Why choose Edward Palermo as your DWI attorney?

A Suffolk County DWI attorney with more than 28 years of expertise, Edward Palermo. He focuses his practice on assisting those who are charged with DWI. Over the course of his career, he has defended more than 1000 Long Island and NYC residents.

Does Edward Palermo represent New York State licensed professionals?

Doctors, registered nurses, instructors, and attorneys are just a few of the credentialed professions that Edward Palermo has defended. If you have a professional license in New York and are accused of driving while intoxicated or driving while impaired, you must immediately retain knowledgeable legal representation.

Is Edward Palermo directly available to his clients?

Edward gives his cell phone number to every one of his clients. Customers can reach him at any moment. My objective is to successfully handle my client's issues such that they will be a client for life. I take great pride in being a Suffolk County DWI attorney who is always readily accessible to his clients.

What happens when you get arrested for DWI in NY?

A fine of between $500 and $1,000. Up to one year in jail, though there is still no required minimum sentence. A license suspension of at least six months, though you may be eligible for a conditional license. The installation of an Ignition Interlock Device in your vehicle.

Is DWI a criminal offense in NY?

Driving while intoxicated (DWI) is a crime. A first conviction, considered a misdemeanor, will result in a substantial fine, mandatory surcharge, license revocation, and a possible jail sentence.

How long do you lose your license for a DWI in NY?

For example, if you are convicted of misdemeanor DWI, your license will be revoked for 6 months. In the case of felony DWI convictions, your license will be revoked for a minimum of 1 year.

How long does a DUI affect your insurance in NY?

A DUI in New York can affect insurance for up to 10 years, depending on how far back the insurance company looks in a driver's motor vehicle record. Most insurers look back at the past 3-5 years of a driver's motor vehicle record when calculating premiums, but some look even further for major violations like DUI.

Can you refuse a breathalyzer in NYS?

This law basically states that if you are driving on a public road and there is reasonable suspicion that you are impaired, you must agree to take a breathalyzer test. Refusing a breathalyzer in NY results in an automatic suspension of your driver's license for 6 months to a year and a fine of up to $500.

Where is your office located?

Our law office is located at 1300 Veterans Memorial Hwy Suite 320, Hauppauge, NY 11788. If you'd like to visit us, feel free to do so. We are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

How can I contact Edward Palermo Criminal and DWI Lawyer?

If you need the help of an experienced Long Island Criminal and DWI lawyer, you can call us at (631) 265-1052. You can also send us an email at ed@palermolawyers.com. Another way to contact us is by filling up the contact form on our website at https://edpalermo.com/contact-me/

Voted Best Lawyer on Long Island 3 Years in a row

Long Island Criminal and DWI Lawyer Edward Palermo

Suffolk and Nassau County Criminal Defense Attorney with more than 28 years of experience. Represented more than 1000 Long Island and NYC residents over my career.

Suffolk County DWI Lawyer Edward Palermo

I am a Suffolk County DWI Lawyer with more than 28 years of experience. I concentrate my practice on helping individuals who face DWI charges. I have represented more than 1000 Long Island and NYC residents over my career.

I am proud of my track record of success. Helping my clients is my only goal. If you or a loved one needs a Suffolk County DWI Lawyer, please do not hesitate to call me today. I am always here to help.

There is no substitute for experience when finding a Suffolk County DWI Lawyer. I am always happy to extend my family of clients. I will fight for you and make sure that you always feel protected and secure.

Schedule a Free Consultation

Contact Me Today

Office Phone (9am-5pm M-F)

(631) 265-1052

Cell Phone (24/7)

(631) 903-3733

Suffolk County DWI Lawyer Edward Palermo voted best lawyer on Long Island for the past 3 years!

I am honored to have been voted BEST LAWYER ON LONG ISLAND in 2019, 2020 and 2021 in the Bethpage Federal Credit Union’s “Best of L.I.”

Here are some of my additional honors and recognition:

My practice as a Suffolk County DWI Lawyer has been built on a foundation of success and satisfied clients. My life revolves around my clients and their ultimate satisfaction.

Driving while intoxicated by alcohol and driving while ability impaired by drugs is taken very seriously in New York. People charged with Driving while intoxicated by alcohol or driving while ability impaired by drugs face consequences including prison time, a life-long criminal record and revocation of driving privileges. Hiring the right New York DWI lawyer is critical.

