Our Team
Meet The Team At Key West Criminal Defense
Alan Fowler
Alan is the Founding Attorney of Alan Fowler Law, PLLC – Key West Criminal Defense. He founded the law firm from a dining table in a small apartment on the belief that one bad mistake or wrongful accusation should not ruin the rest of your life. Since 2012, Alan and his team have defended thousands of clients and ensured that less than 1% have gone to jail and less than 5% have received a criminal conviction.
Alan started his career in the U.S. Navy JAG Corps, where he spent six years on active duty. Currently, he is a Commander in the Navy Reserves. Alan has represented over 7,000 clients from over 30 states and has volunteered extensively in the community. His past clientele includes employees of Fortune 100 companies, members of all five military branches, and many college students, parents, teachers, and small business owners. Alan has contributed to MS-NBC, the Key West Citizen, Avvo.com, and several American Bar Association publications. He is the author of the Florida Keys Criminal Law Blog. He is a graduate of the University of Central Florida and Mercer University School of Law, where he earned a Certificate in Advanced Legal Writing, Research, and Drafting. He is licensed by The Florida Bar, the Court of Appeals of the Armed Forces, and the U.S. Supreme Court.
Alan is an Eagle Scout, an avid traveler, and a proud husband and father to two amazing boys. His wife, Kelly, is a fellow entrepreneur, having founded Just Save The Date – Event Planning & Design, a Florida Keys event planning business. He has visited nearly every state in our great nation and over ten foreign countries. He is a YMCA youth basketball coach and Babe Ruth youth baseball coach. His favorite activities are traveling, learning about food, wine, and spirits, and anything that creates lasting memories for his wife and kids.
Odia Burdick
For over 25 years, Attorney Odia Burdick has dedicated her career to criminal defense, bringing unparalleled trial experience as an associate to the team at Alan Fowler Law, PLLC – Key West Criminal Defense. From simple DUIs to complex first-degree murder charges, Odia has stood by thousands of clients in their most difficult moments.
Her deep roots in Florida’s legal system began at the Marion County Public Defender’s Office in Ocala, Florida. This was followed by 12 years of rigorous trial work at the Miami-Dade County Public Defender’s Office and a successful run as a solo practitioner. Today, she uses that massive breadth of experience to guide clients through complex criminal litigation right here in South Florida. Odia holds a Criminology degree from the University of South Florida and a Juris Doctor from the University of Miami School of Law.
When she isn’t defending clients, Odia is fully immersed in the Keys lifestyle. She and her husband, Izzy, have been married for 22 years and love taking their teenage son, Adler, out on the boat for offshore fishing, diving, and snorkeling. An avid home cook, Odia also loves spending her downtime creating new dishes for the people she loves.
David Gentle
With over three decades of experience as a litigation attorney exclusively within the Florida criminal justice system, David brings a distinguished record of advocacy, sharing a commitment to the belief that one bad mistake should not define the rest of one’s life. Since being admitted to the Florida Bar in 1992, David has dedicated his career to mastering the art of trial advocacy and strategic case resolution.
David began his legal journey in the Ninth Judicial Circuit Public Defender’s Office, where he aggressively defended thousands of clients and gained foundational experience in high-volume, high-stakes litigation. He later co-founded and served as a partner at Longwell & Gentle, P.A., where he oversaw the litigation department and its attorneys. Throughout his career, David has served as Lead Counsel in high-profile capital cases, including homicide and first-degree murder trials. David has successfully navigated complex litigation involving narcotics trafficking, white-collar fraud, DUI manslaughter, and all misdemeanors.
David operates on the fundamental belief that individuals should not be defined by their most difficult moments. His practice is rooted in a philosophy that every client receives not only a rigorous defense but also compassionate representation focusing on second chances, meticulous case valuations, and the protection of constitutional rights.
A graduate of Texas Christian University and St. Thomas University School of Law, David is known for his diligent case organization and his “mission-first” approach to defense. Beyond his legal practice, David has spent most of his adult life volunteering as a Summer camp organizer and director. This long-standing commitment to staff development and team building translates in his legal work, where he thrives in collaborative environments and excels at creating streamlined processes for complex case management.
Beyond his legal practice, David is a devoted husband to his wife, Misty, of thirty-plus years, and they proudly share two sons and a daughter. He enjoys every opportunity to create lasting memories with his family and is dedicated to fostering a redemptive philosophy both in and out of the law office.
Erin Hackney
Erin Hackney serves as the Administrative Assistant at Key West Criminal Defense, where she ensures that clients feel supported and informed from the moment they reach out. Originally from Spartanburg, South Carolina, Erin moved to Key West in 2023, bringing with her a deep-rooted commitment to hospitality and five years of customer service experience. Her role is critical in creating a welcoming environment that puts clients at ease during challenging times.
As the first point of contact when clients call the office, Erin embodies our mission to treat everyone with dignity and respect. She is skilled at addressing common case-related questions, acting as a liaison between clients and the attorney, and ensuring timely communication when urgent matters arise. Erin also manages scheduling for more in-depth consultations, making sure that clients receive the focused attention they need.
Erin takes pride in relieving the stress many clients feel during the legal process. Through active communication, she keeps clients informed about the status of their case, the attorney’s availability, and any other pertinent information. Her dedication to clear and compassionate communication helps create a sense of security and trust, making her an invaluable part of our team.
Outside of work, Erin enjoys exploring the beauty of Key West with her boyfriend and discovering all that their new home has to offer.