Case results
These are just a few of the results Phillip Stackhouse, Attorney, has obtained during the past two decades of legal representation for service members in California and across the world.
In The News
Marine Cleared In Death of Romanian Gets Reprimand
Appeals Court Overturns Marine Colonel’s Child Molestation Conviction
Marine cleared in deaths of two Iraqis
Green Beret facing murder charges wants case dropped because of investigator’s ‘stolen valor’ charges
Is the Army betraying Maj. Matthew Golsteyn?
Attorney for former Green Beret facing murder charges speaks
Former Green Beret major faces murder charge for 2010 Afghanistan incident
Former Green Beret pardoned by Trump for alleged murder wants his Distinguished Service Cross back
Former Green Beret pardoned by Trump for alleged murder wants his Distinguished Service Cross back
Marine colonel braces for court-martial
Woman Claims War Hero Raped Her After He Was Arrested for Raping Girl
Colonel Released from Brig as Child’s Family Denounces Military Provision That Freed Him
COL. DAN WILSON WAIVES RIGHT TO ART. 32 HEARING, ACCUSED OF “SEXUAL ASSAULT AND BATTERY
Colonel Accused of Child Sex Abuse Behind Bars After New Allegations
Drinking conviction against 2 members of ‘MARSOC 3’ overturned, ending yearslong case
‘The MARSOC 3 Are Free’: Drinking Convictions Dismissed Against Marine Raiders, Ending 6-Year Legal Saga
2 Marines found not guilty of homicide in Green Beret veteran’s death
Jury finds 2 members of ‘MARSOC 3’ not guilty of negligent homicide and involuntary manslaughter
Paratrooper charged in Syria shootout acquitted of all charges
Army sergeant, an Onondaga native, found not guilty of charges related to gunfight in Syria
Army paratrooper Robert Nicoson acquitted after Syria gunfight allegations
Soldier exonerated of misconduct charges stemming from mysterious Syria gunfight
Questions Mount After Army Charges 82nd Airborne Paratrooper for Syrian Firefight
Soldier in 82nd Airborne acquitted in court-martial stemming from fatal gunfight in Syria
Gunfight at Syrian checkpoint leads to charges against sergeant first class
VanGoethem cleared of major charges in Romanian’s death
Marine faces court-martial for Romanian’s death
Fate of Marine battalion commander during tragic 2020 vehicle sinking on the line
Major plea deal debate in Navy medic death probe case
Calvin Gibbs, Leader of ‘Thrill Kill’ Soldiers, Guilty of Murder
Calvin Gibbs, Leader of ‘Thrill Kill’ Soldiers, Guilty of Murder
Calvin Gibbs admits taking fingers off Afghans’ bodies
Soldier Is Convicted of Killing afghan civilian for Sport
Sergeant admits cutting off Afghans’ fingers
Navy drops criminal charges against chief
Did this Navy chief deploy her security team without magazines for their weapons?
Camp Pendleton Marine gets probation, community service for role in Jan. 6 insurrection
Camp Pendleton Marine sentenced to probation, community service for Jan. 6 Capitol breach
Marine who embraced Boogaloo beliefs pleads guilty in Jan. 6 case
3 Active-Duty Marines Convicted for Jan. 6 Roles All Get Probation, Community Service
Muslim Marine’s long, strange tale is recounted in court-martial
The ‘Mystery Marine’ finally turns himself in: Two-time deserter accused of faking his kidnapping is in custody after spending 9 years on the run in Lebanon
Captured Marine Safe at US Embassy in Beirut
After a decade of twists, vanishing Marine goes to trial
US marine accused of desertion returns after a decade away
The Effect of Criminal Convictions on Military Personnel
videos
Green Beret Charged With Murder Speaks Out | NBC Nightly News
‘Ripped Apart By His Own Government’: Wife of Charged Military Hero Defends Husband
The Story of Army SFC Nikoson
General Fired Over Deadly Amphibious Vehicle Accident
Marines Open Up New Investigation
Search continues for 7 Marines and 1 Navy sailor after amphibious vehicle sinks off San Diego coast
7 Marines, 1 sailor identified in training accident off San Diego coast, all presumed dead
Search continues for 7 Marines and 1 Navy sailor after amphibious vehicle sinks off San Diego coast
Hearing at Camp Pendleton for officer in command when AAV sank leaving 9 dead
U.S. Sergeant Accused of ‘Thrill Kill’ in Afghanistan
More results
General Discharge (Honorable for VA purposes).