When facing a permanent criminal record and possible incarceration, second best will not do. My clients have included doctors, lawyers, corporate executives, teachers and college students. My clients care deeply about their reputation and freedom. My only desire is the BEST POSSIBLE RESOLUTION for my client. Nothing deters me from obtaining this outcome.

Contact Me Today

Office Phone (9am-5pm M-F)

Cell Phone (24/7)

Arrested For A Criminal or DWI charge? You Probably Have A Number Of Questions:

Will I go to jail?
Will I be placed on probation?
Will I have a permanent criminal record?
Will I lose my license?
What happens when I go to court?
How long will the court process last?
How can I find the best lawyer to defend me?

Contact me today and I can answer these questions for you!

Suffolk County DWI Lawyer Edward Palermo

is here to defend you or your loved one.

As a Suffolk County DWI Lawyer, I hear these questions and many others every day. The first thing to do is take a deep breath and relax. I know that criminal charges create tremendous stress and anxiety. I believe in putting things in perspective. You are only ACCUSED of a crime. The Presumption of Innocence is the bedrock of our criminal justice system. I will make sure that it is given to you!

Hiring the right Suffolk County DWI Lawyer is critical to a successful outcome. Many lawyers who have general practices will dabble in DWI law. Avoid them at all costs. A DWI case is much too serious to leave in the hands of a jack of all trades. There is nothing about your case that can surprise me.

I have forged terrific relationships with the judges and prosecutors. These relationships are incredibly important. I value them as an asset when representing my clients. I am a Suffolk County DWI Lawyer with the professional relationships and concentrated experience to get the result you need.

My depth of experience for over 28 years as a Suffolk County DWI Lawyer has honed my skills. The results I can achieve now are far more beneficial to my clients. Hiring a skilled, thoroughly experienced Suffolk County DWI Attorney is the key to achieving a successful outcome in your case.

Suffolk County DWI Lawyer, Edward Palermo

will review your case and design your winning defense strategy

I will answer all of your questions. I will explain the DWI charges you face. I will explain potential strategies to win your case. New clients ALWAYS feel better after they speak to me.

Suffolk County DWI charges can be complex and involve many different legal and factual elements. You need a Suffolk County DWI Lawyer with the experience, knowledge and talent to get your case resolved favorably.

I have been involved in very complex DWI matters involving felony charges, motor vehicle accidents with injury and / or death. I have also represented many individuals charged with leaving the scene of an accident in addition to driving under the influence. It is imperative that the attorney you retain have a depth of experience in all facets of DWI defense law.

Preserve Your Professional License

I have represented many New York State licensed professionals including, medical doctors, registered nurses, teachers, and lawyers. If you hold a professional license in New York and are charged with driving while intoxicated or driving while ability impaired, it is imperative that you hire experienced and talented counsel. A conviction for driving under the influence in New York can have more severe consequence on the life of a licensed professional including potential loss of license and inability to continue in their chosen profession.

I am proud of the fact that I have represented many licensed professionals and protected many from any collateral consequences to their license and career. I am very sensitive to the potential problems a criminal conviction can cause licensed professionals and always make sure to take all steps to protect my clients when they face driving under the influence charges.

Suffolk County DWI Lawyer Edward Palermo Will Vigorously Defend You!

There is no Suffolk County DWI Lawyer fighting harder than me. My clients are everything to my practice. I treasure them and truly appreciate that they retain me to defend them in matters of such importance. I will do everything in my power to get you a great result. Nothing will deter me from my goal of providing you with a successful defense to your DWI case. I am the Suffolk County DWI Lawyer to retain when you need results.

I am a Suffolk County DWI Lawyer that has handled all level of criminal cases, from homicide to misdemeanor DWI cases. I have handled hundreds of drunk driving and driving under the influence cases. No case is too big or too small. I will give the same 100% effort whether your case is high-profile or a simple misdemeanor. I truly love what I do. I will fight to get the best result.

Edward Palermo is always directly available to his clients

All of my clients receive my personal cell phone number. Clients can contact me anytime. A client who knows that his / her lawyer is available is a happy client. My goal is to resolve my client’s case favorably so that I have a client for life. I pride myself on being a Suffolk County DWI Lawyer who is always directly available to his clients.

