Award Winning &
Highly Rated
I have been voted "Best Lawyer on Long Island for the last 5 years, I was featured as a Trailblazer by the prestigious New York Law Journal in 2019 and have a perfect 10 “superb” rating from AVVO.
There is no Lawyer fighting harder than me!
I treasure my clients 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.
I am always directly available to my clients
All of my clients receive my personal cell phone number. Clients can contact me anytime. New clients can feel free to text me anytime as well on my cell (631) 903-3733
Speak Directly To Ed Today
We understand this can be one of the most embarrassing, stressful times in their lives. We are here to help.
I treasure my clients and will do everything in my power to get you a great result.
- Ed Palermo
East Hampton Criminal Defense Lawyer
East Hampton Criminal Defense Attorney
If you’ve been arrested in East Hampton, you need local representation. I’m Ed Palermo, and I’ve been defending criminal cases in East Hampton Town Court for over 31 years. I know Judge Lisa Rana. I know Judge Steven Tekulsky. I know the prosecutors at the Suffolk County DA’s East End Bureau. I own a home in the area. This is my community, and I know how to defend cases here.
East Hampton is one of the busiest courts in the Hamptons, especially during summer. The village attracts visitors from around the world, particularly New York City. With that influx comes increased police enforcement, more arrests, and packed court calendars. DWI cases spike. Petit larceny. Assault. Criminal mischief. Even more serious charges like burglary and robbery. The alcohol, the crowds, the late nights—it all adds up to a lot of criminal cases.
Over 31 Years Defending East Hampton Cases • I Own a Home in the Area • Direct Access 24/7: (631) 903-3733
Notable Case Results
With over 31 years of experience defending clients in East Hampton and throughout Long Island, I have achieved numerous successful outcomes. From dismissals to acquittals to reduced charges, my track record speaks for itself. Every case is unique, and I bring the same dedication and aggressive defense to each client I represent.
Notable Verdicts & Results
Assault 2nd Degree - NOT GUILTY
Client charged with felony assault after bar fight in East Hampton. After thorough cross-examination of witnesses and challenging inconsistencies in police reports, jury returned NOT GUILTY verdict.
Grand Larceny 3rd Degree - DISMISSED
Felony theft charge dismissed after successful motion to suppress evidence obtained during illegal search. Client walked away with no criminal record.
Criminal Possession Controlled Substance - ACD
Drug possession charge resolved through Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD). Case sealed and dismissed after six months, leaving client with clean record.
Robbery 2nd Degree - Reduced to Petit Larceny
Serious felony robbery charge reduced to misdemeanor petit larceny through negotiation with Suffolk County DA. Client avoided prison time and felony conviction.
Criminal Mischief 3rd Degree - DISMISSED
Property damage charge dismissed on speedy trial grounds after prosecution failed to meet constitutional deadlines. Complete dismissal, no plea required.
Trespass 3dr degree
ACOD granted- dismissal after 6 months. Client, a foreign national, still has clean record. Visa and reputation protected
Criminal Contempt 2nd Degree - DISMISSED
Violation of order of protection charge dismissed after demonstrating client had legitimate reason for contact and no willful violation occurred.
Burglary 2nd Degree - NOT GUILTY
Client acquitted of felony burglary charges after challenging identification evidence and establishing alibi. Jury deliberated less than two hours before returning NOT GUILTY verdict.
About Attorney Edward Palermo
Why You Need a Local East Hampton Criminal Defense Lawyer
East Hampton Town Court operates Monday through Friday with court sessions starting at 9:30 AM and running into the afternoon. The court is located at 159 Pantigo Road in East Hampton. Unlike some village courts that meet only at night, East Hampton runs regular business-hour sessions, which means your case moves quickly.
Judge Rana and Judge Tekulsky both preside over criminal matters. I’ve appeared before both judges hundreds of times over the years. I know their judicial temperament. I know what arguments work and what doesn’t. I know how they handle first-time offenders versus repeat offenders. That courtroom experience matters when you’re standing in front of the bench.
The cases are prosecuted by assistant district attorneys from the Suffolk County DA’s East End Bureau. I’ve known these prosecutors for decades. We’ve negotiated countless plea agreements. We’ve tried cases against each other. We have professional relationships built on mutual respect. When it comes time to negotiate a favorable outcome for you, those relationships help.
This isn’t a courthouse where you want an out-of-town lawyer showing up unfamiliar with the local procedures. East Hampton has its own rhythm, its own culture. Summer brings an explosion of cases. Tourists arrested for DWI after a night out in Montauk. Underage drinking on the beach. Shoplifting from Main Street boutiques. Disorderly conduct. The court sees it all, and they move cases fast.
Testimonials
"...very hard working and did his best to get me a favorable outcome."
I hired attorney Ed Palermo when I was facing robbery charges last year. He was very hard working and did his best to get me a favorable outcome. Thank you, Ed!
