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
Award-Winning Defense for Drivers Arrested in Central Islip, Riverhead & East End Courts
A DWI arrest in Suffolk County triggers an immediate, aggressive legal process under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law § 1192. From vehicle seizure exposure to license suspensions at your first arraignment, Suffolk County prosecutors move quickly to secure convictions. I am Ed Palermo, and for over 31 years, my practice has been dedicated entirely to defense. I protect the rights, licenses, and futures of drivers arrested across Suffolk County, from the Cohalan Court Complex in Central Islip to the Cromarty Court Complex in Riverhead.
As a 7-time Best of Long Island Winner, I personally handle every facet of your DWI file. You do not get passed off to a junior associate or a standard appearance attorney. You get my decades of Suffolk County courtroom experience and direct cell phone access whenever you need it.
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 and Highly Rated
7-Time Best Lawyer on Long Island. Trailblazer Award — New York Law Journal. "Superb" AVVO rating.
No Lawyer Fights Harder
I treasure every client and treat every case like the most important one I've ever had. I will do everything within the law to get you the best possible result.
Direct Access to Ed — Always
Every client gets my personal cell phone number. Call or text me anytime — day or night. DWI arrests don't happen on a 9-to-5 schedule, and neither do I.
You Speak Directly to Ed
Not a paralegal. Not a junior associate. When you call, I answer. When you need answers, I'm the one who gives them. That's how I've always practiced.
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 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 conducted a thorough procedural investigation into the facts of the case. Through direct negotiations with a senior supervising attorney in the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, I secured a reduction of the felony charges to a simple misdemeanor. My client walked out of the courtroom with a result that will be sealed after 36 months, her legal career fully protected, and her livelihood saved.
Leandra’s Law (New York Vehicle and Traffic Law § 1192(2-a)(b)) makes any DWI offense with a child under 16 in the vehicle an automatic felony. These cases require aggressive, specialized defense from day one.
Results matter. Text my cell directly 24/7 to put 31+ years of criminal defense experience in your corner.
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.
Award-Winning Defense
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.
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 unbeatable 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 confidence once they realize they have an experienced advocate who knows exactly how to dismantle the Suffolk County District Attorney’s case.
Client Reviews
“If you’re facing a DWI...do yourself a favor and call Ed”
Ed Palermo is an incredible attorney! Even after my DWI case was resolved very favorably, I still had the interlock device in my car. Ed took care of that as well writing a motion for early termination after 6 months maintaining the device. If you’re facing a DWI case please do yourself a favor and call Ed Palermo. Best decision I could have made!
“Edward did a great job handling my case and was…”
Edward did a great job handling my case and was very helpful throughout the entirety of the court procedures. I would highly recommend Edward for anyone who is seeking an attorney for a DWI. He not only made the process very easy but also got my charges reduced. Edward is great!
“One of the best DWI attorneys I have had the…”
One of the best DWI attorneys I have had the privilege of working with. Professional and invested in obtaining the best possible outcomes for his clients.
“I’ve had a couple of friends that have used Mr.…”
I’ve had a couple of friends that have used Mr. Palermo for some unfortunate DWI instances they found themselves in. Mr. Palermo was professional and honest and worked extremely hard for them and they have raved about how well he handled the issues.
“Ed is a fantastic lawyer and THE guy to go…”
Ed is a fantastic lawyer and THE guy to go to. He is very respectable, intelligent, and fights his hardest for you. He was very reassuring and helpful in a very stressful time for me and I am happy with the results. He helped save my career and my reputation. If you are in any DWI trouble look no further than Ed.
“If you ever get in a DWI/DWAI arrest, Mr. Edward…”
If you ever get in a DWI/DWAI arrest, Mr. Edward Palermo is your attorney to be. He knows what he is doing by fetching you the best possible deals and getting you out of trouble in no time. I am an international student with no knowledge in US jurisdiction, but with Mr. Edward Palermo by my side all my worries and concerns were taken care of. 10/10 would recommend Mr. Palermo to all of you out there who need a lawyer. Much Respect and Love to Mr. Edward Palermo. He's your man trust me!!!
A DWI arrest anywhere in Suffolk County triggers an immediate, fast-moving legal process under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law § 1192. From license suspensions at your first arraignment to vehicle seizure exposure, Suffolk County prosecutors move quickly to secure convictions. Defending your driver’s license, your livelihood, and your personal liberty requires an attorney who has spent more than three decades in Suffolk County courtrooms, knows the prosecutors and judges, and understands the local rules that govern every DWI case.
