Long Island DWI Lawyer | 31+ Years Defending Nassau, Suffolk & The Hamptons
Why Long Islanders Choose Award-Winning DWI Defense
If you have been arrested for driving while intoxicated anywhere on Long Island, your driver’s license, your career, and your freedom are all at immediate risk. I am Ed Palermo, founder of Palermo Law, and for over 31 years, I have defended Long Island residents facing DWI charges in every court from Hempstead to Riverhead to East Hampton. I have never been a prosecutor. My entire career has been dedicated exclusively to defending people accused of drunk driving and dismantling the state’s evidence 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 1,000 DWI cases across Long Island, building relationships with judges and prosecutors in every jurisdiction, and fighting for favorable outcomes in cases ranging from first-time offenses to felony DWI charges carrying mandatory state prison time. I know which Nassau County prosecutors will negotiate and which ones never budge. I know how Suffolk County’s decentralized court system differs from Nassau’s centralized one. I know which Hamptons judges are fair on mitigation and which ones impose strict sentencing. This knowledge can mean the difference between a favorable resolution and a conviction that costs you your license, your job, and your liberty.
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.
Award Winning &
Highly Rated
I have been voted 7 Time Winner FLCU Best of Long Island, I was featured as a Trailblazer by the prestigious New York Law Journal in 2019 and have a 9.5 "superb" rating from AVVO.
There is no Lawyer fighting harder than me!
I treasure my clients and truly appreciate that they retain me to defend them in matters of such importance. I will do everything in my power to get you a great result.
I am always directly available to my clients
All of my clients receive my personal cell phone number. Clients can contact me anytime. New clients can feel free to text me anytime as well on my cell (631) 903-3733
Speak Directly To Ed Today
We understand this can be one of the most embarrassing, stressful times in their lives. We are here to help.
Why DWI Defense Requires Comprehensive Long Island Knowledge
Long Island is not one jurisdiction. It is Nassau County, Suffolk County, and the East End, and each one handles DWI cases very differently. Nassau County has the most aggressive DWI prosecution in New York State, with strict internal guidelines that limit plea bargaining and prosecutors who routinely ask for jail time even on first offenses. Suffolk County operates with more decentralized courts 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 is the result of 31 years of actually defending DWI 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 DWI defense, Suffolk County DWI defense, and Hamptons DWI defense.
Key Takeaway:
Long Island DWI defense requires county-specific knowledge because Nassau County, Suffolk County, and the East End each prosecute DWI 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.
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.
Featured Trial Result: Nassau County DWI Accident NOT GUILTY VERDICT
I represented a Connecticut resident and professional school teacher who was arrested following a motor vehicle accident while traveling home from a concert at Jones Beach. The prosecution and local law enforcement were heavily motivated, relying on statements from the other driver involved in the crash and arresting officers who firmly asserted that my client was behind the wheel while intoxicated.
Facing a career-ending criminal conviction and potential jail time, we refused to accept a plea bargain and pushed the matter to a full trial. I aggressively contested the state’s evidence to establish that the prosecution lacked conclusive proof beyond a reasonable doubt on the critical element of motor vehicle operation. Following a comprehensive bench trial, Judge Girardi returned a NOT GUILTY VERDICT, completely exonerating my client and saving his teaching career.
This victory matches my other recent high-stakes Long Island DWI trial successes, including a commercial crane operator facing severe professional exposure who was found NOT GUILTY on driving while intoxicated before a local jury in Hempstead, and a Suffolk County teacher whose career was preserved after I secured an acquittal at trial.
When prosecutors demand jail time and refuse to back down, your future depends on an experienced trial attorney. Text my cell directly 24/7 to put over three decades of trial experience in your corner.
Notable DWI Results
Edward represented a New Jersey Businessman charged with DWI
Long Island DWI Lawyer Edward Palermo negotiates a reduction of the criminal charges to a non-criminal traffic violation.
Medical Doctor charged with DWI
Edward Palermo negotiates reduction to simple traffic infraction to insure no negative impact on Doctor’s career.
Pennsylvania business man charged with DWI
DWI Lawyer Edward Palermo negotiates a reduced charge of only a single traffic violation.
Edward Palermo represented student at Stony Brook University charged with DWI
Again, Edward negotiates a reduction of the criminal charges to a non-criminal traffic violation.
Edward Palermo represented a Brooklyn resident in a DWI charge on Long Island
As a successful real estate broker, the client was concerned about the effect a criminal conviction would have on his professional license and livelihood. The District Attorney would not reduce the charge to a non-criminal traffic violation because the client was previously arrested for driving while intoxicated. Edward found a flaw in the prosecution’s handling of the case and made a motion to dismiss the case. The motion was granted in its entirety and the case was completely DISMISSED.
