Peter is the Managing Partner at Tully Rinckey PLLC’s Rochester Office, where he practices criminal defense.
With over 30 years of criminal defense experience, Peter has handled thousands of criminal cases, including violations, misdemeanors, felonies and appeals. He has primarily represented defendants in felony cases in both state and federal courts. Peter is certified as “learned counsel” in federal court capital cases. Prior to New York State’s abolishment of capital punishment, he was likewise certified to handle death penalty cases in state courts.
On multiple occasions, Peter has won acquittals or verdicts to lesser charges for clients charged with murder. Additionally, he has represented criminal defendants at the appellate level, including the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals and the third and fourth departments of the Supreme Court of New York, Appellate Division. His devotion to criminal defense and helping people in need has been recognized numerous times in the legal community.
Peter was honored with the Criminal Justice Alliance (CJA) Award by the United States District Court, Western District of New York in 2016, and he was recognized as “Lawyer of the Year” by the NY Daily Record in 2015. He has received the Super Lawyer distinction in 2014, 2015 and 2016. Peter has also received the Monroe County Bar Association’s Charles Crime Award and the St. Nicholas Society’s “Man of the Year” Award. Additionally, Peter was the recipient of the Rochester Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” Award.
Peter received his juris doctorate from Albany Law School of Union University and his bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York College at Buffalo. Peter served on the Board of Directors of the Foundation of the Monroe County Bar from 2009 to 2017. He has also previously served on the board of directors of AIDS Rochester, Inc., President of the Saint Nicholas Society (Italian-American Welfare Society in East Rochester) and the Saint Mary’s Church Parish Council.
When not practicing law, Peter enjoys participating in fundraising events such as the 440-mile AIDS Red Ribbon Ride, the 550-mile Empire State AIDS Ride and the Tour de Cure to fight Diabetes.
Representative Matters: Numerous high profile criminal trials and appeals over the last 30 years
Court & Bar Admissions
Education
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