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
Why Long Islanders Choose Award-Winning Criminal Defense
If you have been arrested or charged with a crime anywhere on Long Island, your freedom, your career, and your reputation are all immediately at risk. I am Ed Palermo, founder of Palermo Law, and for over 31 years, I have stood between my clients and the state. I have never been a prosecutor. I have never carried a DA’s office credential. My entire career has been dedicated exclusively to defending people accused of crimes and dismantling the government’s case against them.
This is not knowledge you pick up in a few years. It comes from three decades of hands-on trial experience defending more than 2,000 criminal cases across Long Island, building relationships with judges and prosecutors in every jurisdiction, and fighting for favorable outcomes in cases ranging from misdemeanor offenses to serious felonies carrying mandatory state prison time. I know which Nassau County prosecutors will negotiate and which ones never budge. I know how Suffolk County’s centralized court system operates differently from Nassau’s. I know which judges respond to mitigation arguments and which ones impose mandatory sentences. This knowledge can mean the difference between a conviction that destroys your future and a favorable resolution that lets you move on with your life.
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
Award Winning &
Highly Rated
Voted Best of Long Island for 7 years (2019–2024 & 2026), featured as a New York Law Journal Trailblazer, and maintaining a "Superb" AVVO rating for over a decade. My reputation in Nassau and Suffolk courts is built on 31+ years of trial wins and integrity.
Lifelong Defender, Never a Prosecutor
While competitors highlight past stints prosecuting citizens, my entire 31-year career has been dedicated to defending them. I have never carried a badge or a DA's office credential. My loyalty has always been to my clients, and my single-minded focus on dismantling state evidence is your decisive advantage.
No Hand-Offs, No Junior Associates
When you hire my firm, you get me personally. Every client receives my direct cell phone number for 24/7 access from the moment of arrest to the final disposition of your case. You will never be passed off to an intake coordinator, paralegal, or inexperienced associate.
Text Ed Personally Right Now
An arrest can happen at any hour. I am available right now to discuss your charges and start building your defense. Text or call my cell at (631) 903-3733 for an immediate, honest assessment of your case.
If you or a loved one is currently facing criminal allegations on Long Island, you are likely trapped in a terrifying spiral of panic, shame, and worst-case scenarios. Most clients tell me they spent nights sitting up at 2:00 AM, searching the internet for statutory penalties and convincing themselves that their life, career, and freedom were completely over. I need you to step away from the search results and take a deep breath. This is not the end of your world, and a clear path to a favorable outcome is on the horizon.
For more than 31 years, the very first conversation clients have with me brings them an instant, profound sense of relief. My job is to absorb your panic, stop the downward spiral, and get you concentrated back on your life. I do not judge you. I do not lecture you. I do not pass blame. The moment you text or call my office, I take the weight of the state off your shoulders and handle the heavy lifting. Clients consistently tell me the pure anxiety disappears after talking to me because they realize an experienced trial advocate has taken control of their case file.
Long Island is not one jurisdiction. It is Nassau County, Suffolk County, and the East End, and each one handles criminal cases very differently. Nassau County maintains an aggressive prosecutorial stance with strict internal guidelines that limit plea bargaining, particularly on crossover crimes from New York City and white-collar offenses. Suffolk County operates with a more decentralized court system spread across Riverhead, Central Islip, and dozens of town and village courts where local relationships and knowledge of individual judges matter tremendously. The East End adds another layer of complexity with seasonal enforcement priorities and town and village justice courts that handle everything from local arrests to high-profile celebrity cases.
I practice in all of them, every single week. I know which prosecutors will consider reducing charges and which ones will not. I know which judges give fair consideration to mitigation arguments and which ones impose mandatory sentences. I know which courts move quickly and which require strategic patience. This is not theoretical knowledge. It comes from 31 years of actually defending criminal cases in every Long Island courthouse, appearing before every judge, and negotiating with every prosecutor’s office. For county-specific guidance, see my dedicated pages on Nassau County criminal defense, Suffolk County criminal defense, and East End criminal defense.
Key Takeaway:
Long Island criminal defense requires county-specific knowledge because Nassau County, Suffolk County, and the East End each prosecute criminal cases differently. After 31+ years of daily practice in every Long Island courthouse, I bring the local relationships and procedural knowledge that produce favorable outcomes.
