Experience, compassion and dedication in providing quality representation in Florida criminal cases
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.
Practice areas
With offices in three Southwest Florida counties I have defended all types of State criminal cases from DUI to homicide. I regularly defend crimes of violence, domestic battery and weapons violations. Many of my State cases involve Internet Sex Stings for charges of solicitation of a minor and traveling to meet a minor. I also handle State sales tax cases and crimes for defrauding the elderly as well as fraud and grand theft and embezzlement. I have tried hundreds of cases over thirty years.
40 years, 3,000 cases
Languages spoken
English
Aiken, O'Halloran & Associates
2060 Ringling Blvd
Sarasota, FL, 34237
2257 Cleveland Ave.
Fort Myers, FL, 33901-4906
Punta Gorda Office Charlotte County
214 Wood Street
Punta Gorda, FL, 33950
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
WY | Inactive | 1994 | 02/28/2021 |
MT | Inactive | 1993 | 07/16/2015 |
CO | Inactive | 1986 | 02/09/2021 |
FL | Member in Good Standing | 1971 | 03/01/2021 |
Legal answers | 7 |
Legal guides | 0 |
Award name | Grantor | Date granted |
---|---|---|
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review 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 |
Certificate of Appcation (Course Instructor) | Florida Surety Bail Agents Association | 1995 |
Distinguished Service Award | United States Department of Justice | 1972 |
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Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Partner | Aiken, O'halloran and Associates | 2003 - 2012 |
Criminal Defense Private practice | Peter D. Aiken, Attorney | 1974 - 2003 |
trial lawyer | U. S. Department of Justice | 1971 - 1974 |
Analyst advisor to Regional Commisioner, Intelligence | United States Treasury Department, Irs | 1970 - 1971 |
Special Agent, Criminal Investigator | United States Treasury Department | 1965 - 1970 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Sarasota County Bar Association | N/A | 2011 - Present |
Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (Sarasota chapter) | N/A | 2011 - Present |
Wyoming State Bar Association | N/A | 1994 - Present |
Montana State Bar Association | N/A | 1993 - Present |
Colorado Bar Association | N/A | 1986 - Present |
Florida Bar Association | N/A | 1971 - Present |
---|---|---|
Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (Lee County chapter) | N/A | 2009 - 2011 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
University of Miami School of Law | Doctor of Jurisprudence/Juris Doctor | 1971 |
University of South Carolina | Bachelor of Science | 1965 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Florida Association for Women Lawyers | Human Trafficing | 2012 |
CLE-Floirda Womens Lawyers Association | Opiate Addiction and the legal consequences | 2011 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
United States v Rizza | Not Guilty all Counts jury trial |
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Michael Fayard, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 13, 2015
Relationship: Worked together on matter
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.
Andrew Banyai, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 13, 2015
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
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.
Stephen Karns, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 12, 2015
Relationship: Worked together on matter
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.
Anthony Tuorto, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 19, 2014
Relationship: Other
I endorse this lawyer.
Darren Finebloom, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 16, 2013
Relationship: Worked together on matter
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.
Michael Gelety, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 18, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Michele Stephan, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 14, 2013
Relationship: Worked together on matter
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.
Steven Heintz, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 11, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Ruben Garcia, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 11, 2013
Relationship: Worked together on matter
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.
Charles Telfair, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 11, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.