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The Karns Law Firm is experienced in military criminal cases, such as BAH/Travel Voucher Fraud, Sexual Assault, Child Pornography and Internet Sex, AWOL and Desertion, Fraternization, Adultery, Drug Crimes and Positive UA, Assault and Domestic Violence.
BAH Fraud or Travel Voucher Fraud typically comprises two offenses – False Official Statement and Larceny. The reason for that is the service member completes a form which is later claimed by the government to be false in some manner
Rape is an incredibly serious criminal charge for which Mr. Karns has represented numerous service members. It is the type of offense for which the accused is often prejudged to be guilty, regardless of the evidence. Just being accused of rape can have a significant personal impact and potentially ruin a career.
If you are accused of having any level of involvement with child pornography, the representation of an experienced military attorney such as Mr. Karns is essential to protect your rights and save your freedom and/or career.
If a service member is absent without leave (AWOL) from the military, then the member probably knows that he or she has left the service illegally, that is, committed an offense against the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). In other words, the member has committed a criminal offense and is in an illegal status.
Each branch of the military prohibits personal and business relationships between officers and enlisted members. Personal relationships are defined as those which include dating, cohabitation, and any form sexual relationship. Business relationships are defined as those which include loaning and borrowing money and other business partnerships.
While adultery is still a criminal offense under the UCMJ, this Art. 134 offense was recently broadened to cover “extramarital sexual conduct.” However, there is now an affirmative defense to the conduct if the married parties were legally separated.
There are a number of ways in which involvement with illegal drugs can get you in trouble in the military. All branches of the military take a zero tolerance approach to drug use and vigorously prosecute drug offenders.
A charge of assault or domestic violence can be a very serious matter because of the far-reaching consequences that a conviction may entail. It is the type of offense for which the accused is often prejudged to be guilty, regardless of the evidence. Just being accused of domestic violence can have an adverse career impact, even if you are falsely accused.
If your Command alleges that you are guilty of committing a minor violation of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), it may impose on you a nonjudicial punishment (NJP). Your Command is authorized to deal with minor violations or infractions of the UCMJ in this manner. In the Army, the term “Article 15” comes from the authorizing section of the UCMJ.
If you are facing an involuntary separation from military service, Mr. Karns can represent you and fight to have you retained in the service, or if separated, he can fight to have your unfavorable characterization of service changed. If you are accused of misconduct, or poor duty performance, your command may seek to involuntarily separate you.
If there is an error or an injustice in your military personnel records, or if you have received an unfair or erroneous characterization of service, there is a process available for you to get your records corrected or your discharge upgraded. Mr. Karns can represent you in this process whether you are active duty, a reservist, retired, or separated.
Call toll-free for a free consultation of your case. The military will bring tremendous assets to bear on you as it investigates, prosecutes, and then punishes you for any proven illegality or impropriety.
Please note we do not handle disability claims or divorce, child support or other family law issues.
Attorney Stephen P. Karns will aggressively protect your rights, advise you of the law, scrutinize the evidence against you, and help you develop your best defense.