Locations we serve
Serving
Suffolk County DWI cases run through the Cohalan Court Complex in Central Islip, the County Court in Riverhead, and the East End town courts, and the Suffolk DA’s office rarely reduces an aggravated charge on its own. I have defended Suffolk DWI arrests for 31 years, from a first offense to felony DWI and refusal hearings.
Learn More
Serving
Nassau prosecutes DWI differently. Misdemeanor cases are heard at the First District Court in Hempstead, felonies at the County Court in Mineola, and the plea practice does not match Suffolk’s. I handle every stage, including the DMV refusal hearing you have 15 days to request and the conditional license that keeps you driving to work.
Learn More
Serving
I defend Suffolk County criminal charges at Central Islip and Riverhead, from misdemeanors to violent felony indictments. Central Islip one of the busiest courthouses in New York State, and knowing which judges and prosecutors you will face there is not something you learn from a textbook.
Learn More
Serving
Nassau’s DA is aggressive on felony matters, especially crossover cases from New York City. I defend criminal charges at the First District Court in Hempstead and the County Court in Mineola, and I know which prosecutors will consider a reduction and which never budge.
Learn MoreRecognized 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 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.
The trial lasted four weeks. Approximately 15 witnesses testified, including three forensic experts presenting complex scientific testimony. I systematically dismantled the prosecution’s evidence through cross-examination and presented a comprehensive defense that exposed serious weaknesses in the government’s case. The jury needed only four hours to acquit my client of First Degree Assault and all other charges. The case was reported in Newsday.
When prosecutors refuse to negotiate and your future is on the line, you need an experienced trial attorney who has actually tried serious felony cases to verdict. Text my cell directly 24/7 to put 31+ years of criminal defense experience in your corner.
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Legal disclaimer
I represented a client arrested for assault after a violent altercation. I secured his release on low bail, and the matter was ultimately dismissed. The case was reported on News 12, WABC, and WCBS.
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.
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.
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.
I represented a client charged with Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree, facing decades in prison. I found flaws in the evidence and convinced the District Attorney to reduce the charge to a misdemeanor with no jail and no probation. My client's freedom, reputation, and future were protected.
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.
I represented a client charged with multiple felony counts for firing a firearm in a crowded Nassau County neighborhood, prosecuted in the Nassau County Courthouse in Mineola. My client maintained his innocence. After evaluating the evidence, including cell phone records, I prepared him to testify before a Nassau County Grand Jury. He testified flawlessly, the Grand Jury issued a No True Bill, and the case was dismissed.
I represented a Stony Brook University student charged with Grand Larceny. I convinced the District Attorney to grant a dismissal after six months without a re-arrest. My client's reputation, freedom, and student visa were all protected.
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 in Nassau County courts, Suffolk County courts, and throughout 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 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 under the Three Strikes Law, First Degree Rape, and felony sexual assault. 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 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!
New York classifies criminal offenses into three categories based on severity: violations, misdemeanors, and felonies. The specific category determines what penalties you face, what court hears your case, and what long-term consequences a conviction creates. Understanding which classification applies to your charges is the first step in building an effective defense.
Criminal classifications and penalties in New York are governed by New York Penal Law.
Key Takeaway:
New York classifies criminal offenses into violations, misdemeanors, and felonies based on severity. Violations carry up to 15 days in jail with no criminal record. Misdemeanors carry up to 1 year. Felonies carry more than 1 year, with Class A felonies carrying potential life sentences. The specific classification determines penalties and available defenses.
My practice covers the full range of criminal charges across Long Island. As a 7-time Best Lawyer on Long Island winner, I provide aggressive representation across all major categories:
Long Island criminal cases are heard in dozens of different courts across two counties and the East End. Each court has its own culture, its own prosecutors, and its own procedural quirks. Successfully defending your case requires deep familiarity with each venue:
The New York State Unified Court System provides additional information on court structure at the New York Courts website.
Many Long Island law firms claim to practice across both counties, but in reality they operate as single-office practices that treat one county as an afterthought. I maintain active physical offices in both Nassau County (Mineola) and Suffolk County (Hauppauge), with an additional East Hampton office serving the East End. I am in the trenches of all three jurisdictions every single week.
