Over 31 years · Long Island criminal defense
Over 31 years · Long Island criminal defense
I've personally defended over 2,000 people across Nassau & Suffolk for 31 years. Tell me what happened and I'll text you back.
150+ Five-Star Reviews
"Superb" Avvo Rating for over a decade
Suffolk County Sex Crimes Defense Attorney
Being accused of a sex crime in Suffolk County is one of the most serious charges you can face. Whether you were arrested in Riverhead, Hauppauge, Central Islip, or anywhere in Suffolk County, you need an experienced defense attorney who knows the local courts and prosecutors.
As a Suffolk County criminal defense lawyer with over 31 years of experience, I have successfully defended clients facing sex crime allegations at the Suffolk County Court in Riverhead and all District Courts throughout the county.
I will answer all of your questions. I will explain the criminal charges you face. I will explain potential strategies to win your case. New clients ALWAYS feel better after they speak to me.
Ed Palermo
Why clients choose Ed
7-Time Best Lawyer & Highly Rated
Featured as a New York Law Journal Trailblazer and maintained a "Superb" AVVO Rating for over a decade. Voted 7-Time Winner of the Best of Long Island.
Unrivaled Criminal Trial Advocacy
I personally defend your freedom with over 31 years of exclusive criminal trial experience. I do everything in my power to dismantle the prosecution's evidence and secure a "Not Guilty" verdict.
Direct Access To Your Attorney
Every client receives my personal cell phone number. You will never be handed off to a junior associate; you deal directly with me from your initial arrest to the final resolution of your case.
Text Ed Palermo Personally Today
We understand this is an overwhelming time. I am available 24/7 to provide the certainty you need. Text or call me directly right now at (631) 903-3733
Recognized by the community
Voted Best of Long Island by readers of BestOfLongIsland.com — alongside a New York Law Journal Trailblazer Award and a “Superb” Avvo rating held for over a decade.
Featured Trial Result
I represented a client charged with the sexual abuse of two minors. I negotiated a reduction to two disorderly conduct violations. There was no criminal conviction, and my client was only required to pay a small fine.
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Legal disclaimer
I represented a high-earning financial professional in Nassau County who was falsely accused of a Class D felony sexual assault stemming from historical allegations raised by a stepdaughter. My client faced up to 7 years in state prison. The prosecution and the lead detective were heavily motivated, convinced of my client's guilt, and pursued maximum prison exposure.
I represented a young MRI technician in Nassau County District Court facing a serious allegation of forcible touching by a patient. My client maintained his complete innocence, so I rejected the District Attorney's plea offer and took the case to trial. The verdict was NOT GUILTY, and my client's career and life were restored.
I represented a client charged with the sexual abuse of two minors. I negotiated a reduction to two disorderly conduct violations. There was no criminal conviction, and my client was only required to pay a small fine.
Meet Ed Palermo
I have dedicated over 31 years to criminal defense, representing more than 2,000 Long Island residents facing charges ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies. My practice focuses exclusively on high-stakes criminal trial defense and DWI defense across Nassau County, Suffolk County, and the East End.
I appear regularly in the Nassau County Court in Mineola defending serious felony indictments, the First District Court in Hempstead handling misdemeanor offenses, the Cohalan Court Complex in Central Islip handling Suffolk County misdemeanors and lower felonies, the Suffolk County Court in Riverhead for serious felony and DWI matters, and local village and town justice courts across the East End from Westhampton through Montauk. I know the prosecutors, the judges, and the distinct court culture in each jurisdiction. That knowledge comes only from decades of consistent daily courtroom presence.
My trial experience matters. I have secured not guilty verdicts in complex felony cases including First Degree Assault, First Degree Robbery, Second Degree Burglary charged as a persistent violent felony offender, First Degree Rape, felony sexual assault, and DWI accidents. I have negotiated favorable, non-custodial outcomes in cases where clients faced state prison time. I have successfully gotten serious felony charges reduced and dismissed when prosecutors were certain they held airtight cases.
But what I am most proud of is how my clients feel after our first conversation. That initial crushing wave of panic transforms into absolute confidence once they realize they have an experienced advocate who knows exactly how to dismantle the District Attorney’s case.
Client Reviews
“Ed Palermo is an excellent and very professional attorney. He…”
Ed Palermo is an excellent and very professional attorney. He works to achieve the best possible outcome for the client. He is always very personable and easy to talk to.
“Attorney Rafael Zapata is outstanding. With over 25 years of…”
Attorney Rafael Zapata is outstanding. With over 25 years of criminal defense experience and the ability to serve clients in both English and Spanish, he makes the process smooth and clear for everyone. His professionalism and dedication truly set him apart. Highly recommend this firm for anyone needing trusted legal representation.
“I highly recommend Ed Palermo as a top-notch criminal defense…”
I highly recommend Ed Palermo as a top-notch criminal defense lawyer. He represented a family member of mine with incredible skill, dedication, and professionalism. From the very beginning, Ed Palermo took the time to explain every step of the legal process, answered all our questions, and provided unwavering support. He fought tirelessly to ensure the best possible outcome, and thanks to his hard work and expertise, our family member’s case was resolved successfully. Ed Palermo is not only highly knowledgeable but also genuinely cares about his clients, treating them with respect and compassion. If you need a strong, reliable, and experienced defense attorney, I wholeheartedly recommend Ed Palermo.
