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Ed Palermo

Over 31 years · Long Island criminal defense

Facing a Charge?
Talk to Ed.
Ed Palermo

Over 31 years · Long Island criminal defense

Facing a Criminal Charge in Riverhead? You Need Certainty, Not Guilt.

I've personally defended over 2,000 people across Nassau & Suffolk for 31 years. Tell me what happened and I'll text you back.

My cell, 24/7 (631) 903-3733
5 stars 150+ Five-Star Reviews "Superb" Avvo Rating for over a decade
7x Best Lawyer of Long Island
2,000+ Clients personally represented
31 Years criminal trial experience
NY Law Journal Trailblazer Award
24/7 Direct access to your attorney

Riverhead Criminal Defense Lawyer

Experienced Criminal Defense Attorneys Serving Riverhead, NY

My name is Edward Palermo and I am a highly-successful Riverhead Criminal Lawyer with over three decades of experience. I handle the most serious felony cases as well as misdemeanors and DWI cases. I have an outstanding track record and I am here to help. If you or a loved one needs a Riverhead Criminal Lawyer, please do not hesitate to call me.

click here to text my cell TEXT ED NOW

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

A Riverhead Criminal Defense Lawyer Known For Client Satisfaction

Over the years, I have built a history of client satisfaction and industry recognition. I take pride in my success as a Riverhead Criminal Lawyer. I was recently honored by being named to the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Criminal Lawyers for the third straight year! I also hold a “Superb” rating of 9.5/10 from the independent, highly-regarded lawyer directory AVVO.

I’ve also been selected by The National Association of Distinguished Counsel to the Top One Percent of Lawyers in the entire nation! I provide the highest level of professionalism and personal attention to each and every one of my clients.

Riverhead Criminal Lawyer With Top Ratings

Facing a criminal charge can be scary, and I know you have a lot of questions. The first thing you need to do is relax. Take a deep breath. I know how stressful criminal charges can be. But I’m a firm believer in putting things into perspective. You have merely been ACCUSED of committing a crime. The Presumption of Innocence is the bedrock of our criminal justice system. I will make sure that it is given to you!

Hiring the right criminal attorney is so crucial to a positive outcome. I have been in the criminal law trenches in Suffolk County, Nassau County and New York City for over 31 years! A lot of lawyers with general practices will dabble in criminal law. Avoid them at all costs. A criminal case is much too serious to leave in the hands of a non-specialist. No matter what your case is, or what’s involved, it won’t surprise me. I have seen it all.

I’ve forged honorable relationships with both judges and prosecutors. These relationships are incredibly important when it comes to criminal cases. I value them as an asset when representing my clients. I am a Riverhead Criminal Lawyer with the professional connections and concentrated experience to get you the positive outcome you need.

Recognized by the community

7-Time Best Lawyer on Long Island

2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2026

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.

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Featured Trial Result

Second Degree Burglary Trial, Life Imprisonment Exposure NOT GUILTY

I represented a client facing a Second Degree Burglary indictment. Because of his prior criminal record, the District Attorney's office formally designated him as a persistent violent felony offender under New York Penal Law § 70.08, exposing him to a mandatory enhanced sentence carrying a maximum of life imprisonment. The prosecution took an absolute zero-plea-bargain stance, offering no alternative short of maximum state prison time.

Refusing to compromise, I took the case to a full jury trial at the Cromarty Court Complex in Riverhead. Through aggressive cross-examination of the state’s witnesses and a meticulous deconstruction of the forensic timeline, I undermined the prosecutor’s theory of the case. The Suffolk County jury returned a unanimous NOT GUILTY verdict on all counts. My client, who had been held in the Suffolk County Jail for more than eight months awaiting trial, was immediately released from custody as a free man.

When your life is on the line and prosecutors refuse to bend, you need a relentless trial lawyer. Text my cell directly 24/7 to put 31+ years of criminal defense experience in your corner.

Notable Case Results, across Suffolk County

NOT GUILTY

First Degree Assault Trial

I represented a young man charged with First Degree Assault and a number of additional felonies and misdemeanors carrying a maximum sentence of 25 years in state prison and a minimum of 5 years upon conviction. The Suffolk County District Attorney's office took a hardline stance and offered a plea deal of 15 years in state prison. Refusing to accept a career-destroying outcome for my client, I rejected the offer and scheduled the matter for trial in the New York State Supreme Court.

NOT GUILTY

Second Degree Burglary Trial, Life Imprisonment Exposure

I represented a client facing a Second Degree Burglary indictment. Because of his prior criminal record, the District Attorney's office formally designated him as a persistent violent felony offender under New York Penal Law § 70.08, exposing him to a mandatory enhanced sentence carrying a maximum of life imprisonment. The prosecution took an absolute zero-plea-bargain stance, offering no alternative short of maximum state prison time.

NOT GUILTY

First Degree Rape, Two Defendants

I represented two clients charged with First Degree Rape, each facing up to 25 years in state prison. The matter went to trial in the New York State Supreme Court in Suffolk County. Both clients were acquitted of all charges.

NOT GUILTY

First Degree Robbery at Gunpoint

I represented a client accused of a gunpoint First Degree Robbery, facing up to 25 years in state prison. I tried the case and convinced a Suffolk County jury to acquit on all charges.

NOT GUILTY

Second Degree Assault After East Hampton Bar Fight

I represented a client charged with felony assault after a bar fight in East Hampton. Through thorough cross-examination of the witnesses and by challenging the inconsistencies in the police reports, I won a NOT GUILTY verdict from the jury.

REDUCED TO MISDEMEANOR

Second Degree Robbery Reduced to Petit Larceny

I represented a client facing a serious felony robbery charge. Through negotiation with the Suffolk County District Attorney, I had the charge reduced to misdemeanor petit larceny. My client avoided prison time and a felony conviction.

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Meet Ed Palermo

Your Suffolk Criminal Defense Attorney

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

Client Reviews from our Suffolk Office

“Ed Palermo is an excellent and very professional attorney. He…”
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

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.

Roxanne Thomas June 2026 Google
“Attorney Rafael Zapata is outstanding. With over 25 years of…”
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

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.

Ali hassan September 2025 Google
“I highly recommend Ed Palermo as a top-notch criminal defense…”
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

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.

Tameika Bartley February 2025 Google
“great lawyer, he has helped me out with a couple…”
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

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.

dereck valarezo February 2025 Google
“Edward Palermo is confident, smart, and extremely knowledgeable. He knows…”
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

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.

E D February 2025 Google
“Edward Palermo is an extremely gifted attorney. I know well…”
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

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!

Susanne Day February 2025 Google

Online Ratings

The Essential Riverhead Criminal Defense Advocate

Edward Palermo is Here For You

Any questions that you have, I will answer. I will explain the criminal charges you face as well as potential strategies to win your case! New clients ALWAYS feel better after meeting with me. Information and knowledge are power. After meeting with me, you will fully know and understand the legal concepts involved in your case. You will also realize that there is light at the end of the tunnel, and I will guide you there.

My experience as a Riverhead Criminal Lawyer is beyond extensive. I have represented thousands of defendants in criminal and driving while intoxicated cases in both Suffolk County and Nassau County courts.

I will create the necessary strategy to defend you in your case. There is no substitute for experience when it comes to a criminal lawyer. Trust your case to a Riverhead Criminal Lawyer who is confident, aggressive and experienced.

Charged with DWI in Riverhead?

If you are facing DWI charges in Riverhead, I can help. Visit my Riverhead DWI Defense page to learn how I defend clients arrested for driving while intoxicated in Suffolk County.

Honors & Recognition