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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 1 - 5 of 6 reviews | Compassion
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 anonymous | March 03, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Saved from a false accusation of larceny
Mr. Karns and Rob were very helpful, kind, and encouraging for helping me protect my innocence. I was accused of larceny for something that was bought in my name and sent to me. I thought it was mine and the company even told me that it was. My Commander, at the time, believed in the harshest pun...
Posted by Janice | January 13, 2014
Definitely Recommend
Most of the attorneys I called did not respond or did not think there was much they could do for me in my situation. My case was unique and I needed an attorney who would be willing to do some extra leg work to get some results. I am so glad I found Mr. Karns. He took the time to listen to me and ...
Posted by David | January 01, 2014 | Military Law
Aggressive and Honest
I highly recommend Mr. Karns. From the beginning he put me and my family at ease. He contacted my commander within the hour that I hired him and kept me informed throughout my case. My case was not easy. He told me that there would be challenges, but in the end we won, and it was because of Mr. K...
Posted by Derek | December 31, 2013 | Criminal Defense
Made the Difference
I hired Mr. Karns after my ex-girlfriend accused me of raping her. We were both in the Coast Guard and she got my command to immediately bar me from the yard so that I could not work. She also got a Peace Order against me issued by a civilian district court. The case was my word against hers but i...
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."
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"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