Over 31 years · Long Island criminal defense
Over 31 years · Long Island criminal defense
I've personally defended over 2,000 people across Nassau & Suffolk for 31 years. Tell me what happened and I'll text you back.
150+ Five-Star Reviews
"Superb" Avvo Rating for over a decade
When You Are Arrested for DWI in East Hampton
Getting pulled over for DWI in East Hampton can happen anywhere—on Montauk Highway near Main Street, leaving a restaurant on Newtown Lane, or at a checkpoint on Pantigo Road. Whether it’s your first DWI arrest or you have prior convictions, you need an experienced DWI attorney who knows East Hampton courts.
I am Edward Palermo, and for over 31 years, I have defended DWI cases at East Hampton Town Justice Court. I know the prosecutors, the judges, and the strategies that work for DWI defense in this jurisdiction.
I will answer all of your questions. I will explain the criminal charges you face. I will explain potential strategies to win your case. New clients ALWAYS feel better after they speak to me.
Ed Palermo
Why clients choose Ed
Award Winning &
Highly Rated
7-Time Best Lawyer on Long Island — 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 & 2026, 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.
East Hampton DWI enforcement is aggressive, especially during summer months when checkpoints are common along Montauk Highway. The consequences of a DWI conviction can include license suspension, fines, and even jail time. If you refused the breathalyzer, the DMV refusal allegation can cost you your license for a minimum of one year. It is critical to have experienced counsel in place to defend you at this hearing.
East Hampton presents unique challenges for DWI defense. The area sees increased enforcement during summer months when checkpoints are common along Montauk Highway and the village area. Whether you were stopped near Newtown Lane, leaving a restaurant, or at a checkpoint, you need an experienced DWI attorney.
Recognized by the community
Voted Best of Long Island by readers of BestOfLongIsland.com — alongside a New York Law Journal Trailblazer Award and a “Superb” Avvo rating held for over a decade.
Featured Trial Result
I represented a Brooklyn resident, a successful real estate broker, facing DWI charges on Long Island. The District Attorney refused to reduce the charge to a non-criminal violation because of a prior DWI arrest. I identified a procedural flaw in the prosecution's handling of the case and filed a motion to dismiss. The court granted the motion in its entirety and the case was dismissed completely, protecting his professional license and livelihood.
A successful real estate professional from Brooklyn owned a second home on Shelter Island. One night, driving on the island, he was arrested for DWI, and the case landed in Shelter Island Town Justice Court. He came to me terrified about one thing above all: his professional license and the career he had spent years building. A conviction could have ended it.
The situation was difficult. He had a prior DWI arrest on his record, so the District Attorney refused to reduce the charge to a non-criminal violation. Most attorneys would have told him to take the best plea he could get and hope for the best.
I do not work that way. I went through the prosecution’s handling of the case line by line, and I found a flaw serious enough to challenge the entire prosecution. I filed a motion to dismiss. The motion was granted in its entirety, and the case was completely dismissed. No conviction. No mark on his record. His license and his future stayed intact.
When your career depends on the outcome, you do not want a lawyer who negotiates from weakness. You want one who knows this island’s court, reads every page, and finds the flaw the prosecution missed.
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Legal disclaimer
I represented a client in Northport Village Court charged with aggravated DWI on a chemical reading in excess of .20, well above the .18 aggravated threshold and the kind of number that gives most people little hope. Drawing on my familiarity with that court and the Suffolk prosecutors who cover it, I was able to negotiate a reduction all the way down to driving while ability impaired, the non-criminal traffic infraction.
I represented a client in Riverhead Town Justice Court charged with driving while intoxicated under VTL 1192(2), on a chemical reading of .17. That is a number most people assume leaves no room to work with. It sits just under the .18 aggravated threshold, and the Suffolk County District Attorney's office rarely agrees to reduce a charge at that level. Getting a reduction on a reading like that in this particular courthouse is harder still, because in Riverhead the deal does not end with the prosecutor.
I represented a practicing attorney in Suffolk County facing felony Aggravated DWI and Leandra's Law charges after being stopped with a child passenger in the vehicle. Her blood alcohol reading was elevated, and the state was aggressively pursuing a felony conviction that could have triggered disbarment, the loss of her law license, and possible state prison time.
I represented a New Jersey businessman charged with DWI in Suffolk County. He faced criminal exposure in New York and licensing consequences at home in New Jersey. I negotiated a reduction of the criminal charges to a non-criminal traffic violation, fully protecting his record in both states.
