Stephen P. Karns

I hired Stephen on June 2023 as soon as I found out that I was getting investigated by the CID. Throughout the process, Stephen answered all my questions in timely manner and always stayed on top when there was an update. Not many lawyers will update you instantly, but Stephen was the lawyer who was ...sincere and supported me during the whole process. As soon as I received a GOMOR, Stephen responded and completed the packet within three weeks and the GOMOR was destroyed after 5 days. I just want to say Thank you! I would hire Stephen if you are being investigated by the Army for any reason. One of the top lawyer!

Asleep one night, after an argument with my ex-girlfriend, whom I didn’t lay a finger on that night, I get woken up by the MPs to hear I had been accused of assault. I did not make a statement that night, knowing that statements can be used against you. At that time I did not know anything about the ...military justice system. A couple of months go by and, no one had contacted me to hear my side of the story. That assault charge turned into domestic violence. Then one day I get notified that I was going to face and Administrative Separation Board with an other than honorable (OTH) discharge. I thought to myself “how can this be?” what evidence are they looking at, that they went so extreme I had not done anything and, I had never been in trouble during my career. I felt like my world was caving in and went into a dark depression. My unit basically told me there was no hope and that I should prepare for a life outside of the military. Unfortunately the Army life and it’s all I’ve ever known. I frantically start looking up attorneys online since, hadn’t even heard of any one going through an AD SEP board. Mr. Karns was at the top of my google search [redacted] so, I contacted him immediately. Right off the bat he was very professional and it sounded like he knew exactly what he was talking about, at that point, it wasn’t a question whether to hire him. Whenever, I would worry about my case, which was quite a heavy burden, I would just google Stephen Karns and see all of his accomplishments and experience; I knew I was in good hands. I get PCS’d back to the states in preparation for the board and get an administrative position that took me away from my operational MOS. About a year after the incident, while awaiting my separation board I get hit with a GOMOR for the same incident. Again, I frantically call Mr. Karns, he replied immediately and gave me the hope and peace of mind that I needed. He had a strong rebuttal written with in a week. Months later, I found out that my GOMOR was filed in my AMHRR, which crushed me even more. A few months later my Separation Board notification came. A day prior to the board, I met with Mr. Karns in person, he went over all the evidence with me and individually interviewed all of my witnesses. He also had me rehearse my statement multiple times. The next day I walked in to the board with with the utmost confidence. Mr. Karns’ defense was so aggressive that he had the prosecutor stuttering during the board. With his expertise, he pointed out all of the conflicting evidence. It was easy for the board to find me “NOT GUILTY”. A few months later I went through the QMP Board, because of my GOMOR, I submitted my Separation Board Result in my QMP mitigation and was retained in the Military. I owe my career to Mr. Karns, I will be thankful to him for the rest of my days.

I don't usually write reviews, but I decided to write this one due to my experience with Karns Law Firm. I was charged with something that could get me a bad-conduct discharge, some confinement time, and end my whole career in the Army. I reached out to some attornies who only did not listen to my ca...se in detail but wanted to make me more paranoid in order to get their service. After a little more research, I reached out to Mr. Karns, I explained my case to him, and he decided to represent me. Although I was in Korea and we only communicated electronically, Mr. Karns was very professional. He took his time to listen to every detail of my case and told me the way forward. He immediately acted on my case, which gave me a sense of hope. The seven months of the investigation were the darkest times of my life. However, Mr. Karns was there for me, held my hands, told me the unfiltered truth, and gave me the best advice on legal matters like a father. He and Robert (his paralegal) quickly answered my questions and provided me with every piece of information I needed. Mr. Karns always checked up on me to make sure I was okay. Furthermore, Mr. Karns and his legal team packaged incredible defense matters for me. My BDE CO even told me that Mr. Karns did an incredible job in his response to my case. He joked about JAG not wanting to battle Mr. Karns in court martial due to his influence, reputation, and popularity. In the end, I was found NOT GUILTY of all my charges. Karns Law Firm was the angel sent from God to vindicate me. They gave me light in my darkest time. He saved my career, my reputation, and my life. If you are looking for a professional and outstanding attorney to bring a miraculous outcome to your case, I highly recommend Mr. Karns and his law firm.

I spoke with a few firms and attorneys that specialized in Court Martial as civilian attorneys and Mr.Karns was my choice. My case was that of it was either going to cost me my life in Federal Confinement or it was going to be nothing. Luckily for me, I never had to call on Mr.Karns for defense at tr...ial and my case was handled at the minimal level possible. I will attest to Mr.Karn’s communication and how well he communicated with my Brigade legal team, his presence on the case and ensuring everyone knew I was represented by his firm and his willingness to trouble shoot ideas, give me advice and be ready in case the time came for him to stand between myself and the federal government. I would recommend Karns Law Firm to anyone in my case, being faced with punitive action while active duty.

Last year my husband was pulled in and questioned by CID. His case was severe and there was undeniable evidence and he was facing an OTH discharge. We hired Mr. Karns and he began to work IMMEDIATELY! He and his Paralegal Rob worked HARD on my husbands case. He (and Rob) were always great about getti...ng back to us fast if we had questions. My husband was appointed a very mediocre TDS attorney who was supposed to work along side Mr. Karns and ultimately seemed to do more harm than she did helping.. Mr. Karns flew to Colorado and met with myself and my husband (as well as our TDS attorney) and went over the case and strategy. He was great about keeping my husband and myself in the loop through this entire year of going back and forth between the Army. Today my husband had his board hearing and because of Mr. Karns aggressiveness and professionalism the board decided in my husbands favor and he is being retained! My husband was originally facing an OTH discharge and Mr. Karns secured his future. He was well worth the money spent and I would recommend him to anyone!