Atty. Peter Howard Tilem
Peter Tilem’s legal career began in the summer of 1991 as an Assistant District Attorney (ADA) in the New York County District Attorney’s Office in Manhattan, where Mr. Tilem was assigned to the trial division.
Boating While Intoxicated (BWI) & More Attorney · Serving White Plains, NY · 35+ Years Experience
Profile Summary
About Peter Howard Tilem at a Glance
Peter Howard Tilem is a Senior Partner based in White Plains, New York, practicing at Tilem & Associates, P.C.. They have 35+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1991. Their practice focuses on dui/dwi, drug crimes, wrongful death, personal injury, and criminal defense. Admitted to practice in Connecticut (1991) and New York United States District Court for the Southern District of New York United States District C (1992). Educated at Pace University School of Law (J.D., 1991) and Carnegie Mellon University (B.A. Economics, 1988). Recognitions include AV Preeminent. Serves clients in White Plains, NY and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About Peter Howard Tilem
- Peter Tilem’s legal career began in the summer of 1991 as an Assistant District Attorney (ADA) in the New York County District Attorney’s Office in Manhattan, where Mr. Tilem was assigned to the trial division
- During Mr. Tilem’s 10 years in the trial division he went on to prosecute and investigate hundreds, if not thousands, of felony and misdemeanor criminal cases—including both violent and non-violent crimes, homicides and white collar crimes
- Many of Mr. Tilem’s cases received great public attention, notoriety, and media coverage and some were instrumental in breaking new legal ground in New York Criminal Law
- Mr. Tilem was recognized for his performance by various departments within the New York City Police Department, including the New York City Police Department Detective Bureau, the New York City Police Department Organized Crime Investigation Division and the New York City Police Academy
- Mr. Tilem was often asked to assist in training of police officers and prosecutors and conducted training and educational classes for other prosecutors, police officers, and public school students
- Mr. Tilem was eventually asked to teach a class to police cadets on “Excellence in Police Testimony” which was taught to cadets at the New York City Police Academy
- Mr. Tilem eventually resigned in November of 2001 as a Senior Prosecutor to pursue a career in the private practice of law
- Mr. Tilem immediately founded Lenihan & Tilem, LLP, where he continued to represent individuals in high profile and complex cases
- In connection to one of Mr. Tilem’s early cases in private practice, he appeared on 60 Minutes and CNN
- At Lenihan & Tilem, Mr. Tilem was able to considerably expand his already vast litigation experience, and appeared frequently in both federal courts and state courts on both civil and criminal cases, and litigated a much broader variety of complex real estate, commercial, estate, criminal and family matters than he was able to at the District Attorney’s Office
- Mr. Tilem since left Lenihan & Tilem and eventually founded Tilem & Associates, PC Since founding Tilem & Associates, PC, Mr. Tilem has built a considerable legal team and has continued to litigate in both federal and state courts and has continued to represent clients involved in complex or high-profile cases
- Mr. Tilem appears regularly on television and in the newspaper concerning his legal work in such cases and as a legal commentator
- Mr. Tilem was retained in connection to the extensive litigation surrounding the untimely death and estate of Russell Jones (a rapper also known as “ODB” or “Old Dirty Bastard”) and other celebrities
- Mr. Tilem has built an impressive reputation among the bar and bench (Attorneys and Judges) as an effective, skilled and knowledgeable attorney and earned the most prestigious and highest possible ratings from independent lawyer rating services such as Martindale Hubbell, AVVO and Lexis/Nexis
- Mr. Tilem has steadily grown Tilem & Associates by adhering to a few guiding principles which have resulted in the firm obtaining exceptional results for its clients
- Mr. Tilem understands that really listening to clients not only calm clients during what is a remarkably stressful period of litigation but also helps the lawyers understand the situation and the facts necessary to get the best possible outcome for the client
- Listening to a client also helps an attorney understand the client’s goals which is necessary for effective representation
- Mr. Tilem also believes it is absolutely critical to give clients individualized attention and to litigating strategically
- Litigating strategically involves taking the time to analyze the facts and the law in order to come up with a winning strategy
- By strictly following these general principles and by assembling a team of skilled and knowledgeable attorneys who are guided by the same general principles, Tilem & Associates has been able to develop an unparalleled record of obtaining superior results over a long period of time
- With nearly 30 years of legal experience, Mr. Tilem has developed the legal acumen, knowledge and experience to provide clients who are facing brutal court battles with the very best possible representation
- Besides his responsibilities at the practice, Mr. Tilem tries to give back to the legal community and the community at large
- Mr. Tilem is a frequent lecturer, teaching continuing legal education classes to attorneys on topics involving both legal skills and legal ethics
- Mr. Tilem also performs pro bono representation and is involved in many charitable ventures
- In sum, if you are faced with any type of legal battle, contact Peter Tilem or one of his associates for the absolute best legal representation
Practice Areas Explained
Peter Howard Tilem's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Peter Howard Tilem handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in White Plains.
DUI / DWI Defense in White Plains
Find experienced DUI and DWI defense attorneys near you. Compare verified profiles, read client reviews, and consult about your case for free.
Peter Howard Tilem is one of 29,739 dui/dwi attorneys indexed nationally. Browse dui/dwi attorneys in New York →
Drug Crimes in White Plains
Peter Howard Tilem is one of 6,914 drug crimes attorneys indexed nationally. Browse drug crimes attorneys in New York →
Wrongful Death in White Plains
Peter Howard Tilem is one of 30,932 wrongful death attorneys indexed nationally. Browse wrongful death attorneys in New York →
Personal Injury in White Plains
Personal injury attorneys help accident victims recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain & suffering. Most work on contingency — no fee unless you win.
Peter Howard Tilem is one of 262,557 personal injury attorneys indexed nationally. Browse personal injury attorneys in New York →
Criminal Defense in White Plains
A criminal defense attorney protects your rights from arrest through trial. Find experienced lawyers handling DUI, drug, federal, theft, and violent-crime charges.
Peter Howard Tilem is one of 212,605 criminal defense attorneys indexed nationally. Browse criminal defense attorneys in New York →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in White Plains
Practicing law in New York. Legal matters in New York are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in White Plains are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate New York state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in New York brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in New York courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
White Plains Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a White Plains-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in White Plains Choose Peter Howard Tilem
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish Peter Howard Tilem's practice in the field of dui/dwi, drug crimes, wrongful death, personal injury, and criminal defense.
Decade-Tested Legal Experience
Peter Howard Tilem brings 35+ years of hands-on legal practice — enough to have navigated the recurring fact patterns, procedural traps, and negotiation dynamics that shape case outcomes.
Multi-State Bar Admission
Licensed in Connecticut and New York United States District Court for the Southern District of New York United States District C, Peter Howard Tilem can represent clients in cases that span state lines or require counsel in multiple jurisdictions.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering dui/dwi, drug crimes, and wrongful death, Peter Howard Tilem can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.
Local Presence in White Plains
A White Plains-based practice means Peter Howard Tilem attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
Case Types
Common Legal Issues Peter Howard Tilem Handles in White Plains
Below is a representative sample of the types of matters Peter Howard Tilem has experience with under New York law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.
This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact Peter Howard Tilem directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
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Peter Howard Tilem's Practice Areas & Specializations
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