Award Winning Nassau
Criminal Defense
31+ Years of Criminal Law Experience: Voted Best Lawyer on Long Island for 7 years in the prestigious FourLeaf (formerly Bethpage Federal Credit Union) Best of Long Island competition. Proven Results: 100's of clients represented in Nassau County courts since 1994. Local Expertise: Direct experience in Hempstead District Court and Mineola County Court.
Fighting Harder for
Your Freedom
I treat every client like family. I understand that a criminal charge in Nassau County is a life-altering event. I will do everything in my power to challenge the evidence, protect your rights, and secure the best possible outcome for your future.
Direct Access to
Your Attorney
You will never be handed off to an associate. All of my clients receive my personal cell phone number. Whether your case is in Long Beach City Court or Mineola, I am available 24/7 to answer your questions and provide peace of mind.
Speak Directly
To Ed Palermo
Don't wait to start your defense. Nassau County prosecutors are aggressive, and early intervention is critical. We offer free initial consultations for all Nassau County criminal matters. Call or text today to discuss your case strategy.
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
Nassau County Criminal Defense Lawyer
Page Author & Legal Reviewer: Edward Palermo, Esq. |
Originally Published: April 2024 |
Last Verified: May 2026
Edward Palermo is a premier Nassau County criminal defense attorney with 31+ years of daily courtroom practice in Nassau County Courts Such as County Court, Mineola and the Nassau County First District Court in Hempstead. Devoting his practice exclusively to criminal trial defense, he has been recognized as a 7-time Best Lawyer on Long Island (2019–2024 & 2026).
Why Thousands of Long Islanders Choose pure Criminal Defense Lawyers, never prosecutors, in Nassau County
An arrest in Nassau County places you in the crosshairs of one of the most aggressive prosecutorial jurisdictions in New York State. Whether you are dealing with an investigation by the Nassau County Police Department, a precinct detective squad, or state troopers, you are facing a system that often pushes for severe penalties. I am Ed Palermo, and for over 31 years, I have stood between my clients and the state in Nassau County courtrooms, protecting records, reputations, and futures.
You need a career defense attorney. Prosecutors are always prosecutors. I could never put people in cages who just made mistakes. Most of my clients have been good people who have had misfortune in their lives or made mistakes that they regret. Don’t choose an ex-prosecutor when you can choose a pure 31+ year Criminal Defense Attorney.
Arrested for Drunk Driving in Nassau County?
Nassau County maintains some of the strictest, most unyielding DWI plea-bargaining guidelines in New York State. If you are facing a drunk driving charge, a general defense strategy is not enough. You need to review the specific legal protocols handled by a dedicated Nassau County DWI lawyer who understands how the District Attorney’s vehicular crimes bureau operates.
CLICK HERE TO TEXT MY PERSONAL CELL: (631) 903-3733
From larceny offenses, drug offenses, assault offenses, criminal mischief offenses and domestic disputes to major felony charges, navigating the Nassau court system requires deep local familiarity. As a 7-time Best Lawyer on Long Island winner, I personally handle every facet of your case. You do not get passed off to a junior associate, you get my 31+ years of pure courtroom defenseexperience and direct access to my personal cell phone whenever you need answers.
Nassau County Felony Sex Assault Trial – UNANIMOUS NOT GUILTY VERDICT
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. The client faced up to 7 years in State Prison. The prosecution and the lead detective were heavily motivated, utterly convinced of my client’s guilt, and pursued maximum prison exposure.
Throughout the pre-trial litigation and hearings, the detective acted dismissively and gave condescending answers, 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 systematically caught the lead detective in a critical error. I skillfully confronted him on the stand in front of the jury, completely shattering his credibility to the point where the jurors were openly giggling at the state’s unraveling evidence. 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 elite trial lawyer in your corner.
Notable Criminal Defense Results
MRI Technician charged with sex offense in Nassau County First District Court in Hempstead
Client maintained complete innocence. I took matter to trial and secured a Not Guilty Verdict! These cases require aggressive defense, meticulous cross-examination, and the ability to challenge the prosecution's narrative at trial.