Client charged with aggravated DWI
Client is a financial professional and his future career advancement was in jeopardy if convicted of this serious misdemeanor crime. The Suffolk County District Attorney VERY RARELY agrees to reduce such a charge because of the elevated Blood Alcohol Content finding by police. Long Island DWI Attorney Edward Palermo negotiated an extremely favorable resolution which will lead to the reduction of the aggravated DWI to a simple traffic infraction after 1 year of good behavior by the client. His professional license and future career opportunities are secure.
Client charged with DWI after driving his vehicle into a residential home
The District Attorney originally recommended jail time. Long Island DWI Lawyer Edward Palermo negotiated a very favorable outcome which will lead to dismissal of criminal charges and only a traffic violation after 1 year of good conduct by client.
Client charged with aggravated DWI and additional violations with a motor vehicle accident
Edward Palermo scheduled the matter for trial before The Honorable Joseph Girardi of the Nassau County First District Court. First, Edward was able to obtain dismissal of the additional violations after motion during the trial and the client was then found NOT GUILTY of the aggravated DWI charge after trial. All charges dismissed and client, who is a teacher, was able to resume his life and career with a clean record.
Meet Ed Palermo
Your Long Island DWI Defense Attorney
I have dedicated over 31 years to criminal trial defense, representing more than 2,000 Long Island residents facing charges ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies. My practice focuses exclusively on high-stakes DWI defense and criminal defense in Nassau County courts, Suffolk County courts, and throughout the East End.
I appear regularly in the Nassau County First District Court in Hempstead handling misdemeanor DWI charges, the Nassau County Court in Mineola defending serious felony DWI indictments, the Cohalan Court Complex in Central Islip handling Suffolk County DWI cases, the Suffolk County Court in Riverhead for felony 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 DWI cases. I have negotiated favorable, non-custodial outcomes in cases where clients faced state prison time. I have successfully gotten serious felony DWI 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.
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.
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What Sets My DWI Practice Apart on Long Island
The Long Island DWI defense market is crowded. There are hundreds of attorneys who claim to handle DWI 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.
Lifelong Defender, Never a Prosecutor
Most Long Island DWI 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 for a DWI, and I never will. When you hire a former prosecutor, you are hiring someone whose professional development was rooted in convicting people of drunk driving. When you hire me, you get someone whose entire identity is built around protecting clients from those exact prosecutors.
Direct Personal Access 24/7
Every DWI 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. DWI arrests do not happen on a business hour schedule, and neither does my availability.
Trial-Ready Approach to DWI Defense
Most DWI attorneys negotiate from a position of weakness. They prepare for trial as a last resort. I prepare every DWI 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 DWI cases prosecutors thought were unwinnable.
Focused Practice on DWI and Criminal Defense
I am a Long Island 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. My entire practice is dedicated exclusively to DWI defense and criminal trial defense.
The 15-Day Rule: Chemical Test Refusals and DMV Hearings
If the state alleges that you refused to submit to a chemical breath test at the police precinct, your driving privileges face an immediate administrative threat completely separate from your criminal court track. By law, the burden is placed on the Department of Motor Vehicles to provide you with a formal DMV Refusal Hearing within a strict 15-day window from your arraignment. If the department fails to secure a hearing date for you within those 15 days, your driving suspension is legally lifted and your operator’s license automatically becomes valid again, fully restoring your driving privileges pending the eventual rescheduled hearing date.
For chemical test refusal hearings on Long Island, the DMV hearing offices are located in Hauppauge for Suffolk County DWI matters and Garden City for Nassau County DWI matters. Because the DMV is routinely overwhelmed with refusal cases, hearings frequently are not scheduled within the 15-day window. When that happens, I move immediately to have my client’s driving privileges restored. The eventual rescheduled hearing often takes 60 to 90 days to occur, which means my client can be legally driving with full privileges for two or three months while we prepare the defense for the actual hearing date.
Refusing a chemical test still triggers automatic penalties through the DMV that apply if you are found to have refused at the hearing, even if you are never convicted of DWI in criminal court. A first-time refusal results in a minimum one-year license revocation and a $500 civil penalty. If you have had a prior DWI-related offense or refusal within five years, the penalties increase to an 18-month revocation and $750 civil penalty.
THE 15-DAY RULE WORKS IN YOUR FAVOR:
If you refused a chemical test on Long Island, the DMV is legally required to provide your refusal hearing within 15 days of arraignment. When they fail to meet that deadline, which happens often, your full driving privileges must be restored pending the rescheduled hearing. That rescheduled hearing typically takes 60 to 90 days, meaning you can legally drive for two or three months while we prepare your defense. This is a powerful procedural protection I use aggressively to keep my clients on the road. Call me at (631) 903-3733 immediately if you refused a breath test.
Long Island DWI Defense by County
Each Long Island jurisdiction handles DWI 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.
