afghanistan and was ordered to undergo a Mental Health Eva...luation. The psychiatrist had a condescending attitude. He feigned concern when I disclosed I had been assaulted and waved aside my distress. His diagnosis was Adjustment Disorder“ and recommended my immediate return JBLM adding “This is in my best interest” I requested a copy his note, but was denied. He said “behavioral health notes are released at the discretion of the provider. The contents may be traumatizing. “ I was in trouble. I had an “Adjustment Disorder” diagnosis placing me at risk for involuntary separation. The psychiatrist inferred negative information in my behavioral health record. There was a GOMOR in my permanent file. My commander was openly hostile and wouldn’t return my salute. I was facing certain administrative separation under Other Than Honorable (OTH) Conditions. I’d lose both benefits and my civilian position with DOD. I was despondent, but Steve would change that. I was able to get a copy of the psychiatrist’s note at JBLM. His diagnosis was not “Adjustment Disorder” as I was told, but “Personality Disorder.” Even more stunning, he said “Her command specifically asks for a diagnosis of a “Personality Disorder”, Important evidence confirming the long- held belief that Unlawful Command Influence is practiced by unethical, criminal commanders. Steve is always on-top. Characteristically, he contacted one of the most revered newspapers in the country, the NY Times, to publish the psychiatrist’s note. On Feb 25, 2012, my case appeared on the front page but, Steve wasn’t finished yet. He filed a Whistle Blower complaint against my command that ultimately made its way to the Army IG at the Pentagon who requested my sworn statements. Steve’s excellence appeared to be acknowledged by my command. During the course of my case, I received three separate Board notifications. Steve responded to each and each time, my command retreated. I never had a Board hearing nor was I separated for a personality disorder or misconduct. My characterization of service was honorable. That’s how good Steve is. Steve’s expertise is matched by his compassion. My case went on for 6 years. Resignation with OTH Conditions was out of the question so I road it out. During that time, my command targeted me with reprisals that leveled the life I had built. If not for Steve’s steady support, I would have taken my life. In the end, the VA rated me as 100% disabled from PTSD and spinal injuries. I was medically retired from my position with DOD for PTSD and was granted Social Security Disability for PTSD. The presiding Secretary of the Army, however, would not acknowledge my PTSD. To my knowledge, I’m the only military member on record who was denied medical retirement under these circumstances.

I was charge and pending court martial. Mr. Carpenter provided the evidence to have the charges dismissed, and not court martial. After Mr. Carpenter kept working my case fighting administrative actions from my command. I completed my time for retirement and a Honorable discharge. I would recomme...nd Mr. Carpenter to any Soldier, Sailor, Marine, and Airman, who maybe in need of and aggressive legal defense.