Officer Board of Inquiry (administrative separation) for domestic violence and conduct unbecoming
Retained on Active Duty.
Officer Board of Inquiry (administrative separation) for two separate positive urinalysis tests for Methamphetimines
Negotiated successful resolution, no conviction.
Noncommissioned Officer special court-martial charges included fraternization, false statements, and orders violation
General Discharge (Honorable for VA purposes).
Junior Enlisted charges preferred included long term unauthorized absence – negotiated successful resolution
unsubstantiated, case closed.
Officer Family Advocacy Incident Determination Committee response for sexual abuse and physical abuse
Retained on Active Duty.
Officer Board of Inquiry (administrative separation) for hostile work environment, fraternization, and conduct unbecoming
Negotiated successful resolution.
Officer General Court-martial charges included indecent language with minor and attempted indecent conduct with minor
Retained on Active Duty.
Field Grade Officer Board of Inquiry (administrative separation) for sexual harrassment and conduct unbecoming
Negotiated successful resolution to petty offense, no jail.
Noncommission Officer charged in Federal Court in Washington DC with Felonies related to January 6, 2021
Testimonials
Anonymous
Name Withheld For Privacy
At 17 years of Army Service, i found myself is a position that jeopardized not only my career, but my familys way of life. I was determined to find the best representation possible, and i had narrowed it down to 4 choices. What seperated Mr Stackhouse from the rest, was his upfront and honest assessment of my situation. He made no promises, save for doing everything within his power to achieve to most favorable outcome. Over a year went by between my charges, and my Ad Sep Board. Mr Stackhouse was there every step of the way. He was attentive, and always seemed one step ahead of the game. You can really see the personel stake he takes in every one of his clients. As my hearing approached, i was consigned to the fact that my career was over and i would have to find other means to provide for my family, which with a OTH Discharge, would be hard to accomplish. My Stackhouse presented his case for my retention, and the Board decided to retain me, with my punishment being a Letter of Reprimand. i would reccommend Mr Stackhouse to anyone looking for the best representation possible. He will treat you as a member of his team, and a good friend. I will be continuing my military career with a fresh outlook and no lingering efect on my Service. This wouldnt have been possible without Mr Stackhouse.
Anonymous
Name Withheld For Privacy
Mr. Stackhouse did nothing short of support me 100% from the day he took my case. Phil was thorough, persistent, and always prepared for the unexpected. I would like to consider Phil a life long friend for the passion and approach he took in handling my case. I have and will continue to recommend his services to anyone in need of his services.
Bill
Outstanding Defense Attorney… Especially for Marines!
When my Marine Corps assigned defense attorney was willing to just take whatever the prosecution wanted, I went to Mr. Stackhouse. He looked at the evidence, listened to my needs, consoled me, and counseled me. He was always available to answer questions, day or night. He informed me of the grim truth of my situation, and what he truly believed could be accomplished, given the details of the situation. He was honest, truthful and compelling. I fully believe to this day that Mr. Stackhouse was the Very Best attorney I could have gotten for my case. As a matter of fact, after everything was said and done, the military defense attorney stated that he and his boss were amazed at what Mr. Stackhouse was able to do for me… they thought I would have gotten a lot worse than I did. I was facing 5 – 10 years confinement… I got 25 days.
Tom
Professional and Effective
I engaged Phil Stackhouse to represent a family member in the military. I interviewed several lawyers who were highly recommended to me. I selected Phil because he was not only knowledgeable and legally competent, but he also truly cared about my family member. He went above and beyond any expectation that I had in his professionalism and ability to maneuver in a very sensitive military law environment. He spoke “their” language and they understood him. I would recommend him without reservation and have done so in the past.
Scott Didonato
The Best Lawyer
Mr. phillip stackhouse did a great job in representing my case to the ndrb. he was able to successfully get my discharge upgraded to an honorable discharge after i was stigmatized with an oth. i tryed to fight this battle on my own for approx. 7 years, but i had no luck. after mr. stackhouse took over my case, he won me an upgraded discharge within a matter of 12 months. he is a very smart lawyer and knows how to fight for his clients rights. thanks to him i am finally able to get all of my va benefits, and i am also able to serve in the military again. im finally getting my life back thanks to mr. phillip stackhouse.