Client charges with Class D Felony for Criminal Mischief in Nassau District Court (courtroom FSP Mineola)
Client was charged with intentionally damaging property more than $1500. I was able to negotiate full dismissal after 6 months of no further arrests (ACOD)
Client charged with multiple felony counts for firing a firearm in crowded Nassau County Neighborhood. The case was prosecuted in the Nassau County Courthouse in Mineola. Client maintained innocence.
After evaluating the evidence, including cell phone records, I decided to prepare client for testimony before a Nassau County Grand Jury in Mineola. As a result of my guidance, Client testified flawlessly and the Grand Jury issued a No True Bill and case was dismissed!
Felony loaded weapon charge in Nassau County Courthouse in Mineola.
Client faced up to 15 years in prison with minimum of 3 and 1/2 if convicted. I negotiated a misdemeanor with no jail time for the client. Nassau County is very tough on gun cases. Experience and knowledge matters when accused of gun charges in Nassau County.
Client charged with Armed Robbery of Nassau County Business. The case was prosecuted in the Nassau County Courthouse in Mineola. Client faced up to 25 years in Jail.
Negotiated a sentence which was Youthful Offender and client released from jail after serving only 240 days.
Sex Abuse Case – Not Guilty Verdict at Nassau County Courthouse in Mineola
I represented a client charged with sexually abusing his stepdaughter—a case carrying significant jail time if convicted. The District Attorney's Office made offers involving substantial prison time, but I refused to let an innocent man take a plea. I tried the case before a jury at the Nassau County courthouse in Mineola. After careful deliberation, the jury returned a NOT GUILTY verdict on all sex abuse allegations. My client walked out of that courthouse with his freedom, his reputation, and his future intact.
Petit Larceny Charge in Nassau County First District Court- Hempstead
Represented client charged with petty larceny in Nassau County First District Court. Client needed to maintain a clean record for employment. Negotiated an Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACOD) and case was fully dismissed at the end of six months.
Client charged with multiple felonies for charging credit card purchases fraudulently and faced up to 7 years in State Prison
I negotiated a reduction to a disorderly conduct violation in the Nassau County Felony Screening Part (FSP). No criminal conviction. Client's clean criminal recorded protected. No jail time or probation.
Meet Ed Palermo
I’ve 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 defense and DWI cases in Nassau County courts, Suffolk County courts, and throughout Long Island.
I appear regularly in the Nassau County District Court in Hempstead handling misdemeanor offenses, the Nassau County Court in Mineola defending serious felony indictments, and local village and town justice courts across Nassau County. I know the prosecutors, the judges, and the distinct court culture in each jurisdiction, knowledge that comes only from decades of consistent, daily courtroom presence.
CLICK HERE TO TEXT MY PERSONAL CELL: (631) 903-3733
My trial experience matters. I’ve secured “not guilty” verdicts in complex cases. I’ve negotiated favorable, non-custodial outcomes in cases where clients faced state prison time. I’ve successfully gotten serious felony charges reduced and dismissed when prosecutors were certain they held air-tight cases.
But what I’m 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.
Education:
- Hofstra University – B.A. (1990)
- Hofstra University School of Law – J.D. (1994)
Court Admissions:
- All New York State Courts
- U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York (EDNY)
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York (SDNY)
Professional Recognition:
- 7-Time Best Lawyer on Long Island (2019–2024 & 2026)
- New York Law Journal Trailblazer Award (2019)
- AVVO Rating: 10/10 “Superb”
- National Trial Lawyers Top 100
- National Association of Distinguished Counsel – Top One Percent
- Member-The National College for DUI Defense
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
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Legal Authority & Author Attribution:
The Nassau County court frameworks, case strategies, and trial-defense data on this page have been directly authored, reviewed, and verified by Edward Palermo, Esq., a premier Long Island criminal defense attorney with 31+ years of daily trial experience across Nassau and Suffolk Counties. Recognized as a 7-time Best Lawyer on Long Island winner, Mr. Palermo operates a dedicated defense practice blocks from the Mineola courthouses. Page last updated: May 2026.
