Our Team
Lead Attorney
Carla Stinnett
Carla Stinnett is a dedicated criminal defense attorney with decades of litigation experience, extensive jury trial advocacy, and a deep commitment to defending constitutional rights. As the founder of Stinnett Law, she represents clients in tribal, state, and federal courts, ensuring that
every defendant receives a strong and strategic defense.
Carla Stinnett is a dedicated criminal defense attorney with decades of litigation experience, extensive jury trial advocacy, and a deep commitment to defending constitutional rights. As the founder of Stinnett Law, she represents clients in tribal, state, and federal courts, ensuring that
every defendant receives a strong and strategic defense.
Carla earned her undergraduate degree in Agricultural Communications from Oklahoma State University in 1997. Before pursuing law, she worked in marketing and public relations, serving in key roles with the Oklahoma Beef Industry Council in Retail and Food Service Marketing and as a Public Relations Specialist with the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. During this time, she also earned a Master of Liberal Arts from Oklahoma City University with an emphasis in Mass Communications (1999).
In 1999, Carla began law school, where she excelled in trial advocacy, appellate advocacy programs, and served as a Note Editor for the Oklahoma Law Review. She also gained hands-on experience in criminal defense through her work in the criminal defense clinic.
After graduating in 2002, she practiced in various firms and partnerships before ultimately establishing her own firm. Initially, she handled family law, personal injury and criminal defense cases, but over time, she shifted her focus entirely to criminal law. In 2022, she furthered her expertise by earning an LLM in Indigenous People’s Law, strengthening her ability to navigate the complexities of tribal legal systems.
The landmark decision in McGirt v. Oklahoma fundamentally reshaped Carla’s legal practice. In response to the ruling, she played a pivotal role in establishing the indigent defense system for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, shifting her firm’s focus exclusively to criminal defense. Today, she represents clients facing serious felony charges in tribal, state, and federal courts, both privately and through the Criminal Justice Act. Her expertise in sentencing advocacy and deep understanding of complex jurisdictional issues make her a sought-after attorney in Oklahoma’s evolving legal landscape.
A recognized leader in the field, Carla is a member of the Tribal Issues Advocacy Group for the United States Sentencing Commission. Stinnett Law has built a reputation for aggressive defense strategies, skillful plea negotiations, and unwavering dedication to the rights of the accused. With decades of trial experience, she is committed to ensuring that every client receives a vigorous defense, whether through negotiation or in the courtroom.
Beyond her work in the legal arena, Carla is the proud mother of four children. She enjoys reading, fine dining, and wine tasting. She also values time with her children and friends and remains deeply committed to her mission of justice and defense for those facing the weight of the criminal justice system.
Lead Attorney
Carla Stinnett
Carla Stinnett is a dedicated criminal defense attorney with decades of litigation experience, extensive jury trial advocacy, and a deep commitment to defending constitutional rights. As the founder of Stinnett Law, she represents clients in tribal, state, and federal courts, ensuring that every defendant receives a strong and strategic defense.
Carla earned her undergraduate degree in Agricultural Communications from Oklahoma State University in 1997. Before pursuing law, she worked in marketing and public relations, serving in key roles with the Oklahoma Beef Industry Council in Retail and Food Service Marketing and as a Public Relations Specialist with the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. During this time, she also earned a Master of Liberal Arts from Oklahoma City University with an emphasis in Mass Communications (1999).
In 1999, Carla began law school, where she excelled in trial advocacy, appellate advocacy programs, and served as a Note Editor for the Oklahoma Law Review. She also gained hands-on experience in criminal defense through her work in the criminal defense clinic.
After graduating in 2002, she practiced in various firms and partnerships before ultimately establishing her own firm. Initially, she handled family law, personal injury and criminal defense cases, but over time, she shifted her focus entirely to criminal law. In 2022, she furthered her expertise by earning an LLM in Indigenous People’s Law, strengthening her ability to navigate the complexities of tribal legal systems.
The landmark decision in McGirt v. Oklahoma fundamentally reshaped Carla’s legal practice. In response to the ruling, she played a pivotal role in establishing the indigent defense system for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, shifting her firm’s focus exclusively to criminal defense. Today, she represents clients facing serious felony charges in tribal, state, and federal courts, both privately and through the Criminal Justice Act. Her expertise in sentencing advocacy and deep understanding of complex jurisdictional issues make her a sought-after attorney in Oklahoma’s evolving legal landscape.
A recognized leader in the field, Carla is a member of the Tribal Issues Advocacy Group for the United States Sentencing Commission. Stinnett Law has built a reputation for aggressive defense strategies, skillful plea negotiations, and unwavering dedication to the rights of the accused. With decades of trial experience, she is committed to ensuring that every client receives a vigorous defense, whether through negotiation or in the courtroom.
