7-Time Best Suffolk & LI Lawyer
Voted the Best of Long Island for 7 years (including 2026). My reputation in the Riverhead and Central Islip courts is built on 31+ years of trial wins and integrity.
Elite Trial Experience
I have defended over 2,000 clients. In Suffolk County, I don’t just "handle" cases—I prepare every single one for trial. This aggressive posture often forces the DA to offer better results before a jury is even picked.
Direct Access: No Hand-Offs
I personally handle every Suffolk County appearance. You get my direct cell phone number and 24/7 access. When your freedom is at stake in the Cromarty or Cohalan complexes, you deal with me, not an associate.
Text Ed Directly (24/7)
An arrest in Suffolk can happen at any hour. I am available right now to discuss your charges and start building your defense. Text or call me at (631) 903-3733 for an immediate, honest assessment.
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
Suffolk County Criminal Defense Lawyer
Page Author & Legal Reviewer: Edward Palermo, Esq. |
Originally Published: April 2024 |
Last Verified: May 2026
Edward Palermo is a premier Suffolk County criminal defense attorney with 31+ years of daily courtroom practice. 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 the Top Criminal Defense Lawyers in Suffolk County
A criminal arrest in Suffolk County instantly triggers an aggressive legal process. From aggressive bail arguments at arraignment to complex discovery demands under New York law, the state is designed to force a quick conviction. I am Ed Palermo, and for over 31 years, I have focused my practice entirely on defense, stepping in to protect the rights, freedom, and futures of individuals across Long Island.
CLICK HERE TO TEXT MY CELL: (631) 903-3733
Arrested for Drunk Driving? If you are facing a refusal hearing, ignition interlock requirements, or misdemeanor charges, visit our dedicated Suffolk County DWI Defense Center for comprehensive case resources.
As a 7-time Best of Long Island Winner, I personally handle every facet of your criminal defense file. You do not get passed off to a junior associate or a standard appearance attorney—you get my decades of specific courtroom knowledge and my direct personal cell phone line whenever you need reassurance or absolute clarity.
Suffolk County First-Degree Burglary Trial. NOT GUILTY VERDICT
Represented a client facing a catastrophic first-degree burglary indictment. Because of his prior criminal record, the District Attorney’s office formally designated him as a Persistent Felony Offender (New York’s Three Strikes Rule), exposing him to a mandatory sentence of life in prison upon conviction. The prosecution took an absolute zero-plea-bargain stance, offering no alternative options 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 an aggressive cross-examination of the state’s witnesses and a meticulous deconstruction of the forensic timeline, I completely 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 remanded to the Suffolk County Jail throughout the pendency of the trial, was immediately released from custody as a completely 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 pure criminal defense experience in your corner.
Notable Verdicts & Results
First Degree Robbery - Acquittal At Trial
Client accused of gunpoint First Degree Robbery facing up to 25 years in state prison. Convinced a Suffolk County jury to acquit on all charges.
Second Degree Burglary - Not Guilty Verdict
Client charged with violent Second Degree Burglary faced three strikes rule and life imprisonment. Tried the case and convinced Suffolk County jury client was not guilty. Client immediately released after 8 months in jail awaiting trial.
Marijuana First Degree & Weapons Charges – Reduced to Misdemeanor, No Jail
Client charged with Criminal Possession of Marijuana First Degree and Criminal Possession of a Weapon Second Degree in Suffolk County Supreme Court. Faced decade+ in prison with $1 million bail. Got bail reduced to $400,000, marijuana charge dismissed, negotiated to misdemeanor with no jail and no probation. Cash seized at arrest returned to client.
Assault - Case Dismissed
Client arrested for assault after violent altercation. Secured release on low bail and the matter was ultimately dismissed. Case reported on News 12, WABC, and WCBS.
First Degree Rape - Acquittal At Trial
Represented two clients charged with First Degree Rape, each facing up to 25 years in state prison. Trial in Suffolk County Supreme Court. Both clients acquitted of all charges.
Federal Fraud & Bribery – Sentence Reduced From 20 Years to 6 Months
President of international shipping company faced 20 years in federal prison. Negotiated result where client served only 6 months in halfway house, nighttime only, allowing him to continue working at his company.