The District Attorney’s office in each county operates on a centralized, countywide mandate that controls all local village and municipal town courts from Long Beach to the East End. My three decades of unbroken courtroom presence means I am familiar with the individual prosecutors, bureau chiefs, and judges who hold your future in their hands. I understand the distinct cultural, administrative, and political differences that dictate how your case will be treated:
The Long Island criminal defense market is crowded. There are hundreds of attorneys who claim to handle criminal cases. Choosing the right one for your situation can feel overwhelming when you are already dealing with the stress of an arrest. Here is what actually sets my practice apart from the competition.
Most Long Island criminal defense attorneys spent years prosecuting before switching sides. I never did. My entire 31 -year career has been on the defense side, which means I think like a defender, I strategize like a defender, and I fight like a defender. I have never put anyone in a cage, and I never will. When you hire a former prosecutor, you are hiring someone whose professional development was rooted in convicting people. When you hire me, you get someone whose entire identity is built around protecting clients from those exact prosecutors.
Every criminal defense client receives my personal cell phone number. You text me directly, you call me directly, and I respond directly. No paralegals screening your calls. No junior associates handling your case. No receptionists telling you the attorney will call you back next Tuesday. Criminal arrests do not happen on a business hour schedule, and neither does my availability.
Most criminal defense attorneys negotiate from a position of weakness. They prepare for trial as a last resort. I prepare every case as if it will go to trial from day one. This trial-ready mindset gives us tremendous leverage in plea negotiations because prosecutors know I am ready to fight. I have secured not guilty verdicts in cases prosecutors thought were unwinnable, including assault, robbery, burglary, and felony sexual assault.
Many law firms claim to practice across Long Island, but they are actually single-office operations that treat one county as an afterthought. I maintain active, physical offices in both Nassau County (Mineola) and Suffolk County (Hauppauge), plus a dedicated East Hampton office. I am in the trenches of all three jurisdictions every single week, regularly managing critical court conferences and securing major bail modifications across all counties on the same morning.
I am a criminal defense and DWI defense attorney. That is all I do. I do not handle personal injury cases. I do not handle family law cases. I do not handle real estate transactions. My entire practice is dedicated exclusively to criminal trial defense. This focus matters because criminal defense work demands specialized knowledge of constitutional law, criminal procedure, evidence rules, jury selection, and trial strategy that general practitioners simply do not develop.
A winning criminal defense on Long Island is never achieved by simply hoping for a lenient offer. It requires aggressively auditing the state’s evidence from the moment of arrest. Over my 31 + years of trial practice, I have mastered the technicalities of New York’s automatic discovery statutes, forcing the state to provide every piece of mandatory evidence. If the state cuts corners or fails to meet strict statutory deadlines under New York Criminal Procedure Law § 245.20, I file immediate motions to challenge the prosecution.
The Fourth Amendment protects you from unreasonable searches and seizures. The Fifth Amendment protects you from compelled self-incrimination. The Sixth Amendment protects your right to confront witnesses and have effective counsel. I review every police report, video recording, and witness statement to identify constitutional violations that can result in evidence being suppressed and charges being dismissed.
Aggressive pre-trial motion practice can win cases before trial. I file motions to suppress evidence obtained through unlawful searches, motions to dismiss charges based on procedural violations, motions to challenge the indictment, and motions to obtain favorable evidence from the prosecution. When the state fails to comply with its discovery obligations under New York Criminal Procedure Law § 30.30 speedy trial requirements, I move immediately to dismiss.
When cases require trial, I prepare thoroughly. I have selected juries in dozens of felony cases. I have cross-examined police officers, detectives, expert witnesses, and victims. I have presented affirmative defenses, challenged forensic evidence, and exposed inconsistencies in prosecution narratives. My trial-ready approach gives us leverage in plea negotiations because prosecutors know I am prepared to take cases to verdict.
Key Takeaway:
Criminal defense requires a multi-layered approach including constitutional challenges, aggressive pre-trial motion practice, and trial-ready preparation. After 31+ years of criminal trial practice on Long Island, I examine every aspect of your case to identify weaknesses in the prosecution and opportunities for dismissal, reduction, or acquittal.