Commanding Criminal Defense Across Nassau County Courtrooms
When you are arrested in Nassau County, the sudden reality of a criminal charge can completely paralyze you with panic, confusion, and overwhelming shame. Whether you are a high-earning professional with an entire career at stake or a citizen facing your very first encounter with law enforcement, an arrest can instantly make you feel like your life is unraveling. I need you to take a deep breath: this is not the end of your world, and an aggressive, proven path to a favorable outcome is on the horizon.
For more than 31 years, the first phone call or text message to my office has brought clients an immediate sense of profound relief. I refuse to judge you, lecture you, or pass blame. My singular mission is to absorb your anxiety, ground you in facts, and build a defense shield between you and the Nassau County District Attorney’s office. I practice heavily and equally across both Nassau and Suffolk Counties every single week, frequently managing conferences and securing critical bail modifications in both jurisdictions on the very same morning. When you put a lifelong criminal trial attorney in your corner, that heavy weight transfers entirely off your shoulders.
Stop Panicking Over a Nassau County Arrest
Do not face motivated prosecutors alone. Tap the button below to text my personal cell phone directly. The moment I respond, you will have a clear, elite strategy to protect your freedom and your future.
Direct Proximity to the Heart of the Nassau Judicial System
Unlike corporate marketing firms that look at Nassau County from afar, my local office is situated right on Franklin Avenue in Mineola, literally blocks from the active courtrooms. I am 100% dedicated to criminal trial defense—never diluting my focus with personal injury or family law tracks. I spend my life in these trenches, maintaining a powerful, respected presence across all primary Nassau jurisdictions:
- Nassau County District Court (Hempstead): Where I manage a high-volume calendar, fighting high-stakes arraignments, first-round dynamic conferences, and fast-moving misdemeanor charges every single week.
- Nassau County & Supreme Court (Mineola): The felony testing grounds where I stand directly beside clients facing severe indictments, life-altering state prison exposure, and intense grand jury actions.
- Long Beach City Court: Providing specialized, highly focused defense for localized municipal arrests and community-specific justice court parts.
Long Island Defense Index: Facing cross-county investigations or specialized vehicle stops? Examine our master tactical playbook for Long Island Criminal Defense or access our strategic asset for beating Long Island DWI Charges.
Dismantling High-Stakes Career Threats & Severe Allegations
Nassau County judges and prosecutors enforce aggressive criminal penalties, particularly when charges involve professional licenses or high-exposure felony tiers. Protecting an elite medical or financial career requires an advocate who knows exactly how to expose corrupt forensic evidence, biased witness motivations, and investigative corner-cutting by local precincts. My entire criminal defense approach is engineered to identify the precise flaws in the prosecution’s file to negotiate non-jail dispositions, force major reductions, or win complete acquittals at trial.
Nassau County High-Stakes Defense Matrix
| Professional License & Career Protection | Defending physicians, radiologists, executives, and financial professionals facing catastrophic allegations. We focus on preventing criminal convictions and devastating sex offense registrations (SORA) that trigger permanent career termination. |
| Felony & Violent Crime Trials | Deploying aggressive pre-trial litigation in Mineola to tear down flawed police tactics, and completely expose state witnesses in front of local juries. |
| High-Volume Hempstead Dispositions | Intervening rapidly during District Court arraignments to manage bail conditions, fight immediate protection orders, and map out strategies defend, dismiss or reduce criminal charges. |
Direct Cell Access to a 31+ Year Trial Champion
I refuse to pass your life-altering crisis off to a paralegal, an intake clerk, or a junior associate who has never selected a jury or cross-examined a hostile detective. When you call or text my firm, you deal directly with me. I personally design your defense layout, I command the courtroom, and I use my decades-long local reputation among Nassau personnel to secure your best possible resolution. Every single client I accept receives my personal cell phone number for continuous, 24/7 strategic access.
Let’s put the panic and shame behind you. Let’s get to work on protecting your name, your family, and your livelihood. Text my personal line right now, tell me exactly what happened, and feel the immediate relief of an elite defense taking over your file.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: How does the Nassau County District Attorney's Office prosecute criminal cases?