Sex Abuse Case – Not Guilty Verdict
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 in Suffolk County. 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.
Felony Weapons & Munitions Charges – Reduced to Misdemeanor
I represented a client charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon as a felony, as well as Criminal Possession of a High Caliber Munition as a felony—charges that could have resulted in years of state prison. Through strategic negotiation, I secured a disposition reducing the charges to a simple misdemeanor with no jail time and no probation. My client was able to return to his home state knowing that the case would be sealed after three years and his record would remain clean.
Meet Ed Palermo
I’ve dedicated over 31 years to criminal defense in Suffolk County, 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 Suffolk County courts, Nassau County courts, and throughout Long Island.
I appear regularly in Suffolk County Court (Cromarty Complex) in Riverhead defending serious felony indictments, the First District Court at the Cohalan Court Complex in Central Islip handling misdemeanor offenses, and dozens of local village and town justice courts from Amityville and Northport to Southampton and Southold. 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 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 even, at times, 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 Suffolk County 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:
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- 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."0
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
Suffolk County Criminal Courts
Legal Authority & Author Attribution:
The local court strategies, jurisdictional insights, and trial-defense data on this page have been directly authored and verified by Edward Palermo, Esq., a premier Long Island criminal defense attorney with 31+ years of daily courtroom practice inside Suffolk County. Recognized as a 7-time Best Lawyer on Long Island winner, Mr. Palermo devotes his practice exclusively to criminal trial defense. Page last updated: May 2026.
An Arrest in Suffolk County is Not the End of Your World
If you or a loved one has just been arrested in Suffolk County, I know exactly what you are experiencing right now. It is a sudden, crushing wave of panic, confusion, and deep shame. You are likely staring at the ceiling, wondering how a single incident could destroy your career, your family reputation, and your freedom. I want you to take a deep breath and understand one thing clearly: this is not the end of the world, and a favorable outcome is on the horizon.
For more than 31 years, the very first phone call clients make to my office brings them an immediate sense of profound relief. I do not judge you, I do not lecture you, and I do not pass blame. My job is to absorb your panic, ground you in reality, and immediately put an elite defense plan into motion. In my experience, once a client gets through to me on the phone, they realize they finally have a shield between them and the state. That panic transforms into peace of mind because they know a lifelong defender is taking over the fight.
If You Are Panicking, Put My 31+ Years of Courtroom Influence to Work Right Now
Do not sit alone with your anxiety. Text my personal cell phone directly. The moment I answer, you will feel the relief of knowing exactly how we are going to protect your future, your license, and your freedom.
31+ Years of Daily Presence in Suffolk County Courthouses
When you hire a criminal defense lawyer, you cannot afford a generalist who spends their week handling divorces, personal injury settlements, or real estate contracts. I am 100% dedicated to criminal law. While my partners manage other sectors of our firm, my entire career for the last three decades has been lived inside the criminal courts of Suffolk County. I don’t just know the law—I know the human beings who enforce it.
- First District Court (Central Islip): I have spent the last 31+ years in this building every single week, handling an average of 15 to 20 criminal cases per week on the calendar. I possess an intimate, granular knowledge of how this complex operates—from the clerks and court officers to the judges and individual file structures.
- The Supervising District Attorneys: Because I have been in these trenches since 1994, the vast majority of the Supervising DAs in Suffolk County started their careers practicing alongside me. This decades-deep professional respect gives me direct, elite access when negotiating complex matters.
- Cromarty Court Complex (Riverhead): Since 1994, I have personally represented well over 1,000 clients in the Riverhead courthouse. I am entirely at home in this building, having tried multiple serious felony indictments to stunning Not Guilty verdicts in front of local prosecutors and judges.
Negotiating Out of Jail Sentences and Securing Dismissals
If you are facing serious felony charges, the threat of upstate prison exposure can feel completely paralyzing. This is exactly where specialized, lifelong experience matters most. For 31 years, I have been utilizing my reputation and deep courtroom familiarity to convince judges to lower sentences, compel district attorneys to reduce charges, and force complete dismissals. Even when dealing with high-exposure felonies, my daily mission is to build an aggressive mitigation and trial strategy that successfully negotiates my clients completely out of jail sentences.