CLICK HERE TO TEXT MY CELL: (631) 903-3733
DWI defense in Suffolk County requires an attorney who actively practices in the specific court handling your case. The court culture, prosecutorial approach, and judicial philosophy vary significantly across Suffolk County’s judicial centers. I appear regularly in:
Standing before a Suffolk County judge with a 7-time Best Lawyer on Long Island winner means you have an advocate who knows the institutional habits of local prosecutors and how to challenge the chemical evidence in your case. Whether your arrest occurred in Hauppauge, Smithtown, Brookhaven, or out on the East End, I have appeared before the judge handling your case.
Key Takeaway:
Suffolk County DWI cases are processed through specific courts depending on the severity of the charge. Misdemeanor DWI cases are handled at the Cohalan Court Complex in Central Islip, while felony DWI cases proceed to the Cromarty Court Complex in Riverhead. East End cases go through local town and village justice courts. Each venue requires specific local experience.
Facing different charges or looking for broader information? See my comprehensive guide to Long Island DWI Defense covering all of Nassau and Suffolk, or my page on Long Island Criminal Defense covering all other criminal charges. For specific sub-areas of DWI defense, see Aggravated DWI, Felony DWI, and DMV Refusal Hearings.
A successful DWI defense in Suffolk County is never built on generic legal strategies. Every DWI allegation involves specific scientific, mechanical, and procedural rules. Over my 31+ years of dedicated criminal defense practice, I have systematically broken down state evidence to expose deficiencies and errors.
| Breathalyzer Intoxilyzer 9000 Testing | I challenge calibration records, technician certifications, the continuous 15-minute observation period, and operational compliance with NHTSA protocols. Improper administration can render breath test results inadmissible. |
| The 15-Day DMV Refusal Hearing Rule | If you refused a chemical breath test, the New York DMV is legally required to provide your refusal hearing within 15 days of arraignment under New York Vehicle and Traffic Law § 1194. When the DMV fails to meet that deadline, which happens frequently, your driving privileges must be restored pending the rescheduled hearing. |
| Aggravated DWI (.18% BAC or Elevated) | Aggravated DWI charges carry significantly higher penalties than standard DWI under VTL § 1192(2-a). I have handled well over 100 Aggravated DWI cases. I know the specific procedural and evidentiary challenges that apply to high BAC cases. |
| Field Sobriety Test Challenges | Officers must administer the three NHTSA-approved Standardized Field Sobriety Tests according to strict protocols. Deviations from required procedure, environmental factors, medical conditions, and improper instructions can all undermine the validity of these tests as evidence. |
If the state alleges you refused a chemical breath test at the police precinct, your driving privileges face an immediate administrative threat completely separate from your criminal court case. The DMV is legally required to provide you with a formal refusal hearing within 15 days of arraignment. If the department fails to schedule your hearing within those 15 days, your driving suspension must be lifted and your operator’s license becomes valid again pending the eventual rescheduled hearing.
For Suffolk County refusal hearings, the DMV office is located in Hauppauge. 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 clients can be legally driving with full privileges for two or three months while we prepare the defense for the actual hearing date.
Critical deadline – the 15-day rule works in your favorIf you refused a chemical test in Suffolk County, the DMV must provide your refusal hearing within 15 days of arraignment. When they fail to meet that deadline, which happens frequently, 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. Call me at (631) 903-3733 immediately if you refused a breath test. Learn more about Suffolk County refusal hearings.
The Suffolk County District Attorney’s office maintains specific internal policies governing vehicular crimes. These policies affect plea bargaining options, sentencing recommendations, and which assistant district attorney handles your case.
For a first-offense misdemeanor DWI, your case enters the First District Court at the Cohalan Court Complex in Central Islip. Prosecutors here routinely push for ignition interlock mandates, probation terms, and alcohol treatment programs. The Suffolk DA’s office has stricter internal policies on DWI plea reductions than Nassau County, making local experience critical to securing favorable outcomes.
If your charge is elevated to a felony due to a prior DWI conviction within 10 years, a Leandra’s Law arrest involving a child passenger, or an accident causing serious injury, your file is transferred to Suffolk County Court at the Cromarty Court Complex in Riverhead. Felony DWI cases require specialized defense from attorneys who regularly appear in the Suffolk County Court system. I appear in Riverhead regularly defending serious felony indictments.
