I was recently faced with a potential career ending legal battle. Congressional pressure ensured that there would be no way that a favorable outcome was possible. In short, I was faced with an abrupt end to an otherwise illustrious career. I contacted Stephen and explained the situation. He immedi...ately sprang into action and contacted the servicing SJA to mitigate how this case had been mis-managed and allowed to snowball out of control. Stephen stepped up to the plate, skillfully and systematically countering each and every allegation that was raised. Stephen went the extra mile to re-interview witnesses to get the truth, not a fabricated synopsis as criminal investigators are inclined to present. When the cards were on the table and the smoke had cleared, Stephen had made a presentation that left command channels absolutely no choice but to allow me to salvage my career and retire honorably. When a person is faced with career impacting circumstances such as this, it is very easy to drive yourself crazy with questions and concerns. Stephens communication during the entire situation was outstanding. He kept me very well informed of what to expect from the military and no matter where in the world he was a the time, he responded to my questions and concerns in a very timely manner, Stephen is an expert in military law, his experience is a MUST when you are ever faced with any career altering legal situation.

Mr. Carpenter is a master of his craft. Initially, I thought he seemed to busy for me and preoccupied but unbeknownst to me, his experience gave him foresight and allowed him to focus on what was really important. Unfortunately, the UCMJ is influenced slightly by political pressure but having a civil...ian lawyer evened the playing field and justice was served. I faced several charges that of which Mr. Carpenter worked to find the truth and I served no jail time and was allowed to retire with my most important assets intact, my family!

I was in a contested divorce and as a result my wife falsely accused me of a crime. I hired Stephen after I saw that the investigation was not moving forward, even after several months after her PCS. Through Stephen's hard work I was able to recover my career and move on to conduct professional milit...ary education. Through hiring a civilian military lawyer, I was able to have an advocate that prioritized my case. Stephen was always available even when traveling abroad. He always gave me a straight assessment on my situation and never hid the truth.

Dear Sir or Madam: You would benefit greatly working with Attorney Stephen Carpenter Jr., a stellar reputation, skillful, commanding presence, and delivers brilliant work. His passion is unquestionable. My son was facing 5 year confinement sentence, general court-martial-dishonorable discharge, f...elony, conviction. The outcome was dwindled down to a special court-martial referral, no fine and relatively minor jail term (14 days) to be exact (impressive). My son agrees. Columbus Ohio – October 25, 2014

I have a unique point of view to contribute as Mr. Carpenter was not my attorney. He was my husband's legal counsel for a separation board. I was present at most of their meetings as Mr. Carpenter realized quickly that I was an asset. My spouse was not sleeping and under such stress that he was for...getting key details when they spoke and answering incompletely when Mr. Carpenter questioned him. I was able to fill in many missing pieces, and I communicated with Mr. Carpenter frequently on my husband's behalf since my spouse worked in a no cell phone building which impleaded his ability to communicate during business hours. I was also used as a witness by Mr. Carpenter as a component of my husband's defense at the board. My husband received a GOMOR, a referred rating with a recommendation not to promote and do not to retain. He was hung out to dry by his former commanders and made the scapegoat. He was repeatedly given misinformation by people who did not actually know what the policies were. JAG was not much help. They were overworked and backlogged with other cases and only gave him cursory attention. I had had enough at that point. My husband was too broken, depressed and utterly destroyed to fight, he had given up. So I started researching and found Mr. Carpenter. I had my husband contact him and things immediately and dramatically improved. His first meeting was held at the JAG offices where my husband had been trying to get assistance. The legal staff knew and respected Mr. Carpenter. They acted like their senior rater just walked in and was speaking to them when he arrived. They were helpful, fixed many of the issues instantly, apologized for the errors, assigned a military lawyer to assist Mr. Carpenter, and filed a request to postpone the board to allow for time to prepare. It was like a whole new staff. Mr. Carpenter called and started cross examining the "witnesses". Soon the true picture emerged, and people started declining to testify for the prosecution and the prosecution started removing witnesses. Mr. Carpenter talked to dozens of people, listened to hours of stories, and looked at hundreds of photos to choose the right stories, witnesses, and images to tell my husband's story. He saved my husband's career. The board found in my husband’s favor, but with a rehabilitative transfer. Mr. Carpenter continued to fight to get the reassignment over turned as my husband had already been transferred and did not want to change jobs again. I could not be happier, or more impressed. His attention to detail is second to none. Stephen Carpenter was professional, attentive, insightful, wise, knowledgeable, and fast to respond to every concern, email, phone call and text message. I am a detail oriented, type A, hard to please person. I do not give praise lightly or where it is not due. He was amazing and was easily the finest lawyer either of us has ever had the privilege of working with. We would not hesitate in hiring Mr. Carpenter again and would whole heartedly recommend him to my closest friends.