Unparalleled Command of Suffolk Local Justiciary Courts
Serious criminal defense isn’t limited to the central hubs. Local town and village justice courts possess their own unique procedural cultures and prosecutor dynamics. I am an established, highly respected defense practitioner across every local jurisdiction in Suffolk County, frequently appearing in:
| Riverhead Justice Court | An extraordinarily busy, high-volume local court operating year-round where my reputation provides an immediate strategic advantage. |
| East End Town Courts | Defending clients facing complex local parts in Southold, Southampton, and East Hampton Town Courts. |
| West End & North Shore Parts | Navigating municipal village and town parts including Northport, Amityville, and Sag Harbor. |
Direct Cell Access When You Need a Defense Champion
I refuse to run a corporate law factory. When you contact my firm, you are not passed off to an intake coordinator, a legal secretary, or a junior associate who has never selected a jury or cross-examined a detective. You deal directly with me. I personally craft your defense strategy, I negotiate with the prosecutors I have known for decades, and I stand beside you in front of the judge. Every single client I accept receives my personal cell phone number for direct, 24/7 access.
Let’s clear the panic and shame out of the room. Let’s get to work on protecting your career, your family, and your freedom. Text my cell phone right now, tell me what happened, and let me bring you the relief of a premier defense strategy.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What happens at my first court appearance in Suffolk County?
Your first appearance is called an arraignment. The judge will read the charges against you, ask for your plea, address bail or release conditions, and may issue an Order of Protection if the case involves an alleged victim. You have the right to have an attorney present at the arraignment.
How long does a criminal case take in Suffolk County?
It depends on the complexity of the case and whether it goes to trial. Simple misdemeanors may be resolved in 2-4 months. Felony cases, especially those going to trial, can take 6 months to over a year. Cases in local justice courts often move faster than those in County Court.
Can criminal charges be dropped in Suffolk County?
Yes. Charges can be dropped or dismissed for many reasons: insufficient evidence, constitutional violations (illegal search, Miranda violations), witness credibility issues, successful completion of diversion programs, or negotiated agreements with prosecutors.
What is an ACD and how can it help me?
An Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD) is a disposition where your case is adjourned for 6 months to 1 year. If you stay out of trouble and comply with any conditions set by the court, the charges are dismissed and your record is sealed. ACDs are often available for first-time offenders charged with less serious crimes.
Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor charge?
Yes. While misdemeanors are less serious than felonies, a conviction still creates a permanent criminal record that can affect employment, housing, professional licensing, and immigration status. An experienced attorney can often negotiate reduced charges or alternative dispositions that avoid these consequences.
Can I get my criminal record sealed in New York?
Under CPL § 160.59, certain criminal convictions may be eligible for sealing. Generally, you may be eligible if you have no more than two criminal convictions (only one of which can be a felony), and at least 10 years have passed since your last conviction or release from incarceration.
How does bail work in Suffolk County after bail reform?
New York's bail reform laws eliminated cash bail for most misdemeanors and non-violent felonies. For these charges, judges must release defendants on their own recognizance or with non-monetary conditions. However, judges can still set bail for violent felonies, certain domestic violence offenses, and other qualifying charges.
What's the difference between County Court and District Court?
Suffolk County Court in Riverhead handles indicted felonies—serious cases that have gone before a grand jury. The First District Court at the Cohalan Court Complex in Central Islip handles un-indicted felonies and misdemeanors. Local village and town justice courts handle violations, traffic offenses, and some misdemeanors.
What should I do if I'm arrested in Suffolk County?
1) Exercise your right to remain silent—say "I want to speak to my lawyer." 2) Do not resist arrest. 3) Do not consent to searches. 4) Contact a criminal defense attorney immediately. 5) Write down everything you remember about the incident.
Should I Plead Guilty or Go To Trail?
When deciding whether to plead guilty or go to trial in New York, consider the strength of the prosecution’s evidence, potential plea benefits like reduced charges or sentencing, and the long-term impacts of a conviction on your life, such as professional or immigration consequences. Ed Palermo can guide you through this choice, leveraging 30 years of experience to assess evidence, negotiate favorable pleas, or fight for an acquittal, ensuring a strategy tailored to your unique circumstances.
Learn more about when to plead guilty and when to go to trial.
Honors & Recognition