- Nassau County DWI Defense: Defending clients in First District Court (Hempstead), Nassau County Court (Mineola), and Long Beach City Court. Nassau County operates with the most aggressive DWI prosecution policies in New York State. Communities served include Hempstead, Mineola, Long Beach, Garden City, Hicksville, Levittown, Massapequa, Roosevelt, Freeport, Rockville Centre, Valley Stream, Westbury, Glen Cove, Oyster Bay, Syosset, Plainview, Bethpage, Wantagh, Bellmore, and Merrick.
- Suffolk County DWI Defense: Representing clients in the Cohalan Court Complex (Central Islip), Suffolk County Court (Riverhead), and town and village justice courts across Suffolk County. Communities served include Hauppauge, Central Islip, Riverhead, Bay Shore, Patchogue, Babylon, Huntington, Smithtown, Brentwood, Commack, Deer Park, West Islip, Lindenhurst, Coram, Selden, Stony Brook, Port Jefferson, Medford, Holbrook, and Sayville.
- Hamptons DWI Defense: Handling East End DWI cases in town and village justice courts from Westhampton through Montauk. Communities served include East Hampton, Southampton, Sag Harbor, Bridgehampton, Amagansett, Montauk, Shelter Island, Southold, Greenport, Westhampton, Hampton Bays, Quogue, Sagaponack, and Water Mill.
Each county requires specialized knowledge of local prosecutors, judges, and court procedures. For complementary practice areas beyond DWI, see my Long Island criminal defense page covering all other charges I handle.
Free Initial Consultation
If you have been arrested for DWI anywhere 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 DWI cases. Evidence gets stale. Witnesses become unavailable. The sooner I get involved, the more I can do to protect your license and your future, including leveraging the 15-day rule to keep you driving while we build your defense.
CLICK HERE TO TEXT MY CELL: (631) 903-3733
Legal Authority & Editorial Review: This page was authored by Edward Palermo, Esq., founder of Palermo Law P.L.L.C. With over 31 years of dedicated Long Island DWI defense practice, Mr. Palermo has built specialized expertise in chemical testing defense, field sobriety challenges, DMV refusal hearings, and felony DWI trial defense. Recognized as a 7-time Best Lawyer on Long Island (2019-2024 & 2026). Lifelong defender. Never a prosecutor. Page status verified: June 2026.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the legal BAC limit in New York?
The legal BAC limit in New York is 0.08% for most drivers, 0.04% for commercial vehicle drivers, and 0.02% for drivers under age 21 under New York's Zero Tolerance Law. If your BAC is 0.18% or higher, you will be charged with Aggravated DWI, which carries enhanced penalties including higher fines and longer license revocations.
What is the difference between DWI, DWAI, and Aggravated DWI?
DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) applies when your BAC is 0.08% or higher and is a criminal misdemeanor. Aggravated DWI applies when your BAC is 0.18% or higher, or when you are arrested for DWI with a child under 16 in the vehicle under Leandra's Law. DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired) applies when your BAC is between 0.05% and 0.07% and is a traffic infraction rather than a crime.
Read more about the difference between DWI, DWAI, and Aggravated DWI.
What are the penalties for a first DWI on Long Island?
A first DWI conviction in New York is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail, fines ranging from $500 to $1,000, a minimum six-month license revocation, and mandatory installation of an ignition interlock device. You will also be required to attend the Impaired Driver Program. Most first-time offenders receive probation instead of jail time, but the court has discretion to impose incarceration based on the circumstances of your case. Whether jail is imposed depends on factors such as your BAC level, whether an accident was involved, your behavior during the arrest, and your prior record, and Nassau County prosecutors tend to pursue jail time more aggressively than Suffolk County prosecutors.
How long will my license be suspended after a Long Island DWI arrest?
Your license will typically be suspended at arraignment pending the outcome of your case. For a first DWI conviction, your license will be revoked for a minimum of six months. For a second DWI within 10 years, your license will be revoked for at least one year. For a third DWI within 10 years, the revocation is at least one year and can be made permanent. You may be eligible for a conditional license through the Impaired Driver Program.
Learn more about what happens to your license after a DWI arrest.
What is the 15-day DMV hearing rule?
If you refused a chemical test on Long Island, the New York DMV is legally required to provide your refusal hearing within 15 days of arraignment. This rule works strongly in favor of motorists. If the DMV fails to schedule and hold the hearing within that 15-day window, which happens routinely because the DMV is overwhelmed, your driving privileges must be fully restored pending the rescheduled hearing. The rescheduled hearing often takes 60 to 90 days to occur, meaning you can legally drive with full privileges for two or three months while we prepare your defense. The 15-day rule is one of the most valuable procedural tools available in Long Island DMV refusal hearing defense.
What happens if I refuse the breathalyzer test on Long Island?
