Award Winning &
Highly Rated
I have been voted "Best Lawyer on Long Island for the last 5 years, I was featured as a Trailblazer by the prestigious New York Law Journal in 2019 and have a perfect 10 “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.
I will answer all of your questions. I will explain the DWI charges you face. I will explain potential strategies to win your case. New clients ALWAYS feel better after they speak to me.
- Ed Palermo
Long Island DWI Attorney
Long Island DWI Lawyer – Ed Palermo | 31+ Years | Nassau, Suffolk, Hamptons | (631) 903-3733
Long Island DWI Attorney: Defending DWI Cases Across Nassau County, Suffolk County & the Hamptons
When you’re facing DWI charges anywhere on Long Island, your freedom, your license, and your future are on the line. I’m Ed Palermo, and I’ve spent over 31 years defending people just like you in every Long Island courthouse, from Hempstead to Riverhead to East Hampton. Whether you were arrested in Nassau County, Suffolk County, or the Hamptons, I know the courts, the prosecutors, and the judges who will decide your case.
This isn’t knowledge you pick up in a few years. It comes from three decades of hands-on experience defending hundreds of 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 repeat DWI charges carrying mandatory jail time. I know which Nassau County prosecutors negotiate and which ones don’t. I know how Suffolk County courts differ from Nassau County courts. I know which Hamptons judges are fair and which ones follow rigid sentencing guidelines. This knowledge can mean the difference between a favorable plea deal and a conviction that costs you your license, your job, and your freedom.
6-Time Best Lawyer of Long Island • Trailblazer Award Winner • Over 2,000 Clients Represented • 31+ Years Defending DWI Cases Across Long Island. Call Now: (631) 903-3733
Why Long Island DWI Defense Requires Comprehensive Local Knowledge
Long Island isn’t one jurisdiction. It’s Nassau County, Suffolk County, and the Hamptons, 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 Hamptons add another layer of complexity, with seasonal enforcement priorities and courts that handle everything from local cases to high-profile arrests.
I practice in all of them, every single week. I know which Nassau County prosecutors will consider reducing charges and which ones won’t budge. I know which Suffolk County judges give fair consideration to mitigation arguments and which ones impose mandatory jail time on repeat offenders. I know which Hamptons courts move quickly and which require more strategic patience. This isn’t theoretical knowledge. It’s 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.
When you hire me, you get a lawyer who knows the system inside and out, who has the trial experience to fight back when prosecutors won’t negotiate, and who understands the nuances that make Long Island DWI defense different from anywhere else in New York State. For county-specific representation, learn more about my DWI defense work in Suffolk County, Nassau County, and throughout Long Island.
- Best Lawyer on Long IslandSix-time BFCU winner
- Trailblazer Award Winner
- Over 2,000Clients Represented
- Available 24/7Call or text Now: (631) 903-3733
Arrested For A Criminal or DWI charge? You Probably Have A Number Of Questions:
- Will I go to jail?
- Will I be placed on probation?
- Will I have a permanent criminal record?
- Will I lose my license?
- What happens when I go to court?
- How long will the court process last?
- How can I find the best lawyer to defend me?
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
Meet Ed Palermo
I’m a Long Island DWI attorney with over 31 years of experience defending people just like you. I’ve handled more than 2,000 criminal and DWI cases across Nassau County, Suffolk County, and the Hamptons.
I know these courts. I appear in Hempstead, Mineola, Central Islip, Riverhead, Southampton, and East Hampton regularly. The prosecutors know me. The judges know me. That familiarity matters when your freedom is on the line.
I’ve represented teachers facing license consequences, CDL holders fighting to save their careers, out-of-state drivers who need local expertise, and first-time offenders terrified about jail time. Every case is different. Every client deserves an aggressive, personalized defense.
I’m not a general practice attorney who takes DWI cases occasionally. This is what I do. Criminal defense and DWI defense, every single day, for over three decades.
If you or someone you love has been arrested for DWI anywhere on Long Island, call me today. I’m here to help.
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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Nassau County vs Suffolk County vs Hamptons: Three Different Worlds for DWI Cases
Not all Long Island DWI cases are the same. Where you’re arrested matters more than you think.
Nassau County has the toughest DWI prosecution in New York State. After the Katie Flynn tragedy in 2005, when a drunk driver killed a 7-year-old flower girl on the Meadowbrook Parkway, Nassau’s District Attorney implemented strict guidelines that prosecutors still follow today. They don’t negotiate. They don’t plea bargain DWI cases down to traffic violations. They want jail time, even for first offenders.
Suffolk County takes a different approach. Prosecutors have more flexibility. I’ve negotiated favorable outcomes in Suffolk that would never happen in Nassau. The courts in Central Islip, Riverhead, and the Town Justice Courts throughout Suffolk County each have their own culture. Some judges are tougher than others. I know which prosecutors will negotiate and which ones won’t.