Gabrielle S.
"Ed Palermo is your best option."
Attorney Palermo was my domestic violence defense lawyer when I was accused of domestic violence. I had a really hard time when I was charged but attorney Palermo was there to make the process easier. There's no one else I would recommend. If you are facing domestic violence charges in New York, Ed Palermo is your best option.
Jack B.
"He is extremely sharp in court..."
I had reverently used Ed Palermo as my attorney in a criminal case. Was extremely pleased with the outcome. He is extremely sharp in court and reached the exact outcome we had discussed prior. I would strongly recommend to anyone.
Billy P.
"So grateful!"
Having attorney Ed Palermo as my defense attorney was an amazing experience. He knew the law inside and out and kept me updated throughout my case. So grateful!
Richie W.
"Miracle worker and such a gentleman."
I searched for a lawyer for a friend of mine and hands down Ed is the Best lawyer on Long Island. The Best!!!!!!! I’d refer him to anyone. Miracle worker and such a gentleman.
Catherine F.
"... took care of me through every stage."
Ed guided and took care of me through every stage. Any question I had or concern he would explain the situation, options and how we overcome it to resolve the best outcome for me.
Ed H.
Online Ratings
Practice Areas
View AllEast Hampton Criminal Defense Information
Common Criminal Charges in East Hampton
The charges I handle in East Hampton Town Court include:
DWI and DWAI: East Hampton sees a tremendous volume of DWI arrests, especially during summer months. Police patrol heavily along Montauk Highway, Route 27, and local roads leading to beaches and restaurants. Sobriety checkpoints. Late-night traffic stops. Many arrests happen between Memorial Day and Labor Day when the population explodes.
Assault and Domestic Violence: Crowded bars, alcohol, relationship disputes—assault charges are common in East Hampton. Simple assault. Aggravated assault. Harassment. Criminal contempt for violating orders of protection. These cases require careful handling because prosecutors take them seriously, especially in domestic violence contexts.
Petit Larceny and Shoplifting: Main Street shops, boutiques, grocery stores—shoplifting arrests happen regularly. What starts as a minor theft charge can snowball into bigger problems if you don’t have experienced counsel. Many first-time offenders don’t realize a guilty plea creates a permanent criminal record.
Drug Possession: Possession of marijuana, cocaine, prescription pills without authorization. Drug charges range from violations to felonies depending on the substance and quantity. I know how to challenge illegal searches and seizures that lead to drug arrests.
Criminal Mischief and Trespass: Property damage, graffiti, trespassing on private beaches or estates. These charges are more common than people think, especially during summer when visitors don’t always understand local property laws.
Burglary and Robbery: More serious felony charges that require immediate, aggressive representation. These cases often get moved to Suffolk County Court in Riverhead, but they start in East Hampton Town Court for arraignment and preliminary proceedings.
How I Defend East Hampton Criminal Cases
Every case is different, but my approach remains the same: investigate thoroughly, challenge weaknesses in the prosecution’s case, and fight for the best possible outcome.
Investigation: I review every piece of evidence. Police reports. Arrest videos. Witness statements. In DWI cases, I examine breathalyzer calibration records, blood test procedures, and field sobriety test administration. I’m looking for mistakes, constitutional violations, and weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
Motion Practice: If the police violated your rights during the arrest or search, I file motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges entirely. I’ve won cases this way before trial even starts.
Negotiation: I leverage my decades of experience with East End prosecutors to negotiate favorable outcomes. Reduced charges. Alternative sentencing. ACDs (Adjournments in Contemplation of Dismissal) that result in no criminal record if you stay out of trouble. Conditional discharges. I know what’s possible in this courthouse, and I know how to get it.
Trial: If we can’t reach a fair agreement, I take cases to trial. I’ve secured NOT GUILTY verdicts in assault cases, DWI cases, and other criminal matters throughout the East End. I know how to cross-examine police officers. I know how to present a defense. I’m not afraid to fight.
Why Experience in East Hampton Matters: East Hampton isn’t just another courthouse to me. I own a home here. I appear in this court regularly. I know the judges, the prosecutors, the court staff. I understand the seasonal dynamics—how summer brings an explosion of cases and how the court handles the volume. That local knowledge gives my clients an edge.
If you’ve been arrested in East Hampton, don’t wait. Call me directly at (631) 903-3733. You can text me anytime. I respond quickly, especially in urgent situations like post-arrest bail issues or upcoming court dates. Your first consultation is free and confidential.
I also maintain an office in East Hampton at 9 Willow Lane, making it convenient to meet in person if needed. Whether you’re a year-round resident, a seasonal visitor, or a tourist facing charges far from home, I’m here to help. Let me put my 31 years of East Hampton courtroom experience to work for you.
Honors & Recognition