Each Long Island jurisdiction handles criminal cases with its own distinct culture and prosecutorial approach. With offices in Hauppauge, Mineola, and East Hampton, I maintain dedicated practice areas across the region to provide focused, local defense in the communities below.
For DWI-specific defense, see my dedicated Long Island DWI defense page, covering all aspects of drunk driving defense across Nassau, Suffolk, and the East End.
If you have been arrested or charged with any criminal offense on Long Island, contact me immediately. I offer free initial consultations and I answer my own phone. If I am in court when you call, I will return your call as soon as I am out. Time matters in criminal cases. Evidence gets stale. Witnesses become unavailable. Procedural deadlines pass. The sooner I get involved, the more I can do to protect your rights and your future.
CLICK HERE TO TEXT MY CELL: (631) 903-3733
Legal Authority & Editorial Review: This page was authored and legally reviewed by Edward Palermo, Esq., founder of Palermo Law P.L.L.C. With over 31 years of dedicated Long Island criminal defense practice, Mr. Palermo has built specialized expertise in trial defense across Nassau County Court, Suffolk County Court, the Cohalan Court Complex, and East End justice courts. Recognized as a 7-time Best Lawyer on Long Island (2019-2024 & 2026). Lifelong defender. Never a prosecutor. Page status verified: June 2026.
A criminal defense attorney on Long Island handles charges ranging from violations and misdemeanors to serious felonies. Common practice areas include DWI defense, drug possession, violent crimes (assault, robbery, weapons offenses), sex crimes, theft offenses, domestic violence, white-collar crimes, and federal criminal cases. I represent clients in both misdemeanor and felony cases across Nassau County, Suffolk County, and the East End.
You should hire a criminal defense attorney immediately after arrest, or as soon as you become aware you are under investigation. Early representation can significantly impact your case outcome. The first 48 hours after an arrest are particularly critical because evidence can be preserved, witnesses can be interviewed, and police reports can be analyzed before they harden into the prosecution's narrative. I am available 24/7 at (631) 903-3733.
Legal fees for criminal defense on Long Island vary widely based on the complexity and seriousness of your charges. Misdemeanor cases typically range from $2,500 to $7,500. Felony cases requiring extensive trial preparation can range from $10,000 to $50,000 or more depending on the severity of charges and whether the case goes to trial. I offer free initial consultations to discuss your case and provide transparent pricing.
While no attorney can guarantee dismissal, an experienced criminal defense attorney can often find procedural errors, constitutional violations, or evidentiary weaknesses that increase the chances of charges being reduced or dismissed. Common dismissal grounds include illegal searches, Miranda violations, speedy trial violations, insufficient evidence, and witness credibility problems. I have successfully obtained dismissals in cases prosecutors were certain they could win.
Under New York Penal Law, misdemeanors are punishable by up to one year in jail, while felonies carry potential sentences exceeding one year and up to life in prison. Felonies are divided into Classes A through E, with Class A being the most serious. A felony conviction creates a permanent criminal record with significant long-term consequences, including loss of firearm rights and impacts on employment opportunities and professional licenses.
Read more about the difference between misdemeanors and felonies in New York.
The decision between pleading guilty and going to trial depends on the strength of the evidence, the prosecution's plea offer, your potential sentence exposure, and your goals. Many cases resolve through plea negotiations that achieve favorable outcomes without trial risk. However, when prosecutors refuse to offer reasonable plea deals, or when the evidence is weak, going to trial may be the right strategy. After 31+ years of trying cases on Long Island, I can give you an honest assessment of your options.
Bail is set by a judge at arraignment based on the charges, your criminal history, your community ties, and flight risk. New York's 2020 bail reform legislation eliminated cash bail for most misdemeanors and non-violent felonies, allowing more defendants to await trial outside of custody. For cases where bail is set, I can argue for reduced bail or release on recognizance based on your specific circumstances.
Read more about how bail works in Long Island criminal cases.
The timeline varies based on case complexity and court schedules. Misdemeanor cases typically resolve within 3 to 6 months. Felony cases can take 6 months to 2 years or longer, particularly cases that proceed to trial. New York’s speedy trial statute (CPL 30.30) requires the prosecution to be ready for trial within specific timeframes based on the offense level, providing protections against indefinite delay.
