Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2009 
Kevin Darken is a federal litigator and trial lawyer with more than 30 years of experience representing clients in white-collar criminal defense, False Claims Act (FCA) litigation, health care fraud matters, and complex federal investigations. Based in Tampa, Florida, Kevin serves clients through Johnson, Pope, Bokor, Ruppel & Burns LLP, representing individuals, physicians, executives, whistleblowers, and businesses in civil and criminal proceedings in federal court.
Kevin’s practice includes white-collar criminal defense, federal criminal trials, government investigations, FCA defense and whistleblower litigation, and post-conviction matters, including appeals and habeas corpus petitions. He has represented clients in matters involving allegations of health care fraud, wire fraud, conspiracy, kickbacks, and other federal offenses. His experience also includes serving as sentencing counsel, litigating motions to dismiss and motions for summary judgment, and handling federal criminal appeals and Section 2255 petitions.
Before entering private practice, Kevin served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney, where he gained firsthand experience with federal investigations and prosecution strategies. He applies that background when advising clients facing grand jury investigations, subpoenas, parallel civil and criminal proceedings, and other high-stakes legal matters.
Kevin’s False Claims Act practice includes representing both whistleblowers and defendants in complex FCA litigation. He represented lead relators in FCA settlements involving WellCare, which resulted in a $217.5 million recovery, and Shire Pharmaceuticals, which resulted in a $350 million recovery. He has also defended physicians, pharmacies, insurance companies, and ambulance companies in FCA cases involving billing practices, compliance issues, and allegations of fraud.
In addition to his criminal defense and FCA work, Kevin handles complex civil litigation involving RICO claims, contract disputes, non-compete and employment matters, civil rights claims, and attorney fee disputes. His broad federal litigation experience allows him to advise clients through every stage of a dispute, from investigation through trial and appeal.