This website is a resource for anyone in need DWI representation. It allows someone charged with a DWI to find an experienced Suffolk County DWI Lawyer. I am always happy to meet a new client through my website. So please do not hesitate to call me. I look forward to hearing from you and will do everything in my power to get you a favorable result. You have found the Suffolk County DWI Lawyer with a 27 year plus history of aggressive, personalized representation.

Schedule a Free Consultation

Contact Me Today

Office Phone (9am-5pm M-F)

Cell Phone (24/7)

New York State DWI Laws

There are six different offenses codified in New York State for driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs:

Driving While Ability Impaired by alcohol

A person is guilty of this offense when they operate a motor vehicle on a public highway after consuming alcohol and the consumption of alcohol renders them “impaired, to any extent, the physical and mental abilities which (s)he is expected to possess in order to operate a motor vehicle as a reasonable and prudent driver.” People v. Cruz, 48 N.Y.2d 419, 423 N.Y.S.2d 625 (1979). driving while impaired is not considered a crime under New York State Law.

Driving While Intoxicated Per Se

This offense is committed where an individual operates a motor vehicle on a public highway with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (“BAC”) os .08% or more. This offense is a misdemeanor and a conviction would lead to a permanent criminal record in most circumstances.

Driving While Intoxicated (common law)

This offense for driving under the influence of alcohol can be charged even where there is no evidence of BAC percentage. The charge is almost always part of a DWI case. The statute requires proof that the motorist has consumed alcohol to the extent that he or she is “incapable of of employing the physical and mental abilities which (s)he is expected to possess in order to operate a motor vehicle as a reasonable and prudent driver.” People v. Cruz, 48 N.Y.2d 419, 423 N.Y.S.2d 625 1979).

Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated

This offense is committed when an individual operates a motor vehicle with .18% or more BAC or operates a motor vehicle in violation of VTL 1192(2), (3), (4) or (4a) with a Chile under the age of 16 in the car.

Driving While Impaired by Drugs

The same standard applies as applies to Driving While Intoxicated Per Se except drugs is substituted for alcohol. The drug(s) that cause impairment can even be legally possessed drugs prescribed by a doctor. Even if a medicine is properly prescribed and ingested it still could render someone “Impaired” and thus, subject to criminal penalties.

Driving While Impaired by the Combined Influence or of alcohol and any Drug(s)

The standard is again the same as DWI and DWAI by drugs (see #3 above).

New York DWI laws are complex. If you or a loved one is charged with a driving while intoxicated or driving while impaired charge, you must hire an experienced and skilled DWI lawyer for the best possible defense.

Edward Palermo has handled more than 100 Felony DWI Cases in New York

Felony DWI’s can occur for a number of reasons. These charges are very serious and convictions can lead to loss of driving privileges and potentially long prison sentences.

The offenses of DWI, Aggravated DWI, DWAI Drugs or DWAI Combined Influence can all be charged as felonies if within the past 10 years you have been convicted of any of these offenses (or Vehicular manslaughter or Vehicular assault).

You could be charged with a class “E” felony and face the following possible consequences:

Up to 4 years in State Prison and a fine of up to $5,000;
5 years of probation;
1 year revocation of driver’s license; and
additional obligations such a surcharge fees, driver responsibility assessment and installation of an ignition interlock device.

If you are accused of Aggravated DWI, DWAI Combined Influence, DWI or DWAI Drugs after having been convicted of one of those offenses (or Vehicular Assault 1st or 2nd degree or vehicular manslaughter) two times within the preceding 10 years.

You could be charged with a class “D” felony and face the following penalties:

7 years in State Prison and a fine up to $10,000;
5 years of probation;
Loss of license for 18 months; and
additional obligations such as surcharge fees, driver responsibility assessment and installation of an ignition interlock device.

Felony DWI charges can be life shattering. Having an experienced, talented DWI lawyer by your side can make all the difference.

Schedule a Free Consultation

Notable DWI Results:

Attorney advertising. Please understand that prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome

Legal Disclaimer

Edward Palermo scheduled the matter for trial before The Honorable Joseph Girardi of the Nassau County First District Court. First, Edward was able to obtain dismissal of the additional violations after motion during the trial and the client was then found NOT GUILTY of the aggravated DWI charge after trial. All charges dismissed and client, who is a teacher, was able to resume his life and career with a clean record.

Suffolk County DWI Lawyer Edward Palermo negotiates reduction to simple traffic infraction to insure no negative impact on Doctor’s career.

