Reviews

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 case 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 trial 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 getting 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!

am to have this process and investigation behind me. Stephen and Rob thank you for your endless efforts, extensive knowledge, and dedication to my case. I truly believe that if I had hire anyone else or simply just used my assigned JAG officer that the situation would have played out very differently. When the investigation first started, I had little hope I could turn around this article 15 process. After hiring him and having him submit matters in my defense, the CG who typically had a pattern of being harsh with punishments turned had a change of heart in my filing process. Yet he managed to turn what was a very stressful time in my life-- into what became light at the end of the tunnel. Additionally, Stephen took the time to go over each rebuttal and matters of defense multiple times where JAG took less than two hours to write a rebuttal. If I had submitted this information from JAG I do not think I would be walking away with a LOCAL GOMAR today. This afternoon I also spoke to the BDE CDR who confirmed that this was very unlike the CG, and I cannot express how grateful to his law firm. A process that seemed like forever, ended with the best possible outcome, after receiving my local filing. At all times he kept up constant communication with me, and always kept me informed of the process. He never let me walk into the situation or readings blindsided. We always remained one step ahead of the process. The professionalism and transparency are what made me feel confident on a great outcome. Thanks to your defense, I can now continue my military career and take this moment to continue setting the example for officers to come. I couldn't have retained a better defense attorney I will continue to refer any peers or fellow soldiers in need of services to you and will never forget the impact he made on my career and life.

My case was an Administrative Separation case. What set Mr. Karns apart was that he was willing to represent me when another lawyer told me they didn't want to. Mr. Karns is great to work with and he works diligently. I saw for myself the preparation he was putting forth on my case and I thought nobody worried about my case as much as I did. The board did decide in my favor and I remain ever grateful to Mr. Karns for seeing me through this difficult episode of my military career.

I highly recommend Stephen Karns! He was the only military lawyer to get back to me and he responded right away (I was surprised because he appeared to be the best I contacted too). His response time to Everything was right away. He explained things clearly and was very personable. My son was AWOL for 5 years and taken to his last base after detention at the border. The Army was charging him with Desertion and going with a Court Martial. Mr Karns listened to my son’s story and fought for a Chapter 10 administrative leave. Just found out the Chapter 10 request was accepted and my son will be released soon! Without Mr. Karns, this would NOT have happened! We are so grateful to have found and hired Stephen Karns as our lawyer!

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 for a better lawyer. He was able to resolve my case with an exceptional outcome and I would highly recommend him for anyone needing a defense lawyer.

Mr. Karns was always prompt, professional, and gave very astute advice. I was extremely impressed with him and would recommend him to anyone.

Mr. Karns was professional, fast acting, and genuinely cared about my well being. I highly recommend him!

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 also my spouse. Although the case took longer than anticipated, he continued to stay active and involved in getting to the bottom of it. I am very pleased with him and his team and thankful for them and all they have done to fight for my future and career. I highly recommend Mr. Karns because he will go above and beyond for you and ensure he is consistently checking in on you and the case. Thank you for all you have done for me and my career. It was a true blessing to cross paths with you and your team.