The Hamptons are unique. Southampton, East Hampton, and Riverhead see huge spikes in DWI arrests during summer months. Out-of-town defendants often think they can just mail in a guilty plea and be done with it. That’s a mistake. These cases require the same aggressive defense as any other DWI arrest. The judges in East Hampton and Southampton know me. I’ve been defending DWI cases in the Hamptons for over three decades.
Long Island DWI Courts Where I Defend Cases
Nassau County: First District Court in Hempstead has two courtrooms dedicated exclusively to DWI cases. Nassau County Court in Mineola handles felony DWI cases and appeals. Long Beach City Court prosecutes aggressively despite being a smaller jurisdiction.
Suffolk County: Suffolk County Court in Riverhead handles felony cases. Central Islip handles misdemeanor cases for the western towns. Each Town Justice Court (Babylon, Huntington, Islip, Smithtown, Brookhaven) has its own prosecutors and procedures.
The Hamptons: Southampton Town Court, East Hampton Town Court, and Riverhead handle the majority of summer DWI arrests. These courts move quickly during peak season.
I appear in all of these courts regularly. The prosecutors know me. The judges know me. That familiarity matters when your freedom is on the line.
Types of DWI Cases I Handle Across Long Island
First-Time DWI: Even if you’ve never been arrested before, you’re facing a permanent criminal record, fines up to $1,000, license suspension for at least six months, and possible jail time. Nassau County prosecutors routinely seek jail time for first offenders with a BAC over 0.15. I fight to keep you out of jail and get the charges reduced whenever possible.
Repeat DWI Offenses: A second DWI within 10 years is a felony in New York. You’re facing state prison time, not just county jail. These cases require aggressive trial defense. I’ve won NOT GUILTY verdicts in felony DWI trials.
Aggravated DWI (BAC 0.18 or higher): This is the most serious misdemeanor DWI charge. Suffolk County rarely reduces aggravated DWI charges. Nassau County never does. I’ve successfully negotiated favorable outcomes in aggravated DWI cases that other attorneys said were impossible.
Refusal Cases: If you refused the breathalyzer test, you’re facing an automatic one-year license revocation at the DMV, separate from any criminal penalties. The DMV hearing happens quickly. I represent clients at both the criminal court and the DMV refusal hearing.
Leandra’s Law (Child in Vehicle): If you’re arrested for DWI with a child under 16 in the car, you’re facing automatic felony charges. These cases are prosecuted aggressively in every Long Island jurisdiction.
CDL Holders: Truck drivers, bus drivers, and anyone with a commercial driver’s license faces career-ending consequences from a DWI conviction. I’ve represented crane operators, school bus drivers, and delivery drivers. Protecting your CDL is my top priority in these cases.
Out-of-State Drivers: If you live in New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, or anywhere else and got arrested for DWI on Long Island, you need a local attorney who knows these courts. I’ve successfully defended hundreds of out-of-state clients.
The Long Island DWI Process: What Happens After You’re Arrested
Most people have never been arrested before. The DWI process is confusing and scary. Here’s what happens:
Arraignment: This is your first court appearance, usually within 24 hours of your arrest. The judge will set bail (usually released on your own recognizance for first-time offenders), explain the charges, and schedule your next court date. You’ll receive paperwork about your DMV hearing. This happens fast. Having an attorney at arraignment makes a difference.
Discovery: The prosecution must turn over all evidence against you. This includes the police report, breathalyzer calibration records, dashboard camera footage, and bodycam video. I review every frame of video and every document. I’m looking for errors, inconsistencies, and constitutional violations.
Negotiations: In Suffolk County and the Hamptons, I negotiate with prosecutors to reduce charges or minimize penalties. In Nassau County, negotiations are limited because of their strict no-plea-bargain policy. But I still find ways to achieve favorable outcomes.
DMV Hearing: You have a separate civil hearing at the DMV if you refused the breathalyzer or if your BAC was over 0.08. This hearing determines whether your license gets suspended. I represent you at this hearing. Winning at the DMV doesn’t dismiss your criminal charges, but it can save your license.
Motions: I file motions to suppress evidence when the police violated your rights. If the traffic stop was illegal, if the breathalyzer wasn’t properly calibrated, or if the police didn’t follow proper procedures, I file a motion to dismiss. I’ve won complete dismissals this way.
Trial: If we can’t negotiate a favorable outcome, we go to trial. I’ve tried dozens of DWI cases to verdict. I know how to cross-examine police officers. I know how to challenge breathalyzer evidence. I’ve won NOT GUILTY verdicts in cases where the prosecution seemed to have overwhelming evidence.
Why Local Court Experience Matters on Long Island
I’ve been defending DWI cases on Long Island for over 31 years. I know the judges. I know the prosecutors. I know which judges are tough on first offenders and which ones focus on rehabilitation. I know which prosecutors have discretion to negotiate and which ones don’t.
