I am a fourth generation native Floridian. My undergraduate degree is in accounting from the University of South Carolina.( a gamecock). After graduation, I served in the United States Treasury Department as a special Agent with the Intelligence Division. I recieved special training in Washington DC in basic law enforcement techniques including interrogation, surveillance, photography, forensics, photography, wiretapping and basic criminal investigation. I understand how law enforcement thinks.
I recieved additional training in Income Tax Law, especially the criminal statutes. I worked in the Miami office investigating organized crime, general tax crimes and on occasions was detailed for special security work.
While working as an agent, I obtained a law degree from the University of Miami. I then transferred to Atlanta Georgia and worked for a year as an analyst for the Regional Commisioner of Intelligence. I returned to South Florida in 1971 and joined the United States Attorneys Office where I prosecuted all types of Federal crimes, particuarly white collar crime and tax evasion. I appeared before numerous grand juries and prosecuted successfully numermous federal crimes.
In 1974 I joined the law firm of Cohen and Hogan on South Beach. It was probably one of the top criminal firms in Florida. While there I had the occasion to meet and advise a number of high profile defendants including Jimmy Hoffa.
In 1974 I moved to Ft. Lauderdale where I continued to represent high profile clients from the labor unions including the Operating Engineers. I defended rackateering and gambling cases many of which included tax charges. In the late 1970's my practice included repesentation of major drug smugglers from within the United States, the Bahamas and Columbia. As my reputation grew, my practice expanded and I traveled extensively across the United States defending complex Federal cases in Los Angeles, New York, Ohio, Michigan, Mississippi, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina.
During that time I defended literally every type of criminal case for drug conspiracies, money laundering, securities fraud, wire and mail fraud, high seas violations, wildlife crimes and bribery. I represented many of the judges who came under investigation in Miami and my clientel has included everything from Gangsters to the Clergy. I have seen it all.
In 2002 I expanded my practice to include the West Coast of Florida and formed a partnership with a local attorney in Ft. Myers by the name of Sean O'Halloran. He was a former prosecutor in Lee and Charlotte County and my Federal experience and his State experience formed the perfect team. In 2011, I moved to Sarasota where I manage the Aiken and O'Halloran Sarasota office. My emphasis in the last three years has been in defending sex crimes, particularly Federal Internet crimes. I have represented defendants in the television series "to Catch a Predator" as well as the last two "Operations Intercept" in Sarasota. I now travel throughout Florida representing people charged in both State and Federal Court.
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Practice Areas
45 years | 3,000 cases
We have not found any cost information for this lawyer
State: Florida
Acquired: 1971
No misconduct found
State: Wyoming
Acquired: 1994
No misconduct found
State: Montana
Acquired: 1993
No misconduct found
State: Colorado
Acquired: 1986
No misconduct found
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188 N. Tamiami Trail, Suite 205 A, Sarasota, FL, 34236
sarasotadefender.comShowing 1 - 5 of 24 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Elizabeth | May 24, 2023 | Hired Attorney
After 5 years all I can say I’m grateful , Mr. Aiken defend my son’s reputation, We always remember when someone does something special for us , Mr Aiken is always in our prayers In all these years of success for my son and my family , I pray that life works in your favor now and forever , Without yo...
Posted by Gina | September 26, 2022 | Hired Attorney
Not only is he extremely experienced, professional and very likable to any jury, but his expertise is beyond words. He truly believes in his clients and works hard to defend them. He wins even the toughest cases and he truly cares about his clients best interests. Very honest all around good soul a...
Posted by Gina | September 6, 2022 | Hired Attorney
“Exceeds expectations” does not even begin to capture the stellar work that Mr. Aiken has done for my family! With utmost compassion, expertise, and professionalism, Mr. Aiken provided exceptional legal advice and courtroom representation, managing to simultaneously prepare us for multiple possible ...
Posted by Gayl | December 23, 2021 | Hired Attorney
We were in a situation where we had to obtain Mr. Aiken's services this past summer. He was well worth the money spent. He kept us informed all throughout the process. He is very knowledgeable, patient, caring & thorough. He made himself available to us at all times. Anytime we called if he didn't an...