“great lawyer, he has helped me out with a couple…”
great lawyer, he has helped me out with a couple cases now and every time it’s a win. great price for the amazing work that he does. i will always call him if needed.
“Edward Palermo is confident, smart, and extremely knowledgeable. He knows…”
Edward Palermo is confident, smart, and extremely knowledgeable. He knows everything about the law. He knows how to effectively argue a case and is always available when you have a question. He is very passionate and genuinely cares about his clients and their future.
“Edward Palermo is an extremely gifted attorney. I know well…”
Edward Palermo is an extremely gifted attorney. I know well as he represented me and my family recently. Previously I worked for a number of lawyers over the years so can well differentiate between the not so good and the great. Ed is great. He's well versed in the law, and has extreme expertise in dealing with the Police, District Attorneys and most importantly Judges as well. He leaves his clients feeling confident and in good hands. Ed goes the extra mile for you and always gets back to you to answer any questions you have. He's a fantastic attorney!
Sex crimes in Suffolk County are prosecuted aggressively by the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office. Cases are heard at Suffolk County Court in Riverhead for felonies and at various District Courts for misdemeanors.
Suffolk County Court (Riverhead) – All felony sex crimes including rape, sexual assault, and child pornography.
First District Court (Central Islip) – Misdemeanor sex crimes for western Suffolk County.
Second District Court (Hauppauge) – Misdemeanor sex crimes for eastern Suffolk County.
Various Town Courts – Local violations and initial appearances.
Rape charges in Suffolk County carry severe penalties. First-degree rape can result in up to 25 years in state prison. These cases often involve complex issues of consent and require immediate legal intervention.
Suffolk County actively investigates child pornography cases, often involving computer forensics and federal cooperation. Early intervention by an experienced attorney is critical.
Charges involving inappropriate sexual contact are prosecuted vigorously in Suffolk County, particularly when they involve minors or vulnerable adults.
If convicted, you will face SORA registration requirements. The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office handles registration and community notification for Level 2 and 3 offenders.
False accusations occur in Suffolk County due to custody battles, divorce proceedings, and personal vendettas. We investigate thoroughly to expose false claims.
In many cases, the issue is whether the encounter was consensual. We gather evidence to establish consent was given.
We challenge illegal searches, improper forensic analysis, and chain of custody issues that commonly arise in Suffolk County investigations.
We fight at SORA hearings at Suffolk County Court to minimize your risk level and avoid the most burdensome registration requirements.
The Sex Offender Registration Act (SORA) is one of the most severe consequences of a sex crime conviction in New York. If convicted in Suffolk County, you will be required to register as a sex offender, with potential lifetime registration depending on your risk level.
Level 1 (Low Risk): Registration for 20 years. Information shared with law enforcement only.
Level 2 (Moderate Risk): Registration for life. Information shared with law enforcement and available to public through online directory.
Level 3 (High Risk): Registration for life. Active community notification including postcards to neighbors, schools, and organizations throughout Suffolk County.
After conviction in Suffolk County Court (Riverhead), the court orders a risk assessment conducted by the Board of Examiners of Sex Offenders. This evaluation determines your risk level based on offense details, criminal history, and psychological evaluation.
You have the right to challenge your assigned risk level at a hearing, typically held at Suffolk County Court. This is critical because we can present mitigating evidence, challenge risk factors, and potentially reduce from Level 3 to 2, or Level 2 to 1.
Once your risk level is determined, you must register in person at the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office. Level 2 and 3 offenders will have community notification through the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office.
The best defense against SORA is avoiding conviction in the first place at Suffolk County Court. We fight aggressively to get charges dismissed or reduced to non-SORA eligible offenses.
If convicted, we fight at your Suffolk County SORA hearing to minimize your risk level by presenting comprehensive mitigation and challenging the prosecution’s risk factors.
For Level 1 offenders in Suffolk County, you may petition for relief from registration after 20 years. For Level 2 and 3, we can petition for downward modification based on years of compliance and clean record.
Felony sex crimes are heard at Suffolk County Court in Riverhead. Misdemeanors are heard at First District Court in Central Islip or Second District Court in Hauppauge depending on where the alleged offense occurred.
Sex crimes cases in Suffolk County typically take 6-18 months from arrest to resolution, depending on complexity and whether the case goes to trial.
The best way to avoid SORA is to avoid conviction. We fight aggressively to get charges dismissed or reduced to non-SORA eligible offenses. If convicted, we fight to minimize your risk level at the SORA hearing.
False accusations are common in custody and divorce cases. We investigate thoroughly, gather exculpatory evidence, and expose false claims to the Suffolk County District Attorney.
31+ years of criminal defense experience in Suffolk County, deep knowledge of local courts and prosecutors, access to expert witnesses, and commitment to protecting your rights and reputation.