Beyond her work in the legal arena, Carla is the proud mother of four children. She enjoys reading, fine dining, and wine tasting. She also values time with her children and friends and remains deeply committed to her mission of justice and defense for those facing the weight of the criminal justice system.
Our Associates
Attorney
Peter Astor
Peter Astor is a highly respected trial attorney with over two decades of experience in criminal defense. His extensive career spans federal, state, and tribal courts, where he has built a reputation for his expertise and dedication to justice.
Peter’s journey in law began at the University of Oklahoma College of Law, where he earned his Juris Doctor in 1997. During his time in law school, he was the Special Features Editor for the American Indian Law Review and participated in the ATLA National Trial Team. Prior to law school, Peter earned a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Oklahoma School of Journalism in 1994.
Peter’s career is marked by significant roles in various public defender offices, including Tulsa County, the Oklahoma Indigent Defense System (OIDS) and the Federal Public Defenders Office for the Eastern District. From 2009 to 2023, Peter was engaged as capital trial counsel for OIDS, where he served as lead counsel and second chair in numerous death penalty trials.
Peter’s dedication and skill have been recognized with several awards, including the OBA Criminal Law Section Professional Advocate Award for Defense Attorney (2020), the Oklahoma Indigent Defense System Outstanding Trial Attorney (2019), and the OBA Criminal Law Section Chairman’s Award in Recognition of Courageous Representation (2014).
In 2024, Peter joined Stinnett Law, working alongside Carla Stinnett, a distinguished attorney with a comprehensive criminal practice in federal, state, and tribal courts. His bar admissions include the Northern, Eastern, and Western Districts of Oklahoma, the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals, and the Muscogee (Creek) Nation.
Peter Astor’s extensive experience, commitment to justice, and proven track record make him a trusted advocate for his clients. Whether facing serious criminal charges or navigating complex legal issues, clients can rely on Peter’s expertise and dedication to achieve the best possible outcomes.
Attorney
Jonathan Casey
Jonathan Casey has been with Stinnett Law since 2023. He received his law degree from The John Marshall Law School in Chicago. Jonathan began his legal work at the Cook County Public Defender’s Office in Chicago, Illinois. He was also a public defender for the Tulsa District Attorney’s office, specializing in Misdemeanors, Costs, and Expungements before coming to Stinnett Law.
In his spare time, Jonathan enjoys baking and spending quality time with family and friends.
Our Paralegals
Paralegal
Krysta
Krysta is a highly skilled and dedicated paralegal with over 10 years of experience in the legal field. Krysta graduated from Tulsa Community College in the Spring of 2018 with her AAS in Paralegal Studies. Prior to that she earned a Certificate in Legal Assistant from Career Point Institute in 2009.
Krysta is known for her exceptional attention to detail. She has worked extensively on matters involving criminal law, family law, personal injury and civil litigation. Although Krysta assists with all aspects of the firm’s criminal cases, her main focus is our Federal Criminal Law division.
In Krysta’s free time, she enjoys reading, gardening, camping, fishing and spending time with her family and pets.
Paralegal
Rosanna
Rosanna is a business-oriented and experienced administrator with over 8 years of experience in the legal field. Before becoming a paralegal, Rosanna was CFO of a successful Daylight Donut business with 2 thriving shops. Rosanna graduated from ORU in 1997 with a B.S. in Recreation Administration. Since making the career jump to law, Rosanna has attained NALA paralegal certification as well as advanced certifications in Criminal Law, Family Law, Legal Research and Writing and E-Discovery.
Rosanna is known for her strong research, organizational and administrative skills. Currently, Rosanna’s main focus is in Tribal Defenders Administration and as Stinnett Law’s Office Manager but she takes on other projects as needed.
In Rosanna’s free time, she takes care of her teen son, (a newly diagnosed Type 1diabetic) plays with her 6 grandchildren, writes historical fiction, reads, crochets, researches genealogy, marks things off her bucket list and creates vision boards.
Paralegal
Ashley
Paralegal
Carey
Carey graduated from Tulsa Community College in 2018 with her AAS in Paralegal Studies. Carey came to work with Stinnett Law in 2023 after having worked at the District Attorney’s Office since graduation.
Carey is our frontline receptionist, but she has really jumped in and helped with the overwhelming Tribal Defender workload. She is one our great frontline paralegals and you will see her at tribal court helping to keep the docket moving forward, tracking new clients and new court dates.
In her free time, Carey takes care of her farm animals and enjoys her youngest daughter’s senior year and last year in FFA and all the events that that entails. Carey also enjoys time at the lake and any time spent with her family and grandchildren.