For DWI arrests in the Hamptons and North Fork, cases proceed through local town and village justice courts including East Hampton, Southampton, Sag Harbor, and Montauk. These courts have their own distinct procedures, judges, and local rules.
| First DWI | Up to 1 year in jail, $500-$1,000 fine, minimum 6-month license revocation, mandatory Impaired Driver Program, mandatory ignition interlock device |
| Aggravated DWI (.18% BAC) | Up to 1 year in jail, $1,000-$2,500 fine, minimum 1-year license revocation, mandatory ignition interlock |
| Second DWI (within 10 years) | Class E Felony – Up to 4 years in prison, $1,000-$5,000 fine, minimum 1-year revocation |
| Third DWI (within 10 years) | Class D Felony – Up to 7 years in prison, $2,000-$10,000 fine, permanent revocation possible |
| Leandra’s Law (child passenger) | Class E Felony automatically, regardless of prior record – Up to 4 years in prison |
| Chemical Test Refusal | 1-year license revocation, $500 civil penalty (first offense); 18 months and $750 (second offense within 5 years) |
DWI arrests do not happen on a standard business schedule, and neither do I. When you call my office, you work directly with me. Not an intake assistant. Not a paralegal. Not a junior associate. Every client receives my personal cell phone number for immediate access throughout their case. If a family member is currently in custody awaiting a morning judge in Central Islip or Riverhead, contact my line immediately.
TEXT ED DIRECTLY: (631) 903-3733
Legal Authority & Editorial Review: This page was authored by Edward Palermo, Esq., founder of Palermo Law P.L.L.C. With 31+ years of dedicated Suffolk County DWI defense practice, Mr. Palermo brings 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. Lifelong defender. Never a prosecutor. Page status verified: June 2026.
A Suffolk DWI lawyer analyzes the stop, detention, testing, and paperwork to identify legal and technical defenses. They handle court appearances, negotiate with the District Attorney, file motions, and guide you on licensing, treatment, and compliance so you protect your record and driving privileges.
Learn more in-depth about what a DWI lawyer can do for your case.
New York uses DWI and DWAI rather than the generic term “DUI.” DWI usually refers to driving with a 0.08% BAC or evidence of intoxication, while DWAI covers a lower level of impairment based on alcohol or drugs.
Read more about the differences between these terms and their implications here.
A first DWI is typically a misdemeanor that can bring fines, a license revocation, alcohol education or treatment, probation, and possible jail. Courts also impose surcharges and may require an ignition interlock device as part of sentencing.
Learn more about the penalties for a first-offense DWI in Suffolk County.
Aggravated DWI is charged when the BAC is significantly higher than the legal limit, commonly 0.18% or more. It carries stiffer fines, longer revocations, and stricter court requirements than a standard DWI.
DWI is a crime tied to 0.08% BAC or proof of intoxication, and it can result in a criminal conviction. DWAI (alcohol) is usually a traffic infraction for impaired ability, often associated with BAC readings between 0.05% and 0.07%, and the penalties are generally less severe.
In many Suffolk courts, judges impose a “suspension pending prosecution” when there is a sworn chemical test over the limit. You may request a hardship privilege, and later you can often pursue a conditional license through the Impaired Driver Program if eligible.
This is a case-specific decision with serious consequences either way. Refusing triggers a separate DMV process that can revoke your license and impose civil penalties, while submitting creates evidence the prosecution may use, so timely legal advice is important.
The DMV schedules a refusal hearing, and if the refusal is sustained you face a mandatory license revocation and a civil penalty even if the criminal case is reduced or dismissed. CDL drivers face longer disqualifications, and conditional privileges can be limited after a refusal.
Learn more about what happens if you refuse the breath test.
Sometimes prosecutors agree to a reduction based on the facts, BAC level, driving history, presence of an accident or injuries, and mitigation such as early treatment. Office policies and the strength of the defense also influence whether a reduction is offered.
Common defenses challenge the legality of the stop, probable cause, field sobriety test administration, and breath machine maintenance or operation. Medical issues, rising BAC, mouth alcohol, or procedural violations can also undermine the prosecution’s proof.
Read more about what defenses there are for a Suffolk DWI case.
A DWI conviction typically requires an ignition interlock device on any vehicle you operate for a period set by the court, often around a year. Judges may tailor the duration based on case facts and compliance.
New York does not expunge most adult convictions. Some DWI convictions may qualify for sealing after a waiting period if statutory criteria are met, including under CPL 160.59 and newer automatic-sealing rules, but eligibility depends on your record and offense level.
Learn more on whether a DWI can be expunged or sealed in New York.