Suffolk County DWI Lawyer Edward Palermo negotiates a reduced charge of only a single traffic violation.

Again, Edward negotiates a reduction of the criminal charges to a non-criminal traffic violation.

Edward scheduled the matter for trial and the client was found not guilty of the driving while intoxicated misdemeanor.

Client is a financial professional and his future career advancement was in jeopardy if convicted of this serious misdemeanor crime. The Suffolk County District Attorney VERY RARELY agrees to reduce such a charge because of the elevated Blood Alcohol Content finding by police. Suffolk County DWI Lawyer Edward Palermo negotiated an extremely favorable resolution which will lead to the reduction of the aggravated DWI to a simple traffic infraction after 1 year of good behavior by the client. His professional license and future career opportunities are secure.

The District Attorney originally recommended jail time. Suffolk County DWI Lawyer Edward Palermo negotiated a very favorable outcome which will lead to dismissal of criminal charges and only a traffic violation after 1 year of good conduct by client.

Suffolk County DWI Lawyer Edward Palermo negotiates a reduction of the criminal charges to a non-criminal traffic violation.

As a successful real estate broker, the client was concerned about the effect a criminal conviction would have on his professional license and livelihood. The District Attorney would not reduce the charge to a non-criminal traffic violation because the client was previously arrested for driving while intoxicated. Edward found a flaw in the prosecution’s handling of the case and made a motion to dismiss the case. The motion was granted in its entirety and the case was completely DISMISSED.

Edward Palermo Answers Criminal Defense FAQs

What Should I Look for When Hiring a Suffolk County DWI Lawyer on Long Island?

There are a few things to look for when considering which Suffolk County DWI Lawyer to retain:

The first thing is experience. Some attorneys are “jack of all trades” lawyers who will handle cases from many different areas of law including DWI defense. I do not recommend hiring general practitioners as they do not have substantial experience focusing on DWI law. Instead, I recommend hiring an attorney that focuses mainly on DWI defense.

Also, experience in the area where your case is based, is critical. My DWI defense law practice is devoted almost entirely to Suffolk and Nassau counties. 90% of the cases I handle are on Long Island, and over the years I have been in every court and forged relationships in every area.

It is a good idea to meet with the attorney and see if you are comfortable with them on a personal level. Since covid I have done this telephonically and with technology such as Facetime. As we move through this difficult time, I look forward to more in-person time with my clients.

A good DWI defense attorney needs to be a good communicator, and it should be easy for you to build a rapport with them so you are comfortable with them representing you. They should also be straightforward and be transparent about fees, costs and what to expect for the next steps.

Finally, reputation is key for helping you decide who to hire. Recommendations from friends or family is a good place to start. Even if you don’t have a personal recommendation there are plenty of places to look online for reviews. Avvo, Google, Lawyers.com are all good resources for online reviews. Take the time to read why an attorney received a good or bad review to determine what it really is like should you hire them.

How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Suffolk County DWI Attorney?

Each attorney bases their fees on several factors, the first being the severity of the charge. The more serious the charge, the more work that is going to be involved in the case and ultimately the more it will cost you. The fees the attorney may charge though will vary. One attorney might be cheaper, but this could actually be a red flag. The cheaper option could also indicate that the attorney is not as experienced or well-versed in the circumstances you are facing for your DWI defense case. Quality representation should be the main concern when finding the best Suffolk County DWI Lawyer.

Additionally, most Suffolk County DWI Lawyers charge in one of three ways. An hourly rate, a fee per court appearance or a flat rate for the whole case. Most attorneys will have two fees depending on how far the case progresses. One if the charge is resolved as a plea bargain before trial, and one if the case needs to go to trial. Personally, I charge a flat rate for all of my clients. So my clients know exactly what to expect to pay if the case is worked out in a plea bargain as well as how much it would cost if the case goes to trial

How do I Win my DWI Case?

The most important thing to do is hire an experienced Suffolk County DWI lawyer with a very strong background in favorably resolving DWI cases. This fact can not be stressed enough. DWI is a very discreet area of law with specific prosecutors, judges and other court resources devoted to it. Your attorney must be thoroughly familiar with these people and places in order to navigate you to the best possible resolution. Do your homework and only higher an attorney who concentrates his practice in defending those accused of DWI. I am proud of my track record of reducing DWI charges to non-criminal dispositions as well as obtaining dismissals by motion and after trial, when necessary.

