Retained by a BOI – Stephen Carpenter is an amazing UCMJ attorney! Mr. Carpenter is the most competent, diligent, responsive, and ethical lawyer that I’ve ever hired. He is a very personable attorney, who understands the tough circumstances Service Members face when dealing with an unjust military le...gal system, and will fight relentlessly to achieve positive results for his clients. Mr. Carpenter disproved numerous false allegations against me by proving the government’s evidence did not substantiate their claims. His sound arguments and effective display of evidence, or the lack there of, clearly demonstrated that his experience level is far superior to any government attorney. If you want a fighting chance to continue to serve, then you need to hire Stephen Carpenter.

Stephen did an outstanding job as counsel when I, an FGO, was facing a 120 charge and was under investigation. Unfortunately, in today's political climate, any 120 accusation will most likely go to a CM, even if there is no probable cause, which happened in my scenario. You are guilty until proven ...innocent in the military unless you are headed for the courtroom. Justice is still served in the court room. Stephen and my military appointed defense counsel (which also did a phenomenal job) applied maximum pressure, and about 2 months out from the CM, the complaining witness issued a non-participation letter due to inconsistencies in her stories, the interviewing of named witnesses by the complaining witness, and contradictions in medical records and what was reported. The case was dropped, but Stephen offered to stay on board pro-bono should a Board of Inquiry occur, which ended up not happening. I am thankful for Stephen's outstanding support, and his vast experience. His expertise and experience allowed my team to forecast potential directions, paths, and also bring on experts that would have crushed the complaining witness and the government's case. Leaders are more concerned about their self-preservation and the next rank, rather than standing up and doing what's right, even if that means facing criticism. Stephen stands up for you when a situation like this occurs.

I was caught in a whirlwind of false accusations and under investigation by NCIS. After eight months of not seeing my children due to a Military Protective Order, then another few months of not being able to communicate with or see my wife, it was obvious I needed more assistance than my appointed JA...G lawyer could provide. I contacted Mr. Carpenter after doing much research to find legal counsel that dealt specifically with the military. I was very impressed at my first meeting with him and retained his services for my defense. He immediately fought so I could visit with my family and, ultimately, had the MPO rescinded. NCIS found no evidence to support the accusations and, after 1-1/2 years of ruthless investigation, my case was not sent to Court Martial. However, my Commanding Officer decided to send me to Administrative Separation Board (ASB), potentially ending my career in the Navy. Once again, Mr. Carpenter was fast to act. Due to his broad knowledge of the military and his ability to bring the best out of my appointed JAG lawyer, Mr. Carpenter put on a stellar defense. He gathered statements from family, friends, and co-workers through countless hours of interviews. Although a typical ASB takes one day, mine was two days, due to the abundant defense evidence to be presented and Mr. Carpenter’s veritable arguments. The ASB members returned a verdict of No Basis and Retention, thus allowing me to stay in the Navy and fulfill my goal to retire. Mr. Carpenter, literally, saved my family and my entire career. He still contacts me months later to simply see how things are going and discuss my career path. I strongly recommend Mr. Carpenter and his team for any military legal situations.

I highly recommend using Attorney Stephen Carpenter for your legal needs. I contacted Attorney Carpenter after receiving notification of a General Officer Memorandum of Reprimand (GOMAR). Attorney Carpenter agreed to take my case despite his full caseload. He immediately submitted his rebuttal that... was used as facts for my Administrative Board Review. Attorney Carpenter rebuttal saved my 31 years of service in the United States Army.

The best attorney that you can hire. Mr. Carpenter was not the first attorney I contacted, I had consulted with two previously, but I knew from the start that he was the one that would best represent me. Both Mr. Carpenter and Jason Green worked on my case. I first hired him when I was facing a field... grade Article 15. We had multiple conference calls to weigh the options of accepting or turning it down. I faced losing my rank over a misunderstanding. Ultimately, I turned down the Article 15 and it was preferred to a Summary Court Martial. When the trial date came, Mr. Carpenter and Jason Greene did a phenomenal job defending me. We had the advantage of not having a Trial Counsel (prosecutor) present. Closing arguments are a very powerful tool that, when used effectively, can tip the scale into one side’s favor. For the sake of time, trial had taken all day, Mr. Carpenter’s closing argument was brief. However, it had conveyed a very powerful message to not just the SCMO, but to everyone in the courtroom, myself included. A message that was expanded on the next day. The following day, he submitted his written argument. Mr. Carpenter did an outstanding job at highlighting the flaws of the case. Both his closing and written argument gave me confidence that I had made the right choice. In the end, it resulted in an acquittal of both charges. If you find yourself as a defendant in the military justice system, Stephen Carpenter is the best civilian defense attorney you can hire. His reputation speaks for itself, both in the courtroom and out.