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
Nassau County Sex Crimes Defense Attorney
Being accused of a sex crime in Nassau County is one of the most serious charges you can face. Whether you were arrested in Mineola, Hempstead, Long Beach, or anywhere in Nassau County, you need an experienced defense attorney who knows the local courts and prosecutors.
As a Nassau County criminal defense lawyer with over 31 years of experience, I have successfully defended clients facing sex crime allegations at the Nassau County Court in Mineola 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 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.
Throughout the pre-trial litigation and hearings, the detective was dismissive and condescending, relying on a deeply biased narrative pushed by my client’s ex-wife. Refusing to settle for a career-destroying plea bargain, I pushed the case to a full jury trial in the Mineola County Court. On cross-examination, I caught the lead detective in a critical error and confronted him on the stand in front of the jury, shattering his credibility as the state’s evidence unraveled. The Nassau County jury returned a unanimous NOT GUILTY verdict on all counts, completely clearing my client’s name and preserving his professional career.
When your reputation, professional license, and liberty are on the line, passive defense is not an option. Text my cell directly 24/7 to put an experienced trial lawyer in your corner.
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
“Edward was very knowledgable, kept the process simple and protected…”
Edward was very knowledgable, kept the process simple and protected my interest with professionalism.
“I highly recommend my lawyer! He was able to get…”
I highly recommend my lawyer! He was able to get my charge reduced from a misdemeanor to a traffic violation. He always took the time to explain what was going to happen at each court date, and everything played out exactly how he said it would. Very knowledgeable and great at what he does. If anyone is looking for a reliable and effective lawyer, he’s the one to go to!
“Ed is a great lawyer!”
Ed is a great lawyer! Very intelligent and with his 30+ years experience really gives him upper hand on trials and other criminal cases. Highly recommend him.
“Ed did an AMAZING job for me. I got my…”
Ed did an AMAZING job for me. I got my 2nd DWI within 7 years...driving with a revoked license from the first DWI. I had 5 charges at all thrown at me. Ed managed to get me the greatest deal. Only charge was DWI (which I deserved). Unreal. Thanks Ed!!!;
“I cannot recommend Mr. Edward Palermo highly enough. I was…”
I cannot recommend Mr. Edward Palermo highly enough. I was facing both a DWI charge and a refusal to blow, and it was one of the scariest times of my life. I didn’t know what to expect, but from the very beginning, Mr. Palermo treated me like a person, not just another case!!! He answered every call, text, and question I had without judgment and with total patience and support. He is extremely knowledgeable and respected in the courtroom, exactly what you need when you're dealing with something this serious. He truly cared about me and was fully focused on getting the best possible outcome. The District Attorney was adamant about giving me probation, but Mr. Palermo wouldn’t give up. He fought hard for me, and because of his commitment, I received a conditional discharge with no probation, something I didn’t think was even possible. If you're fighting a DWI or a refusal case and need someone who knows the system, will stand by you, and fight for you til the end, Mr. Palermo is the attorney you want in your corner! I can’t thank you enough Mr. Palermo!!!!
“...Thanks to his services, I am living a much better life...”
Edward was nothing but a true professional when helping me with my situation. Thanks to his services, I am living a much better life. Thank you.
Sex crimes in Nassau County are prosecuted aggressively by the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office. Cases are heard at Nassau County Court in Mineola for felonies and at various District Courts for misdemeanors.
Nassau County Court (Mineola) – All felony sex crimes including rape, sexual assault, and child pornography.
First District Court (Hempstead) – Misdemeanor sex crimes for western Nassau County.
Second District Court (Westbury) – Misdemeanor sex crimes for central and eastern Nassau County.
Long Beach City Court – Local violations within Long Beach city limits.
Various Town Courts – Local violations and initial appearances.
Rape charges in Nassau 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.
Nassau 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 Nassau County, particularly when they involve minors or vulnerable adults.
If convicted, you will face SORA registration requirements. The Nassau County Police Department handles registration and community notification for Level 2 and 3 offenders.
False accusations occur in Nassau 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 Nassau County investigations.
We fight at SORA hearings at Nassau 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 Nassau 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 Nassau County communities including Mineola, Hempstead, Long Beach, and Garden City.
After conviction in Nassau County Court (Mineola), 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 Nassau County Court in Mineola. 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 Nassau County Police Department in Mineola. Level 2 and 3 offenders will have community notification through the Nassau County Police Department.
The best defense against SORA is avoiding conviction in the first place at Nassau County Court. We fight aggressively to get charges dismissed or reduced to non-SORA eligible offenses.
If convicted, we fight at your Nassau County SORA hearing to minimize your risk level by presenting comprehensive mitigation and challenging the prosecution’s risk factors.
For Level 1 offenders in Nassau 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 Nassau County Court in Mineola. Misdemeanors are heard at First District Court in Hempstead, Second District Court in Westbury, or Long Beach City Court depending on where the alleged offense occurred.
Sex crimes cases in Nassau 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 Nassau County District Attorney.
31+ years of criminal defense experience in Nassau County, deep knowledge of local courts and prosecutors, access to expert witnesses, and commitment to protecting your rights and reputation.