That institutional knowledge can’t be replicated by an attorney from Manhattan or Brooklyn who occasionally takes a Long Island case. The relationships I’ve built over three decades matter when your future is at stake.
What to Expect When You Hire Me
When you call me, we’ll schedule a confidential consultation. I’ll review the facts of your case. I’ll explain exactly what you’re facing. I’ll outline a defense strategy tailored to your specific situation.
You’ll have my personal cell phone number. You can call me anytime. I respond to texts, emails, and calls. My clients don’t sit around wondering what’s happening with their case.
I’ll appear with you at every court date. I’ll handle the DMV hearing. I’ll negotiate with prosecutors. And if necessary, I’ll take your case to trial.
The First 48 Hours After a DWI Arrest Are Critical
Don’t wait. The DMV refusal hearing must be requested within 15 days of your arrest. Evidence disappears. Witnesses’ memories fade. The sooner you hire me, the better chance we have of building a strong defense.
I’ve seen too many people try to handle DWI cases on their own or hire cut-rate attorneys who don’t know Long Island courts. Those cases don’t end well.
Call Me Today for a Confidential Consultation
- Best Lawyer on Long Island
Six-time BFCU winner - Trailblazer Award Winner
- Over 2,000
Clients Represented - Available 24/7
Call or text Now: (631) 903-3733
If you’ve been arrested for DWI anywhere on Long Island, call me now at (631) 903-3733. If you were arrested in Nassau County, call (516) 280-2160. If you were arrested in Suffolk County, call (631) 265-1052.
I’ll answer your questions. I’ll explain your options. And I’ll fight to protect your freedom, your license, and your future.
Don’t face this alone. Call me today.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are the DWI laws in Long Island, and how do they apply to my case?
Long Island follows New York State laws, which set specific blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limits and outline the proper procedures for field sobriety and chemical testing. An experienced attorney will review your case details to ensure all legal protocols were followed and challenge any evidence that was improperly obtained.
What are the potential penalties for a DWI conviction in Long Island?
Penalties can range from fines, license suspension, and mandatory alcohol education to probation or even jail time—especially if you have prior offenses. The exact consequences depend on your BAC, circumstances, and any aggravating factors, making personalized legal guidance critical. Learn more.
How can a Long Island DWI attorney help me fight my charges?
A dedicated attorney will scrutinize every step of your arrest, from the traffic stop to the administration of tests. They’ll identify any procedural errors or constitutional violations, negotiate with prosecutors, and develop a tailored defense strategy to reduce or dismiss the charges.
What happens to my driver’s license after a DWI arrest?
Your license may be suspended immediately after an arrest. However, a skilled attorney can work with the Department of Motor Vehicles and the courts to seek a restricted license or explore options to expedite its reinstatement.
How long does a DWI stay on my record in Long Island?
Typically, a DWI conviction remains on your driving record for up to 10 years. In some cases, there may be opportunities for expungement or record sealing depending on your circumstances and subsequent legal outcomes.
For more information on the length of a DWI record, continue reading here.
What happens after a DWI Arrest in Long Island, NY?
After a DWI arrest, expect license suspension, an arraignment date, and immediate penalties. Consulting an experienced DWI attorney quickly protects your rights and may mitigate consequences. Learn more.
What is the difference between DWI, DWAI, and aggravated DWI?
A standard DWI typically involves a BAC over the legal limit, while DWAI (Driving While Ability Impaired) applies to cases with a lower BAC. Aggravated DWI involves additional factors such as injuries or significant property damage, resulting in harsher penalties.
Read more about the difference between DWI, DWAI, and aggravated DWI.
How does a DWI affect my car insurance rates?
A DWI conviction is likely to result in significantly higher insurance premiums because insurers view you as a higher risk. An attorney may help mitigate the impact by securing reduced charges or exploring alternative sentencing that can lessen the long-term effects on your insurance.
How much does it cost to hire a DWI lawyer in Long Island?
Legal fees vary based on the complexity of your case and the attorney’s experience. Many firms offer free initial consultations and work with flexible payment plans to ensure that quality defense is accessible regardless of your financial situation.
Learn more about the different factors that contribute to the cost of a DWI lawyer in Long Island.
Why should I choose your law firm to represent me in my DWI case?
Our firm combines extensive local expertise with a proven track record in DWI defense. We offer personalized attention, aggressive advocacy, and a commitment to protecting your rights, ensuring every aspect of your case is meticulously handled for the best possible outcome.
Learn more about why you should hire Ed Palermo for your case.
What Should I Look for in a Criminal Defense Attorney In New York?
When choosing a criminal defense attorney in New York, look for deep knowledge of local laws and procedures, a proven track record of successful outcomes, strong relationships with prosecutors and judges, transparent billing, and a personalized approach with clear communication. Ed Palermo exemplifies these qualities, offering decades of experience, documented results, and a client-focused strategy tailored to protect your future.
Read more about things to consider when looking for a criminal defense attorney.
Should I Plead Guilty or Go to Trial?
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
