30+ Years Defending Shelter Island DWI Cases
I have spent over 30 years defending clients arrested for DWI on Shelter Island. I know the judges, prosecutors, and unique court procedures at Shelter Island Town Court.
2,000+ DWI Cases Handled
From ferry area checkpoints to serious felony DWI charges, I have successfully defended thousands of DWI cases for Shelter Island residents and visitors.
Direct Access to Your Attorney
When you hire me, you get my personal cell phone number: (631) 903-3733. I am available 24/7 because I know DWI arrests do not happen on a schedule.
Shelter Island DWI Expertise
Shelter Island is unique—only accessible by ferry, limited transportation options. I understand the local enforcement patterns and court procedures that affect your DWI case.
Shelter Island DWI Lawyer
If you have been arrested for DWI on Shelter Island, you need a DWI defense attorney who understands the unique aspects of defending cases in this island community. I am Ed Palermo, and I have successfully defended DWI cases in Shelter Island Town Justice Court.
Shelter Island’s isolation—accessible only by ferry—creates unique challenges for DWI defendants. The island has its own police department that actively enforces DWI laws, particularly during summer months when the population increases dramatically. The island’s restaurants, bars, and social events can lead to increased DWI arrests.
Because Shelter Island is small and tight-knit, local knowledge matters in DWI defense. I understand the island’s unique court procedures, know the local justices, and have successfully defended clients against DWI charges here. My East Hampton office is just a short ferry ride away.
If you are facing criminal charges beyond DWI on Shelter Island, visit my Shelter Island Criminal Defense page.
Aggravated DWI - NOT GUILTY at Trial
Client charged with Aggravated DWI (BAC over .18) after a traffic stop. The prosecution relied on breathalyzer results and officer observations. I challenged the calibration records of the testing equipment, the administration of field sobriety tests, and the officer’s basis for the initial stop. The jury returned a NOT GUILTY verdict. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Notable Verdicts & Results
First Degree Robbery - Acquittal At Trial
Client accused of gunpoint First Degree Robbery facing up to 25 years in state prison. Convinced a Suffolk County jury to acquit on all charges.
Second Degree Burglary - Not Guilty Verdict
Client charged with violent Second Degree Burglary faced three strikes rule and life imprisonment. Tried the case and convinced Suffolk County jury client was not guilty. Client immediately released after 8 months in jail awaiting trial.
Marijuana First Degree & Weapons Charges – Reduced to Misdemeanor, No Jail
Client charged with Criminal Possession of Marijuana First Degree and Criminal Possession of a Weapon Second Degree in Suffolk County Supreme Court. Faced decade+ in prison with $1 million bail. Got bail reduced to $400,000, marijuana charge dismissed, negotiated to misdemeanor with no jail and no probation. Cash seized at arrest returned to client.
Assault - Case Dismissed
Client arrested for assault after violent altercation. Secured release on low bail and the matter was ultimately dismissed. Case reported on News 12, WABC, and WCBS.
Meet Ed Palermo
Why Choose Edward Palermo for Your DWI Defense?
Your Trusted Shelter Island DWI Lawyer
DWI defense is not general criminal defense — it is a specialized field that requires deep technical knowledge of breathalyzer machines, blood testing procedures, field sobriety test protocols, and the science behind impairment. I have spent over 30 years building this expertise, including successfully challenging breathalyzer reliability in federal court.
When you hire me, you are not getting a lawyer who handles DWI cases on the side. I have represented over 2,000 clients facing criminal charges on Long Island, with DWI defense as a core part of my practice. I know the specific vulnerabilities in DWI evidence.
I appear regularly in Shelter Island Justice Court at 12 Center Street in Shelter Island Heights. I understand the unique logistics of practicing on the island — the ferry schedules, the small court environment, and the dynamics of a case where the arresting officer and the defendant may cross paths at the grocery store.
You get my personal cell phone number — (631) 903-3733. My East Hampton office at 9 Willow Lane is a short ferry ride from Shelter Island. I handle your case personally from start to finish.
What to Expect When You Call
I offer a free initial consultation where I review your DWI arrest details, explain the court process at Shelter Island Justice Court, and give you an honest assessment of your case. No pressure, no obligation.
Let’s Fight This Together
A DWI arrest does not have to ruin your life. Contact me today. Call my cell at (631) 903-3733 — I am ready to fight for you.
DWI Charges & Defense on Shelter Island
DWI Charges on Shelter Island — What You Are Facing
DWI (VTL § 1192.3): Standard DWI for BAC .08 or higher. Misdemeanor carrying up to one year in jail, fines up to $1,000, and minimum 6-month license revocation.
Aggravated DWI (VTL § 1192.2-a): BAC .18 or higher. Increased fines up to $2,500 and minimum one-year license revocation.
DWAI (VTL § 1192.1): BAC .05-.07. Traffic infraction, not a criminal charge. Often the target reduction in plea negotiations.
DWAI-Drugs (VTL § 1192.4): Impaired by drugs including prescription medications and marijuana.
Felony DWI: Prior conviction within 10 years or serious injury involved. Up to 4-7 years in state prison.
Boating Under the Influence (BUI): Same .08 BAC threshold applies. I defend BUI cases with the same technical rigor as DWI.
Facing Other Criminal Charges on Shelter Island?
If you are facing criminal charges other than DWI on Shelter Island, I can help. Visit my Shelter Island Criminal Defense page to learn how I defend clients charged with assault, drug offenses, theft, and other crimes.