East Hampton Criminal Defense Lawyer
When You Are Facing a Criminal Charge in the Hamptons
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.
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
One attorney. Your case, start to finish.
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
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.
Recognized by the community
7-Time Best Lawyer on Long Island
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.
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
Your East Hamton Defense Attorney
Office: 9 Willow Lane, East Hampton, NY 11937
Courts Served: East Hampton Town Justice Court, Suffolk County Court (Riverhead)
For over 31 years, I have defended clients in East Hampton and throughout the East End. I understand the local courts, the prosecutors, and how to get results for my clients. When you hire me, you get my personal commitment to your case. I will fight aggressively to protect your rights and your future.
My East Hampton office puts me minutes from the courthouse and in the same community as the clients I represent. East End cases move differently than they do in Central Islip or Riverhead. The town and village justice courts run on their own calendars, enforcement priorities shift sharply between the summer season and the rest of the year, and outcomes often turn on relationships built over decades of consistent local appearances. That familiarity is not something an attorney can develop by driving out from Nassau for a single court date.
I handle East End matters personally, from the first phone call through disposition. You will not be passed to a junior associate or an appearance attorney who has never met you. Whether your case stays in the local justice court or is elevated to Suffolk County Court in Riverhead, the same attorney who took your call is the one standing beside you in front of the judge.
If you are facing charges in East Hampton, Southampton, Sag Harbor, Montauk, or anywhere on the East End, contact me directly for a free consultation. The earlier I am involved, the more I can do to protect your license, your record, and your future.
Client Reviews
Testimonials
“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.
“...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.
“...I can finally move on with my life and serve my country”
I recently joined the military but made a mistake before I enlisted that could have seriously affected my life which I was charged for. Mr Palermo got my case dismissed. I’m so glad I can finally move on with my life and serve my country
“...when I tell you he got my case dismissed i mean DISMISSED...”
I had a DWI case in Nassau and when I tell you he got my case dismissed i mean DISMISSED and DWI wasn’t the only charge
“If you’re facing a DWI...do yourself a favor and call Ed”
Ed Palermo is an incredible attorney! Even after my DWI case was resolved very favorably, I still had the interlock device in my car. Ed took care of that as well writing a motion for early termination after 6 months maintaining the device. If you’re facing a DWI case please do yourself a favor and call Ed Palermo. Best decision I could have made!
Online Ratings
East 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
