Nonjudicial Punishment (NJP)
HAZMAT Bribery
Navy Petty Officer
Norfolk, VA
May 26, 2024 | Hired Attorney
RETAINED IN THE NAVY
“I was caught up in whirlwind of false allegations that I bribed a LS custodian for hazmat. I thought my career was over because everybody in my chain of command recommended demotion, 45 days restrictions and 45 days extra duty. After my XOI, I immediately contacted Stephen Carpenter. He assured me that we were going to have a good outcome. When he looked at all the evidence, Stephen noticed that there were many discrepancies with my case. First, the MA violated my 5th amendment rights. Next, some members of my command lied about my personal background that I have bribed a hazmat custodian in the past. During my NJP, Stephen wrote a very powerful Memo detailing all the facts. At NJP the Captain did find me guilty but I was able to keep my rank and the punishment was just 30 days restrictions and 30 days extra duty. I do take responsibility that I did not return my hazmat on the same day and I did see unattended hazmat in the past that could have caused a fire hazard. My mistake! 9 days after I was on restrictions, my senior enlisted leadership tried to hit me with a pre-dated NJP. Stephen immediately took action and wrote a memo to my Captain that this is nothing more than chiefs retaliating and reeking revenge because I was not reduced in rank at mast. The captain, being a fair and honest man, did the right thing and deferred the prior NJP. He stated that since all charges were not made at the same time, he would not be following procedures if he held a 2nd NJP for the pre-dated charge. In the end, Stephen saved my career and I was very fortunate to have a fair Captain that followed all guidelines and procedures. As of today, I still stand as 1st Class Petty Officer because of Stephen. Had things gone south, I could have very well been a 3rd Class Petty Officer since I am still a frocked 1st Class Petty Officer.”
Non-Judicial Punishment (NJP)
Dereliction of Duty
Navy Petty Officer
Norfolk , VA
March 17, 2025 | Hired Attorney
Favorable outcome during an NJP
“Was able to get in contact with Stephen in a reasonable time regarding my NJP case. I have seen many sailors go through NJP without representation. Being my first NJP in my career, I needed to be represented. This made me feel whole again. Stephen was instrumental in helping me achieve a favorable outcome at my NJP. Would highly recommend.”
Nonjudicial Punishment (NJP)
Drug Use
Army SPC
JBLM, WA
March 24, 2020 | Hired Attorney
Successful Army Article15 Turn-down
“After I was accused of being derelict of my duties, my Company Commander wanted to administer a Company Grade Article 15 and a Bar to Re-enlist. To most, that isn’t that big a deal, but to me, this was a huge issue! In my short seven years of service, I’ve never been late, in the wrong uniform, in the wrong place, missed formation, unshaved, individually received corrective training (smoked), or negatively counseled, but due to the lapse in judgment by one of my subordinate leaders, I was accused of being derelict. I take my military career very seriously and when faced with this unwarranted punishment, my wife did some research and found Mr. Carpenter and his team! Meeting him for the first time we instantly knew we were in great hands. From the very beginning, he was very confident, knowledgeable, and empathetic. Although I had a relatively simple case, he and his team treated it as seriously as I did. During my second Article 15 reading, I demanded a trial by Courts-Martial. Mr. Carpenter and his team worked diligently to get my case thrown out without ever going to Courts-Martial! Mr. Carpenter was able to devote time to speak to me and resolve my issue all while handling a trial abroad. Jason Greene, a lawyer on Mr. Carpenter’s team also assisted me very much, taking my calls, listening to my concerns, and reassuring me that things were being handled properly behind the scenes. When I brought my case to TDS I was pleased to know that Stephen Carpenter was a well-known name. The manager at TDS reassured me that I was in great hands with Stephen Carpenter! I would recommend Mr. Carpenter to anyone who needs legal representation on his reputation alone. The outcome was as desired, having the Courts-Martial and Bar to Re-enlist dropped, I was unflagged and my promotable status was reinstated! My family and I truly thank you from the bottom of our hearts for saving my career and reputation as I continue to serve!”
Non-Judicial Punishment (NJP)
BAH Fraud
Army CPT
Germany
August 16, 2022 | Hired Attorney
NJP/CM with Retirement
“My only regret is having made statements on the record without calling Mr. Carpenter first. He is, hands down, the best military defense lawyer available. For my entire career, I was a stellar officer until my misstep. I had very little experience with the system from this side, and lots of questions. From our initial consultation to conclusion of proceedings, he was dedicated to finding the best outcome for me and my family. Even after my case took an unusual procedural turn, he was able to successfully navigate the baffling circumstances and work with the prosecution and my military defense to deliver a very favorable outcome. He is extremely busy and working several cases at a time, but that does not mean he isn’t tirelessly communicating and coordinating. If you want an instant response to an email, you won’t get that. You will, however receive years of experience and individual attention through the highs and lows of your case. As anyone who has been through the process will attest, it can sometimes be a waiting game, and usually in your favor. You can trust that Mr. Carpenter is diligently working behind the scenes with your best interest in mind. The decision to hire Mr. Carpenter was truly a blessing for my family and career.””