Bill
Outstanding Defense Attorney… Especially for Marines!
When my Marine Corps assigned defense attorney was willing to just take whatever the prosecution wanted, I went to Mr. Stackhouse. He looked at the evidence, listened to my needs, consoled me, and counseled me. He was always available to answer questions, day or night. He informed me of the grim truth of my situation, and what he truly believed could be accomplished, given the details of the situation. He was honest, truthful and compelling. I fully believe to this day that Mr. Stackhouse was the Very Best attorney I could have gotten for my case. As a matter of fact, after everything was said and done, the military defense attorney stated that he and his boss were amazed at what Mr. Stackhouse was able to do for me… they thought I would have gotten a lot worse than I did. I was facing 5 – 10 years confinement… I got 25 days.
Anonymous
Name Withheld For Privacy
Phillip has acted beyond my expectations as an attorney. In fact, I can say this with authority, having transferred my case to him after dissolving my relationship with another attorney for his unresponsivness and lack of effort in my case. After transferring my case to Phillip, he immediately took on my case and has been responsive, empathic, and professional the entire time I have had a working relationship with him. Phillip is extremely detail-oriented and does not give up. He has expert knowledge of military law and the military judicial process. The fact that he actually cared about my situation (and not simply taking on the case for the sake of work or income) made a difference in the outcome, including his written defense and during the hearing. I would work with him again if I needed an attorney, and I highly recommend him to anyone facing injustice by the military justice system.
Dave
Military Trial
We hired Mr Stackhouse after extensive interviewing and research, ie 6 other attorneys. He gave our son outstanding legal defense and has continued followup with us. He won a much better outcome than we expected. He traveled to Afghanistan twice for investigation and trial. His teamwork with the active duty Army lawyer was perfect. In addition, Mr Stackhouse also has taken a personal interest in us and our son. This is an incredibly important part of being a great attorney. This was not just a job, it was personal for him. Mr Stackhouse’s continued efforts are leading to complete resolution of our son’s last charge. His extra work and diligence are amazing. We cannot say enough good about Phil Stackhouse and can give him our highest recommendation.
Anonymous
Untitled
When agents of the U.S. Government turned the coherence of my world into inscrutable chaos in 2011, one name, hastily written on a piece of paper torn from a legal pad, was handed to me from a trusted ally. That name was Phil Stackhouse. If you are facing threats to your future liberty and prosperity, I am passing along the same service and sage advice that was passed to me. Contact Phil Stackhouse and know that you entrusting your future to an exceedingly competent, empathetic, and tireless lawyer who will never fail you. Between our first meeting at an Outback Steakhouse in December 2011 and the conclusion of a six day Army Board of Inquiry (BoI) in June 2015, Army lawyers and investigators threatened to charge me with murder, war crimes, Rules of Engagement (RoE) violations and conspiracy. Furthermore, my teammates and family were subjected to intimidation and coercion despite their cooperation with investigators. Through all of this, Phil stood by my side as a faithful friend, confidant, and adviser in addition to his role as my legal counsel. In short, Phil Stackhouse’s performance throughout this ordeal and in the BoI itself was masterful; he outmaneuvered and humiliated the agents perpetuating this miscarriage of justice at every turn. Thanks to Phil’s skill, experience, and dedication to my case, we snatched victory from a deck stacked against us by undue command influence, moral cowardice, and political pressure applied by individuals at the highest levels of government. As for my family and myself, we are deeply indebted to Phil for the generous allocation of his time, passion, and resources to my defense. I do not have the words to describe my admiration, love, and respect for Phil Stackhouse. I count him among a small number of people I call ‘my friend’. Because I would go anywhere with him and trust him with any task, I confidently recommend that you retain his services when moving to meet the challenges that lie ahead in your situation.
Scott Didonato
The best lawyer
mr. phillip stackhouse did a great job in representing my case to the ndrb. he was able to successfully get my discharge upgraded to an honorable discharge after i was stigmatized with an oth. i tryed to fight this battle on my own for approx. 7 years, but i had no luck. after mr. stackhouse took over my case, he won me an upgraded discharge within a matter of 12 months. he is a very smart lawyer and knows how to fight for his clients rights. thanks to him i am finally able to get all of my va benefits, and i am also able to serve in the military again. im finally getting my life back thanks to mr. phillip stackhouse.