I represented a medical doctor charged with DWI in Suffolk County. A criminal conviction would have triggered mandatory reporting to the New York State Board of Professional Medical Conduct and threatened his medical license. I negotiated a reduction to a simple traffic infraction, ensuring no negative impact on his career or licensing.
I represented a Pennsylvania businessman charged with DWI in Suffolk County. I negotiated a favorable resolution reducing the charge to a single traffic violation, protecting him from both New York criminal exposure and Pennsylvania licensing penalties.
About Attorney Edward Palermo
Office: 9 Willow Lane, East Hampton, NY 11937
Courts Served: East Hampton Town Justice Court, Suffolk County Court (Riverhead)
For over 31 years, I have defended clients in East Hampton and throughout the East End. I understand the local courts, the prosecutors, and how to get results for my clients. When you hire me, you get my personal commitment to your case. I will fight aggressively to protect your rights and your future.
My East Hampton office puts me minutes from the courthouse and in the same community as the clients I represent. East End cases move differently than they do in Central Islip or Riverhead. The town and village justice courts run on their own calendars, enforcement priorities shift sharply between the summer season and the rest of the year, and outcomes often turn on relationships built over decades of consistent local appearances. That familiarity is not something an attorney can develop by driving out from Nassau for a single court date.
I handle East End matters personally, from the first phone call through disposition. You will not be passed to a junior associate or an appearance attorney who has never met you. Whether your case stays in the local justice court or is elevated to Suffolk County Court in Riverhead, the same attorney who took your call is the one standing beside you in front of the judge.
If you are facing charges in East Hampton, Southampton, Sag Harbor, Montauk, or anywhere on the East End, contact me directly for a free consultation. The earlier I am involved, the more I can do to protect your license, your record, and your future.
Client Reviews
“I cannot say enough good things about Ed Palermo. He’s…”
I cannot say enough good things about Ed Palermo. He’s easy to talk to, always available to reach by text, very knowledgeable about the in’s and out’s of the law, respected by his peers, will do everything possible to help his client and he worked very hard to get me the resolution that I desired. His over 30 years of experience really shows when he is in the courtroom. By watching him, I could tell that he had the respect and the attention of every person there. He gets results. I’m so glad that I chose Ed to represent me. I would highly recommend Mr. Palermo to anyone who needs an attorney to represent them.
“Most people don’t realize that being a great attorney isn’t…”
Most people don’t realize that being a great attorney isn’t just about knowledge of the law but it’s also about relationships! I had a small matter that needed to be cleared up. I went on Google and looked at several different attorneys, -the one thing that was most important to me was how many years they have been in practice. Ed has been practicing law for over 30 years and has relationships with judges and district attorney’s all over Long Island. The kind of relationships that somebody just out of law school wishes they had and eventually might. Ed cleared up my legal matter in less then three-months because of those relationships and his knowledge of the law. Working with Ed was an absolute pleasure because he is available via text message which is extremely important in today’s fast-paced world. I was able to communicate with him what was happening in real time. It was nice not to have to call his office - leave a message with the receptionist and wait for a callback. I highly recommend Ed Palermo for any legal matter that falls under his expertise. He is the best!
“I only have good words for Mr. Palermo. He assisted…”
I only have good words for Mr. Palermo. He assisted me the same day that I was trying to find a good lawyer urgently. It is to recognize Mr. Palermo his good disposition for hear me on the 4th of July. From that day, everything evolved very smoothly and professionally and with a successful end to the case. Therefore, my most sincere congratulations for the good management of the case and my recommendation of Mr. Palermo to anyone who needs a good lawyer.
If you refused the breathalyzer test, you face a separate DMV refusal proceeding that is distinct from your criminal case. The DMV refusal allegation can result in license suspension for a minimum of one year – separate from any penalties in criminal court. This hearing requires skilled defense counsel who understands the technical defenses available. For second or subsequent refusal offenses, the suspension can be significantly longer.
Every DWI case has potential defenses. I analyze every aspect of your stop, arrest, and chemical testing to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. Common defenses include challenging the validity of the traffic stop, questioning field sobriety test administration, attacking breathalyzer calibration and maintenance records, and examining blood test procedures and chain of custody.
If you are facing criminal charges unrelated to driving—such as assault, drug possession, theft, or domestic violence—I provide comprehensive criminal defense.
I defend all criminal charges including assault, drug crimes, theft, sex crimes, and white collar offenses.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
