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Stephen P. Karns
About Stephen
Biography
My name is Stephen P. Karns, and I defend Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen and Coast Guardsmen worldwide in military criminal prosecutions and other judicial and administrative military matters.
I am a former U.S. Army Major JAG Attorney and have practiced law for over two decades as a trial defense lawyer. My practice is 100% devoted to criminal defense and military law. I have traveled the world defending service members from military prosecutions, and I am ready to defend you no matter where you are serving: the United States, Europe, the Middle East, the Pacific, Afghanistan, or any other post, base, station, or camp.
Practice Areas
1
Practice Area
Fees and Rates
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Texas for 31 years
State: Texas
Acquired: 1994
No misconduct found
Location
Stephen P. Karns
8117 Preston Road, Suite 300, Dallas, TX, 75225
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Stephen P. Karns's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
52 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (52)
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Advocacy (41)
Case Results (40)
Recommendation (24)
Responsiveness (21)
Professionalism (18)
Communication Style (16)
Trustworthiness (12)
Character & Conduct (9)
Cost of Services (8)
Practice Area Knowledge (7)
Compassion (6)
General Knowledge (6)
Staff & Support (6)
Free Consultations (1)
Punctuality (1)
Showing 11 - 15 of 52 reviews
Posted by Ariel | August 02, 2021 | Hired Attorney
Quick and professional
Mr. Karns was always prompt, professional, and gave very astute advice. I was extremely impressed with him and would recommend him to anyone.
Posted by Bianca | July 21, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Mr. Karns fights for you and your career
Mr. Karns and his team went above and beyond to fight for my case. He always kept me updated and answered any questions I had. He took a lea on jumping on the case and representing me as well as walking me through expectations on what may come my way. Not only was he open To communication with me but...
Posted by Skylar | July 21, 2021 | Hired Attorney
Highly recommend!
Mr. Karns was professional, fast acting, and genuinely cared about my well being. I highly recommend him!
Posted by Devon | July 20, 2021
Bad first impression
Rob was the rudest person on the phone and I am seeking legal help to get myself out of trouble,he was really short on the phone and didnt feel like answering my questions,not professional at all.
Stephen Karns
Replied last July 20, 2021I am very sorry you had this experience. Rob and I field a lot of calls every day, and we do our best to address each caller's needs. However, as a paralegal, Rob is not able to answer questions that only a lawyer is authorized to answer. So, when I am unavailable, he does his best to point the caller in the right direction. Also, my practice is limited to representing current service members who are under investigation or facing adverse action, so many callers have questions that do not pertain to our area of practice and need a lawyer who practices in a different field.
Posted by anonymous | July 19, 2021 | Military Law
Not worth the money
I hired this guy 2 years ago for a case. He was aggressive at first and kept good contact with me throughout my case. Whenever I asked him to write something to my command or help me word something, he would always say, "What do you think you should write". I understand the guy can't write for you, b...
Stephen Karns
Replied last July 19, 2021Thank you for your feedback and for acknowledging that I provided you aggressive representation and kept in good contact with you throughout your case. As for my letter to your command, naturally, I put it in my own words. However, I always provide a framework for the client to write their own statement because it's normal for the client to ask, "What should I say?" If after the first crack, the client is having trouble, I always provide further guidance, but I have to be careful about not writing it for them because it won't sound as sincere. Once the client gives me their statement, I always make edits for content, tone, and structure. If I asked you, "What do you think you should write," it was simply to help you with looking inward to draw from your own personal experience which hopefully would help you put your letter in your own words. I do believe the approach we used is what got you the good result you received. While you stated that there was a lot more I could have done, you did not provide any specifics. Nevertheless, I appreciate your feedback.
Stephen P. Karns's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this highly qualified lawyer. His courtesy, professionalism and knowledge of the law is unsurpassed."
"I have directly observed Stephen Karns in his professional capacity, and he demonstrates unparalleled excellence. I have dealt with over 100 military lawyers in multiple states, and I would rank Stephen Karns as the #1 military criminal defense attorney in the nation. I have seen him under the most challenging tasks and his superb skills, combined with his unassailable integrity, make Stephen Karns the "go to" attorney for all criminal defense matters. He truly cares about every client, even the little guy, and I have personally witnessed him work equally as tenacious on many smaller matters as well as the most serious criminal allegations. I cannot speak highly enough about this talented individual. He is a top notch guy, and a top notch attorney. If you are accused of a crime, he will be your most valuable asset."
"I endorse this lawyer. I worked with Steve on a number of matters while I was stationed at Fort Hood, TX and was always impressed with his dedication and skill."
"I highly endorse Mr. Karns. Truly exceptional and caring attorney who achieves great results in representing clients! I want all people to contact him for help first."
"I endorse this highly respected lawyer. He always fights hard for his clients"
Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington
Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 14
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Mr. Karns is one of the hardest working attorneys I know. He is extremely well-versed in military law, and I regularly refer cases to him. I am pleased to offer him my endorsement."
"Steve is an excellent and dedicated attorney. He works tirelessly for his clients and has great results. I have no hesitation in endorsing him."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Diligent, intelligent advocate held in the highest regard."
"Stephen is a great lawyer and zealous advocate for his clients. I strongly recommend him for criminal law and military law matters."
"Steve is a great lawyer who is always fighting for his clients. If I had a military question I'd call him."
"Steve and I worked together on many cases. He is the epitome' of a team player and competent/ethical lawyer. Too often in military cases, rifts form between military and civilian counsel during representation. Steve does not let this happen. He firmly believes that every servicemember deserves a team of professionals to work together for a great result, and he works to make the civilian/military team operate at the highest level. He is a leader and zealous advocate. Any client who hires this lawyer is extremely fortunate."
"I endorse this lawyer."
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"Stephen is a dedicated attorney, who aggressively advocates for his clients. He is detailed-oriented, and has a wide breadth of knowledge and experience in various military and criminal law matters. I highly recommend him."
"I endorse Stephen. He is a renowned lawyer and advocate."
"I endorse this lawyer. Stephen works hard to get great results for his clients!"
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Experience
Honors
2010
Readers Voice Best Criminal Defense Attorney, Dallas Voice
2009
Readers Voice Best Criminal Defense Attorney, Dallas Voice
2008
Readers Voice Best Criminal Defense Attorney, Dallas Voice
2007
Rising Star, Texas Super Lawyers Magazine
2007
Readers Voice Best Criminal Defense Attorney, Dallas Voice
2002
Distinguished Service Award, Dallas Association of Young Lawyers
1995
Parachutist Badge, US Army
N/A
Army Commendation Medal w/2 Oak Leaf Clusters, U.S. Army
Work Experience
1998 - Present
Owner, Law Office of Stephen P. Karns
2002 - 2005
Senior Defense Counsel, US JAG Corps Reserves
1995 - 1998
Defense Counsel, US Army JAG Corps
Associations
1994 - Present
State Bar of Texas
Dallas Bar Association
Member
Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
Member
Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
Member
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Member
Sample of Legal Cases
US v. Cruz
Education
1995
Judge Advocate General's School, U.S. Army
1994
St Mary's University of San Antonio School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1991
Texas Tech University
BBA
Speaking Engagements
2004
Pre-law Society
Practice in Military Courts
2003
Expanding Opportunities for Women in the Bar
Practice in Military Courts
Languages
Spanish