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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
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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 1 - 5 of 9 reviews | Lawsuits & Disputes
Posted by Kelly | June 30, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Fired him
I cannot be specific enough with this guy. All cases was lost. Never defended me. Had his paralegal write paperwork and did not help with my case at all. My unit still had there way with me. Now bring up my case and I’ll respond in social media. I had to fire him . Paid him 6600 dollars to do nothing...
Stephen Karns
Replied last August 16, 2022Thank you for your feedback. I’m sorry that we were not able to obtain the result you wanted. I always ask every client what their goal is, and my client’s goal becomes my goal. In your case, you were under investigation for fleeing after being ordered to provide a urinalysis after someone witnessed you smoking marijuana on post while on duty; wrongful use of marijuana; possession of marijuana in your barracks room; violating a lawful order for having a weapon in your barrack’s room; and rape. Understandably, you wanted all your charges dismissed; your gun returned; and an Honorable discharge. The rape charge was dismissed, but you decided to accept an Art. 15 for the remaining charges because you did not like your chances at trial. As is your right under Art. 15, UCMJ, I drafted a written presentation for your commander, which you approved and stated you “loved.” Unfortunately, your commander found you guilty which later led to your administrative separation with a General Under Honorable Conditions discharge. Again, my goal was your goal, and I regret we were unable to get all of your charges dismissed. Fortunately, your rape charge was dismissed, so you were able to avoid a court-martial.
Posted by Adam | August 03, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Very Responsive
Mr. Karns is an absolute fantastic option when choosing a defense lawyer. He put nothing but my best interests above all else. He walked me through the entire process and was very patient and understanding with me. He was extremely quick to respond to all of my questions and I couldn’t have asked ...
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 Jesse | July 19, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Doesn't care about you!
This lawyer took my $6500 and did the bare minimum to defend my case. Once he received the hefty payment, he left everything up to me and his unfriendly paralegal. Even worse, this lawyer did not ensure my case was finalized before ending legal representation. I would not recommend this lawyer for an...
Stephen Karns
Replied last July 19, 2021Thank you for your feedback. After we submitted a robust response to your adverse action, we were waiting for your command to notify you of their intent to administratively separate you since it was required based on your offenses. When you notified me that you received the notice and that your command recommended that you receive an Honorable Discharge, I believed it to be a great outcome based on your charges and assumed you would be happy as well. However, your claim that the ADC did more than I did is simply not accurate considering the ADC did not get on board until after I prepared and submitted your defense to the adverse action to your command, and your command had already recommended an Honorable Discharge after I submitted my response to your adverse action. Nevertheless, I appreciate your feedback. Your feelings on the matter are a reminder that I should redouble my efforts to ensure that every client is 100% satisfied.
Posted by Eric Zurface | May 25, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Gave me peace of mind
Contacted Mr. Karns to get ahead of the curve in my case. He kept constant contact and between him and his paralegal Rob, I was able to focus on work knowing they were behind the scenes working towards the best possible outcome for me. My case ended in a fair outcome, but that was not the fault of M...
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."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"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