About the Firm

Meet Aaron Pilcher 

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Aaron Pilcher is an experienced trial attorney licensed in state and federal courts, recognized for his steady counsel in litigation, his commitment to public service, and his strategic business advice.

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As the elected States Attorney for Sanborn County, Aaron serves as the chief law enforcement officer for the county by consulting on investigations, prosecuting misdemeanors and felonies, and leading jury trials. As legal counsel for the county, Aaron advises officials on matters like open meetings, planning and zoning, joint jurisdictional agreements, and other matters. 

In January 2026, South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden appointed Aaron to the nine-member Board of Pardons and Paroles. The Board is primarily responsible for deciding inmate petitions for discretionary parole. The Board also makes recommendations to the Governor to grant or deny requests for pardons and commutations.

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Alongside his public service, Aaron maintains a robust private practice. Clients rely on his judgment across real estate, business, contract, trust, probate, and fiduciary disputes, as well as day-to-day corporate governance.

Aaron's deep litigation background is built on a foundation of complex criminal defense, including federal drug and international conspiracy cases, weapons charges, violent crimes, and financial offenses. Federal drug conspiracy cases are known for producing voluminous evidence through the use of specialized warrants, extensive surveillance, and cross-border law enforcement activities. 

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Aaron’s commitment to community and court innovation began early in his career as the first defense attorney for the Beadle County Drug Court. His specialized training in substance use, mental health, and treatment protocols inspired him to co-found Hope House in 2020, a non-profit sober living community in Huron. Prior to entering legal practice, Aaron directed a statewide U.S. Senate campaign, managing high-pressure communications, fundraising, and strategic operations.

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Raised on a hobby farm in Southern Minnesota, Aaron earned his B.A. as a Reagan Fellow at Eureka College and his J.D. from the University of South Dakota School of Law. He lives in Huron with his family, spending his free time outdoors, camping, and supporting his children’s activities.

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Selection of Jury Trials and Reported Cases*​

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State v. Brewer, 55 CRI 26-01

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State v. Kerney, 02 CRI 15-117

State v. Underwood, 2017 S.D. 3

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State v. Wills, 2018 S.D. 21

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In re Swanda, 02 GDN 23-18

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In re Termination of Parental Rights of I.A.D. et al., 2023 S.D. 36 (Oral Argument)​​​​

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* Past success cannot be an assurance of future success because each case must be decided on its own merits.

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