Anonymous
Name Withheld For Privacy
I had a very serious allegation of felony Agg Assualt with a deadly weapon leveled against me. I’m an commissioned Officer with over 16 years of service. I was also a Commander at the time. My career, freedom, reputation and future were all in jeopardy. Moreover, CID opened a very intrusive investigation against me. I called Mr. Stackhouse and told him the circumstance of my case. I was immediatly impressed by his vast knowledge of both military and civilian law. He was very responsive and gave sound representation during my entire ordeal. He dealt directly with CID and advocated for me. In the end, my case was closed as unfounded and I was never charged with any offense. My career and life are now intact. His impeccable reputation is well earned and he is known to be the best military lawyer in the nation. I highly recommend him to anyone. Take it from me, don’t talk to anyone if you are facing a legal issue without talking to Mr. Stackhouse.
Anonymous
Name Withheld For Privacy
I was a Third Class Petty Officer in the United States Navy and found myself in the middle of a legal situation. My boyfriend was under investigation and I, unknowingly, aided him in destroying evidence. I was facing a Bad Conduct Discharge(BCD), reduction in rank, forfeiture of pay, and restriction. I was eligible for a large disability package and intending on going to school using my GI Bill. Receiving a BCD would have resulted in me receiving zero benefits. Upon hiring Mr.Stackhouse, he insured me he would do everything in his power to help me keep my benefits. After months of hard work, we were able to reach a pretrial agreement. I was Honorably Discharged as a Third Class Petty Officer. I did not forfeit any pay and I did not receive restriction. I have a misdemeanor on my permanent record, but it has not affected my schooling or my career. I am currently using my GI Bill and receiving disability compensation. Everything worked out perfectly for me, thanks to Mr. Stackhouse. I have nothing but the utmost respect and gratitude for everything he has done for me. I highly recommend his services.
Anonymous
Name Withheld For Privacy
Over the several months of my case, I was referred to Mr. Phillip Stackhouse by a colleague of his. We did speak several times, over the phone, regarding my case. Mr. Stackhouse conducted personal interviews and collected his own research before my trial began. Once he flew in, he kept me updated on his travels and whereabouts until we met for the first time. He was very respectful and knowledgeable about my case. He gave my case the time and dedication that was needed and always kept me informed. Mr. Stackhouse spent the necessary time coaching me and advising me before and after court. Mr. Stackhouse maintained professionalism inside and outside of the courtroom. He put my case in the jurys shoes to see if it was possible for me to be guilty for what I was being accused of. During the course of my trial, he made sure I knew everything he knew. He even took the time to break things down to my understanding and answered all of the questions I had for him. He never once treated me as if I was guilty during the duration of my trial. Throughout court, he didnt attack the intelligence of the witness. He approached every question with common sense questions, facts, and military knowledge. He was well educated on military law and enforced that in the courtroom. He did not question my integrity and remained honest with me from the beginning. If Mr. Stackhouse felt things were good or bad, he communicated with me. He respected me from before court, until the trial was over. Mr. Stackhouse represented me in the courtroom, defended my case, and brought up valid points without proof of evidence from the prosecutors. This resulted in a Not Guilty in three charges that were brought up by the Government. If you ever need to have Mr. Stackhouse as an attorney, it is best for you to remain truthful in the beginning to the end. This helps for curveballs that could be thrown at Mr. Stackhouse or you in court and above all it definitely helps to be found not guilty in your case.
Tom
Professional and Effective
I engaged Phil Stackhouse to represent a family member in the military. I interviewed several lawyers who were highly recommended to me. I selected Phil because he was not only knowledgeable and legally competent, but he also truly cared about my family member. He went above and beyond any expectation that I had in his professionalism and ability to maneuver in a very sensitive military law environment. He spoke “their” language and they understood him. I would recommend him without reservation and have done so in the past.
Travis Huff
Awesome experience!