Should I Have Submitted to the Breath Test?

This answer requires nuance. It really depends on the scenario. Did you consume alcohol before driving? If yes, what type of alcohol and what quantity? Were you involved in a motor vehicle accident or stopped for some other reason? Were you stopped a a police check-point? Have you been arrested before for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol? Has your license previously been suspended in the last five years for any other reason?

Rest assured, no matter whether you submitted to the test or refused, I will develop a tailored strategy to favorably resolve your case and get you back on the road as soon as possible. When I talk to a new client, I have them answer the above questions and I then discuss the next steps to move their case in a positive direction. I am often able to lay out the road map for success early in the representation. This decisiveness always makes my client feel less stressed and confident about the future outcome to his or her case.

Why should you only hire an attorney who concentrates in DWI cases?

When I first started practicing 28 years ago I felt that I could win every case that I handled. I quickly learned the value of day in and day out experience. Not only do we live in a world with many laws and rules, the professionals who enforce those rules (judges, prosecutors and court personnel ) are all individuals with the same personality variations that we all have. There is no way to be the best Suffolk County DWI Lawyer until you have spent many years in the trenches with the Judges, lawyers and court personnel who handle these matters.

My experience has brought me to the point where I can assess the facts of a case and my client’s background efficiently to develop not only a legal strategy, but what I like to call a “personal strategy”. Simply put, my personal strategy is my decision making about not only how to approach and negotiate with prosecutors, but also which supervising prosecutor to approach based on my assessment of my client, their case and their background. I could never have done this with the level of efficiency I now possess, when I first started practicing. The years of day-in and day-out experience have honed my skills and allowed me to be one of the most successful attorneys practicing DWI defense in Suffolk and Nassau Counties.

I’ve been charged with a crime, Is my reputation ruined?

No! This is often the most critical issue for any client. Our reputation in society is extremely important! I will show you that an allegation does not equal guilt. I am acutely sensitive to my client’s need to protect his/her reputation. My client’s reputation and freedom are my main concerns and I have many proven strategies to make sure both are fully protected.

I’ve been charged with a Leandra's Law felony for driving under the influence with my child in my car. What van I do?

Leandra’s Law DWI offenses carry potential long-term incarceration in state’s prison as a penalty. This does not mean that you will be sentenced to jail time. It is in these situations that the skill and experience of the Suffolk County DWI Lawyer you hire is critical. I avoid jail for my clients in the overwhelming majority of cases I handle. Even in cases where jail time seems certain, I have often found the way to avoid it. I will do everything in my power to keep you or your loved one out of jail.

I’ve been charged with a FELONY DWI !! what can I do to avoid jail??

Now, more than ever, you need the best Suffolk County DWI Lawyer that you can find. Having handled approximately 500 plus DWI cases, many of which were felonies, I am aware and know how to take advantage of various strategies to get you a favorable result. I will develop a plan that we will execute together to insure you get the best result. Many of my clients who were in a similar position to you, were able to achieve a winning result- no criminal record!

I have a new DWI charge, can I represent myself?

While everyone does have the right to self representation, I strongly recommend that you hire an experienced and talented Suffolk County DWI lawyer. DWI charges could have lasting ramifications and the best way to protect yourself is to hire the best Suffolk County DWI lawyer that you can find. I have been voted best lawyer on Long Island for three consecutive years and always enjoy meeting new clients and helping them reach a favorable result in their case. Don’t hesitate to text or call me directly at (631) 903-3733

Schedule a Free Consultation

Suffolk County DWI Lawyer Who Maintains A Manageable Caseload & Is Hands-On With All Clients.

I never take-on more criminal and DWI cases than I can handle. I am the Suffolk County DWI Lawyer who will personally resolve or take your case to trial. Many so-called criminal lawyers practice in volume, taking on as many cases as possible. These lawyers can not give anywhere near the level of service that I provide to each of my clients.

I am often retained to handle cases for clients who originally started with other attorneys. These clients greatly appreciate the attention and concentrated effort that I give. When you hire Edward Palermo – you get Edward Palermo. I will handle all important aspects of your case. I will never delegate to my staff what your attorney should do!

Injured in an accident? Visit our personal injury site.

Do not hesitate to text or call me on my cell for the fastest response.

Office Phone (9am-5pm M-F)

Cell Phone (24/7)