SQL: Check if value is available in tbl1 or tbl2

SQL: Check if value is available in tbl1 or tbl2

I want to create a sub-account system (PHP & MYSQL).
I have a user table (users) and a sub users table (sub_users).
How can check if the user is available in the user table, or in the sub
users table?
My code:
SELECT DISTINCT *
FROM users
WHERE userid = "steven"
OR WHERE EXISTS (SELECT *
FROM sub_users
WHERE sub_users.userid = "steven");
ERROR: Check your syntax near "steven"
Also tried:
SELECT *
FROM users
LEFT JOIN sub_users
ON sub_users.user_userid = users.userid
WHERE users.userid = 'steven'
OR sub_users.userid = 'steven'
Same error.