Objectively innovate empowered manufactured products whereas parallel platforms. Holisticly predominate extensible testing procedures for reliable supply chains. Dramatically engage top-line web services vis-a-vis cutting-edge deliverables
Anonymous
Name Withheld For Privacy
BLUF – Phil Stackhouse is a superstar to have in your corner when the brig is only a gavel away. I cannot recommend him highly enough. I was a young captain in the USMC and a judge advocate. When defending a client, I upset the wrong judge on the wrong day. The Eastern Circuit judiciary had been wanting to make an example out of a defense counsel, and I found myself in its crosshairs. The judge ordered a contempt hearing. I was facing time in the brig, possible loss of my bar lisence and a career limiting outcome. I was assigned a military defense attorney with 3-4 years experience. He/she was nice enough but not even close to the best. I was scared to go into court without real representation. That’s when Phil came in. We agreed to a more than reasonable fee arrangement, and he signed on to be my lead counsel. No bs, I slept better at night just knowing that Phil was on my team. He walked me through the process, he prepared meticulously, and on game day he performed. When I was facing the brig and the possible end of my military career, Phil was one of the few military attorneys nation wide that I would have fully trusted my life with. He is a fighter when you need one and a voice of reason that judges and prosecutors respect.
Courtney
Excellent Service
Over the several months of my case, I was referred to Mr. Phillip Stackhouse by a colleague of his. I presented the evidence and facts to Mr. Stackhouse before my trial began. He told me that he would be able to take on my case. I didn’t speak to him as much as I would have liked too, so it worried me that he did not give my case enough attention that I felt it needed at first. We did speak several times, over the phone, regarding my case. He called all defendants and prosecutor witnesses before court, to make sure the stories remained the same. Mr. Stackhouse conducted personal interviews and collected his own research before my trial began. Once he flew in, he kept me updated on his travels and whereabouts until we met for the first time. He was very respectful and knowledgeable about my case. He gave my case the time and dedication that was needed and always kept me informed. He made sure I knew how to act in and outside of the courtroom. Mr. Stackhouse spent the necessary time coaching me and advising me before and after court. If there was additional information to discuss after court, we talked about it during dinner. He never kept me longer than that was needed, but he made sure to speak with me for a decent amount of time. Mr. Stackhouse maintained professionalism inside and outside of the courtroom. He put in perspective for the jury’s satisfaction to understand the facts and information about my case. He put my case in their shoes to see if it was possible for me to be guilty for what I was being accused of. During the course of my trial, he made sure I knew everything he knew. He even took the time to break things down to my understanding and answered all of the questions I had for him. He never once treated me as if I was guilty during the duration of my trial. Throughout court, he didn’t attack the intelligence of the witness’s. He approached every question with common sense questions, facts, and military knowledge. He was well educated on military law and enforced that in the courtroom. He didn’t question my integrity and remained honest with me from the beginning. If Mr. Stackhouse felt things were good or bad, he communicated with me. He respected me from before court, until the trial was over. Mr. Stackhouse represented me in the courtroom, defended my case, and brought up valid points without proof of evidence from the prosecutors. This resulted in a “not guilty” in three charges that were brought up by the Government. Mr. Stackhouse has the upmost respect from me and I am grateful to have had him as an attorney. (If you ever need to have Mr. Stackhouse as an attorney, it is best for you to remain truthful in the beginning to the end. This helps for curveballs that could be thrown at Mr. Stackhouse or you in court and above all it definitely helps to be found not guilty in your case.)
Byron Ryan
This wouldnt have been possible without Mr Stackhouse.
At 17 years of Army Service, i found myself is a position that jeopardized not only my career, but my familys way of life. I was determined to find the best representation possible, and i had narrowed it down to 4 choices. What seperated Mr Stackhouse from the rest, was his upfront and honest assessment of my situation. He made no promises, save for doing everything within his power to achieve to most favorable outcome. Over a year went by between my charges, and my Ad Sep Board. Mr Stackhouse was there every step of the way. He was attentive, and always seemed one step ahead of the game. You can really see the personel stake he takes in every one of his clients. As my hearing approached, i was consigned to the fact that my career was over and i would have to find other means to provide for my family, which with a OTH Discharge, would be hard to accomplish. My Stackhouse presented his case for my retention, and the Board decided to retain me, with my punishment being a Letter of Reprimand. i would reccommend Mr Stackhouse to anyone looking for the best representation possible. He will treat you as a member of his team, and a good friend. I will be continuing my military career with a fresh outlook and no lingering efect on my Service. This wouldnt have been possible without Mr Stackhouse.