Refusing a breathalyzer test in New York can result in automatic license revocation for at least one year and a civil penalty of $500 if you are found to have refused at the DMV refusal hearing. If you have had a prior DWI-related offense or refusal within five years, the revocation increases to 18 months and the penalty to $750. These penalties are imposed by the DMV through the refusal hearing process and are separate from any criminal penalties. Your refusal can also be used as evidence against you in your criminal DWI case.
Can I get a conditional license after a Long Island DWI arrest?
You may be eligible for a conditional license if you enroll in the Impaired Driver Program. A conditional license allows you to drive to and from work, school, medical appointments, and program sessions. However, conditional licenses are not available if you refused the chemical test or if you have certain prior convictions. The conditional license process and eligibility requirements are governed by the New York State DMV.
What is Aggravated DWI in New York?
Aggravated DWI applies when your BAC is 0.18% or higher, or when you are arrested for DWI with a child under 16 years old in the vehicle (Leandra's Law). Aggravated DWI carries higher penalties than standard DWI, including fines ranging from $1,000 to $2,500 for a first offense, up to one year in jail, and a minimum one-year license revocation. Learn more about Aggravated DWI defense.
What is Leandra's Law?
Leandra's Law is a New York statute that makes it a felony to drive while intoxicated with a child under 16 years old in the vehicle. The law is named after 11-year-old Leandra Rosado, who died in a drunk driving crash. Under Leandra's Law, anyone convicted of any DWI offense must install an ignition interlock device on any vehicle they own or operate.
When does a DWI become a felony in New York?
A DWI becomes a felony in New York under several circumstances: a second DWI conviction within 10 years, any DWI under Leandra's Law (child under 16 in the vehicle), DWI involving serious physical injury (Vehicular Assault), and DWI involving death (Vehicular Manslaughter). Felony DWI cases are handled by specialized vehicular bureaus in Mineola and Riverhead. Learn more about Felony DWI defense.
How long does a DWI stay on my record on Long Island?
A DWI conviction becomes part of your permanent criminal record, because New York does not offer true expungement. It also remains on your DMV driving record, where it counts within a 10-year lookback window that determines whether a future DWI is charged as a felony, and within a longer window for certain DMV licensing decisions. In limited circumstances, an eligible misdemeanor conviction may be sealed after 10 years under Criminal Procedure Law § 160.59, though eligibility is restricted.
How much does a Long Island DWI lawyer cost?
Legal fees for DWI defense on Long Island vary based on the complexity of your case, whether you go to trial, and the attorney's experience. Simple first-offense DWI cases typically cost $2,500 to $5,000, while aggravated DWI or felony cases requiring extensive trial preparation can range from $7,500 to $25,000 or more. I offer free initial consultations to discuss your case and provide transparent pricing.
What should I do immediately after a DWI arrest on Long Island?
After a DWI arrest, contact an attorney immediately. Do not make statements to the police beyond providing your identification. Write down everything you remember about the stop and arrest, including the time, location, and what the officer said. Preserve any evidence such as receipts showing where you were or witnesses who saw you. Do not discuss your case on social media. The sooner I am involved in your case, the more I can do to protect your license and your future.
Can my breathalyzer results be challenged?
Yes. Breathalyzer results can be challenged if the machine was not properly calibrated, the officer was not properly certified to operate it, or if you have a medical condition that could affect the results. I request maintenance and calibration records for the specific device used in your case. Conditions like GERD, diabetes, and certain low-carbohydrate diets can cause falsely high readings on breath tests. The continuous 15-minute observation period before testing must also be properly documented.
Can DWI charges be reduced to DWAI in New York?
Sometimes. New York Vehicle and Traffic Law restricts plea bargaining in DWI cases, but prosecutors retain discretion to reduce charges when the evidence is weak, your BAC was barely above the legal limit, or you have no prior record. A reduction from DWI to DWAI is beneficial because DWAI is a traffic infraction rather than a crime. Reduction is more difficult in Nassau County than Suffolk County due to stricter internal prosecution guidelines.
Will a DWI affect my professional license on Long Island?
Yes, a DWI conviction can trigger separate disciplinary proceedings that threaten medical, legal, educational, nursing, and other state-issued professional licenses. Healthcare professionals must report DWI arrests to their licensing boards. CDL holders face automatic disqualification for at least one year. Teachers and educators may face disciplinary action through their school districts.
Do I really need a DWI lawyer on Long Island?
Yes. A DWI conviction carries serious consequences including jail time, substantial fines, license revocation, and a permanent criminal record. Long Island DWI prosecution is among the most aggressive in New York State, particularly in Nassau County. An experienced DWI attorney can challenge the evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, and protect your rights.
Learn more about why to choose Ed Palermo for your DWI case.
Honors & Recognition