Posted by Ron | February 26, 2021 | Hired Attorney
I found myself in a situation where I was accused of something that I did not do, and was put in jail because of it. I was in shock and frightened about the charges and what was to come. I found Mr. Aiken, and I read his biography and immediately called him (even on a Sunday) - he listened to me, put...
"I have had the opportunity to co-counsel many serious felonies, including sex offenses, with Mr. Aiken. In addition to seeing him litigate cases against the office while I was a prosecutor. He is the definition of a professional in all respects. His near 40 years of criminal law experience (including his time as a US Attorney and Special Agent with the IRS), his sharp wit, and flawless jury presence has earned many favorable verdicts. I have personally witnessed Mr. Aiken's skill, his tireless preparation, and unquestionable devotion to his clients and their individual cause result in great offers, fantastic results, and near impossible "not guilty" verdicts. He truly "lives and dies" with each case, and he is not a "clients are paychecks" attorney. Hiring Mr. Aiken means you will receive the best representation in the business--no matter what the charge."
"Peter is the most effective trial lawyer you will ever meet. He makes the impossible possible, wins unwinnable cases, and brings juries to places they never thought they'd go with sheer legal endurance and fortitude."
"I worked with Peter on a case and would absolutely hire him if I needed an attorney. He has great insight and experience when it comes to evaluating a case and coming up with a strategy."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have co counseled several serious cases with Peter. I can say without hesitation that not only is he a great lawyer but he is a fighter. Peter is not scared to try a case."
"I have known Peter Aiken for many years. He is honest and a passionate fighter--a true lawyer's lawyer who has nothing but the utmost respect in the community. I have been fortunate enough to work on several matters with him and have him mentor me on others. Peter Aiken is trustworthy and fair and his experience is second to none. I recommend him without hesitation."
"Mr. Aiken is the best trial lawyer I have worked with in my career. He pays exquisite attention to detail, connects with jurors and has a demeanor that controls the courtroom. He has the ability to explain the most complicated, complex matters to jurors with ease and grace. I would highly recommend Mr. Aiken to anyone in need of a criminal lawyer."
"Peter Aiken has extensive experience representing clients charged with a crime. Peter knows his way around the courtroom and routinely gets Not Guilty jury verdicts. He has an outstanding track record and his clients are fortunate to have a lawyer that is so talented and fearless in the courtroom."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Peter Aiken for over 27 years, we have collaborated in several criminal defense matters, both in federal and State cases, Peter knows the law, he throughly prepares for trial and passionately defends his clients. If ever I need a lawyer to the defend me Peter is one of two lawyers that I know that I would trust with my defense."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Aiken is a relatively new arrival on the Sarasota scene but he has made an immediate and very positive impression on me. I have discussed and referred cases to Mr. Aiken and it is clear that he is knowledgeable, thorough and a zealous advocate for his clients. I strongly recommend him if you need the services of a criminal defense attorney."
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2021
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2014
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2013
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2012
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
1995
Certificate of Appcation (Course Instructor), Florida Surety Bail Agents Association
1972
Distinguished Service Award, United States Department of Justice
2003 - 2012
Partner, Aiken, O'halloran and Associates
1974 - 2003
Criminal Defense Private practice, Peter D. Aiken, Attorney
1971 - 1974
trial lawyer, U. S. Department of Justice
1970 - 1971
Analyst advisor to Regional Commisioner, Intelligence, United States Treasury Department, Irs
1965 - 1970
Special Agent, Criminal Investigator, United States Treasury Department
2011 - Present
Sarasota County Bar Association
2011 - Present
Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (Sarasota chapter)
1994 - Present
Wyoming State Bar Association
1993 - Present
Montana State Bar Association
1986 - Present
Colorado Bar Association
1971 - Present
Florida Bar Association
2009 - 2011
Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (Lee County chapter)
Not Guilty all Counts jury trial
1971
Doctor of Jurisprudence/Juris Doctor
1965
Bachelor of Science
2012
Human Trafficing
2011
Opiate Addiction and the legal consequences
English
Legal Answers
Can you get probation for federal charges
08 Mar 2013
Federal motion for departure or reduction of sentence USSG 5k1.1 and/or Rule 35(b)
11 Mar 2013
In Florida do have to be present at an arraignment hearing if am represented by an attorney?
08 Mar 2013