A: The Nassau County DA's Office is one of the most well-staffed and aggressive prosecutor's offices on Long Island. They handle everything from misdemeanors to serious felonies, and they have specialized bureaus for different types of crimes including domestic violence, narcotics, and major crimes. I've been dealing with Nassau County prosecutors for over 31 years. I know the assistant district attorneys, their supervisors, and how they approach different types of cases. That familiarity helps when it comes time to negotiate plea agreements or prepare for trial.
Q: What happens at my arraignment in Nassau County?
A: Your arraignment is your first court appearance after being arrested. The judge will read the charges against you, you'll enter a plea (usually not guilty), and the judge will set bail or release you on your own recognizance. In Nassau County, arraignments happen quickly—often within 24 hours of arrest. Having an attorney with you at arraignment is critical. I can argue for lower bail or release without bail, and I can start reviewing the prosecution's case immediately. Text me right away if you've been arrested: (631) 903-3733.
Q: Can I get my criminal case dismissed in Nassau County?
A: Yes, but it depends on the facts of your case. I've gotten cases dismissed in Nassau County through several methods: motions to dismiss based on speedy trial violations, trial verdicts, and through negotiated Adjournments in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACODs) where the case gets dismissed after six months if you stay out of trouble. Every case is different, but I always look for grounds to dismiss charges before we even consider plea negotiations.
Q: What is an ACOD and can I get one in Nassau County?
A: An ACD (Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal) is an agreement where the prosecution puts your case on hold for six months. If you stay out of trouble during that time and meet certain conditions, the case is dismissed and sealed. ACDs are available in Nassau County for certain misdemeanors and violations, particularly for first-time offenders. I've negotiated ACDs for clients charged with petit larceny, marijuana possession, criminal mischief, and other offenses. An ACD means no criminal record and no conviction.
Q: How long does a criminal case take in Nassau County?
A: It depends on the charge and the court. Misdemeanor cases in Nassau District Court typically take 3-6 months from arraignment to resolution, though some resolve faster through early plea negotiations. Felony cases in Nassau County Court take longer—usually 6-12 months or more if the case goes to trial. The key is having an attorney who moves your case efficiently while still thoroughly investigating and preparing your defense. I know how to push cases forward when it benefits you and how to slow things down when we need more time to build your defense.
Q: What are the penalties for a misdemeanor conviction in Nassau County?
A: Misdemeanor convictions in Nassau County can result in up to one year in jail, probation, fines, community service, and a permanent criminal record. Class A misdemeanors (like assault, petit larceny, and criminal possession of a controlled substance) carry the most serious penalties. Class B misdemeanors carry up to 90 days in jail. But jail time isn't automatic—many first-time offenders avoid jail entirely through skilled negotiation. I focus on getting charges reduced, securing alternative sentences like conditional discharges, or winning dismissals outright.
Q: Should I accept the first plea offer from the Nassau County DA?
A: Almost never. The first plea offer is rarely the best offer you'll get. Prosecutors start high and expect negotiation. I've been dealing with Nassau County prosecutors for over 31 years, and I know how to negotiate better deals. Sometimes that means getting charges reduced. Sometimes it means getting jail time taken off the table. Sometimes it means securing an ACD or conditional discharge instead of a conviction. Don't accept the first offer without consulting an experienced defense attorney who knows the Nassau County system.
Q: What should I do if I'm arrested in Nassau County?
A: Stay calm, be polite to police, and immediately invoke your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney. Do not answer questions without a lawyer present, no matter how friendly the police seem. Do not consent to searches. Call me as soon as you can: (631) 903-3733. I'm available 24/7, and I respond quickly to arrest calls. The sooner I get involved, the better I can protect your rights and start building your defense.
Q: Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor charge in Nassau County?
A: Yes. Even a misdemeanor conviction creates a permanent criminal record that can affect employment, housing, professional licenses, immigration status, and background checks. Many people think misdemeanors are "no big deal," but they're wrong. A misdemeanor conviction follows you for life. I've represented clients charged with petit larceny, marijuana possession, assault, harassment, criminal mischief, and other misdemeanors in Nassau County. In many cases, I've gotten charges reduced to violations or dismissed entirely, leaving clients with no criminal record.
Honors & Recognition
