Peter A. Sartes, Clearwater Criminal Attorney
Peter A. Sartes is a shareholder of the Law Offices of Tragos & Sartes. Mr. Sartes is one of Tampa Bay's most resourceful, up-and-coming attorneys. His vast formal education includes a finance degree and an MBA along with his law degree. His extensive education coupled with his years of training in tactic and strategy gained during his tour of duty as a United States Army Cavalry Officer provided the foundation necessary for his development into an effective trial strategist.
Since joining the Law Offices of George E. Tragos in 2001, Mr. Sartes has represented clients in both criminal and personal injury cases. His diverse background makes him a coveted asset in the firm's arsenal. His ability to scrutinize details, assess case strengths and recommend courses of action have proven to be essential in defending all types of criminal prosecutions, as well as preparing for complicated civil litigations. Mr. Sartes' expansive financial background makes him particularly capable of deciphering complex financial documents to identify issues necessary to successfully defend tax, fraud, and financial cases. Throughout his legal career Mr. Sartes has represented a broad spectrum of clients including the first international arms dealer to be indicted during Operation Iraqi Freedom, a client involved in the fifth largest drug seizure in US history, and everyday people fighting to protect their rights in local courts.Mr. Sartes attended both the University of Toledo and Stetson College of Law and is admitted to practice in both Florida State and Federal courts. He was an associate at CB Richard Ellis, the worlds leading commercial real-estate brokerage firm, before deciding to fulfill his dream and pursue a career in law. His legal career began at the Public Defender's Office in his home town of Toledo, Ohio. Mr. Sartes is the former Chairman of the Traffic Court Rules Committee of the Florida Bar, and currently serves as the liaison to the Rules of Judicial Administration Comittee of the Florida Bar, and as the Sixth Judicial Circuit representative on the Florida Bar Association, Young Lawyers Division Board of Governors. He has served as the Past- President of the Young Lawyers Division of the Clearwater Bar Association, and he has also served as the Chairman of the Clearwater Bar Association Technology Committee. Mr. Sartes holds a BV rating from Martindale-Hubble which is the maximum rating a lawyer can receive who has been admitted to the bar for less than 10 years. He has also been published in The Journal, of the Appellate Section of the Florida Bar, the Florida Bar Journal , The Florida Defender, the journal of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and Res Ipsa, the publication of the Clearwater Bar Association.
Education
- Bachelor's Degree in Finance- University of Toledo
- Masters in Business Administration- University of Toledo
- Juris Doctor- University of Toledo
Professional Employment
- 2001-Present Law Offices of Tragos & Sartes -- Specializing almost exclusively in litigation in all Federal and State Courts as well as Appeals in all Federal and State Courts
- 1999-2001 Lucas County Public Defender's Office -- Misdemeanor and Felony Divisions
- 1997-1999 CB Richard Ellis -- Specializing in identifying, marketing and obtaining financing for commercial retail and investment property
- 1993-1997 United States Army -- Served as both a Combat Engineer and an Armor Officer. Special assignments include Airborne deployment, Explosives and Demolitions, Heavy Combat Equipment Operations, M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tank Commander, Bradley Fighting Vehicle Commanders Course, Cavalry Squadron Scout Platoon Leader. Awards include The National Defense Medal, The Reserve Forces Achievement Medal, and The Award of Merit.
Professional Activities
- Sixth Judicial Circuit Representative of the Florida Bar Association, Young Lawyers Division Board of Governors.
- Former Chairman of the Florida Bar Association Traffic Court Rules Committee
- Liaison to the Florida Bar Association Rules of Judicial Adminstration Committee
- Past-President of the Clearwater Bar Association, Young Lawyers Division
- Past Chairman of the Clearwater Bar Association Technology Committee
- Member of the Florida Bar Association
- Member of the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- Member of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America
Publications
- What's Happening with Apprendi: Florida's Response, 10 The Record, Journal of the Appellate Section of the Florida Bar 3, (2002)
- So, You're Faced with Child Hearsay: What's In, What's Not, The Florida Bar Journal, Volume LXXXVIII, No. 9, October 2004.
- COUNSELING A DEFENDANT OF A SEX CASE: What they need to know to be fully informed: Florida Defender, Volume 18 No.1, Spring 2006.
- Withhold of Adjudication: What everyone needs to know, Pending publication with The Florida Bar Journal.
- DIVERSION PROGRAMS: PTI...dismissal...problem solved...or is it? Pending publication in The Florida Bar Association, Criminal Law Section Newsletter
Non-professional Activities and Honors
- American Hellenic Education Preservation Association, Tampa Chapter 12, Warden and Membership Coordinator
- Past Treasurer of the University of Toledo Rocket Battalion Alumni Association
- Member of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
Languages