Learn more about how long a criminal case takes on Long Island.
After a criminal arrest, contact an attorney immediately. Do not make statements to the police beyond providing your identification. You have the right to remain silent under the Fifth Amendment, and you should exercise that right until you have spoken with an attorney. Write down everything you remember about the arrest, including the time, location, what was said, and whether you were read your Miranda rights. Preserve any evidence and do not discuss your case on social media.
For first-time offenders on Long Island, jail time is possible but not always guaranteed. The likelihood depends on the seriousness of the charges, the circumstances of the alleged offense, and the prosecutor's office handling the case. Nassau County prosecutors are generally more aggressive about pursuing incarceration than Suffolk County prosecutors. For minor first offenses, alternatives like probation, community service, and conditional discharges are often available. For serious felonies, even first-time offenders may face mandatory minimum sentences.
Yes. A criminal defense attorney can represent you in probation violation hearings, potentially negotiating alternative outcomes or preventing harsher penalties including jail time. Probation violations require strategic defense because the burden of proof at violation hearings is lower than at trial (preponderance of the evidence rather than beyond a reasonable doubt). I have extensive experience negotiating favorable outcomes in probation violation matters.
For felony cases in New York, the prosecution must obtain a grand jury indictment before the case can proceed to trial. The grand jury hears evidence in secret and decides whether there is sufficient evidence to indict. Defendants have the right to testify before the grand jury, though this is a strategic decision that requires careful analysis with your attorney. I have represented many clients during grand jury proceedings and helped them make informed decisions about whether to testify.
New York offers record sealing through two routes. Under Criminal Procedure Law § 160.59, you may petition to seal up to two eligible convictions, no more than one of which may be a felony, once at least 10 years have passed since your sentencing or release, provided you have no other disqualifying convictions and the offense is not a violent or serious felony or a sex offense. Separately, the Clean Slate Act (CPL § 160.57), in effect since November 2024, provides for automatic sealing of many eligible records: three years after sentencing or release for misdemeanors and eight years for felonies, though the court system has until November 2027 to fully implement it. New York does not have true expungement that erases convictions, but sealing keeps most employers and the public from accessing those records. The Section 160.59 process requires a formal petition and is not automatic.
Under the Fourth Amendment, you have the right to refuse consent to a search of your home or vehicle. Police generally need a warrant to search your home unless they have probable cause and exigent circumstances. For vehicle searches, the standards are lower but still require either consent, probable cause, or a valid arrest. If police violate these standards, evidence obtained from an unlawful search can be suppressed. I aggressively challenge unlawful searches in every applicable case.
You can be arrested and held briefly without formal charges, but New York law requires arraignment within a reasonable time (generally 24 hours). At arraignment, formal charges are filed, bail is addressed, and your case proceeds. If you are arrested but released without formal charges, the prosecution may still file charges later. Anyone questioned by police or facing the possibility of charges should consult with an attorney before making any statements.
Look for an attorney whose practice is genuinely focused on criminal defense, with substantial local trial experience in the specific courts where your case will be heard. Ask how many cases like yours they have actually tried to verdict, not just resolved by plea. Local knowledge matters: familiarity with the prosecutors, judges, and procedures in Nassau County, Suffolk County, and the East End courts can directly affect your outcome. You should also feel comfortable communicating with the attorney directly, since you will be working closely with them throughout your case. After 31+ years practicing exclusively in criminal defense and DWI on Long Island, I handle every case personally from the first call to resolution.
Learn more about what to look for in a criminal defense attorney.
Yes. A criminal conviction carries serious consequences including jail time, fines, probation, and a permanent criminal record affecting employment, housing, professional licenses, immigration status, and constitutional rights. Long Island criminal prosecution is aggressive, particularly in Nassau County. An experienced criminal defense attorney can challenge the evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, identify constitutional violations, and protect your rights at every stage of the process.
State criminal charges are prosecuted by county district attorneys under New York Penal Law. Federal criminal charges are prosecuted by the United States Attorney's Office under federal law. Federal cases involve different procedures, more severe sentencing guidelines, and the federal court system. I am admitted to practice in both New York State courts and the U.S. District Courts for the Eastern District of New York (EDNY) and Southern District of New York (SDNY), allowing me to handle cases in both court systems.
