Long Island Criminal Defense Lawyer | 31+ Years Defending Nassau, Suffolk & The Hamptons
Why Long Islanders Choose Award-Winning Criminal Defense
If you have been arrested or charged with a crime anywhere on Long Island, your freedom, your career, and your reputation are all immediately at risk. I am Ed Palermo, founder of Palermo Law, and for over 31 years, I have stood between my clients and the state. I have never been a prosecutor. I have never carried a DA’s office credential. My entire career has been dedicated exclusively to defending people accused of crimes and dismantling the government’s case 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 2,000 criminal cases across Long Island, building relationships with judges and prosecutors in every jurisdiction, and fighting for favorable outcomes in cases ranging from misdemeanor offenses to serious felonies carrying mandatory state prison time. I know which Nassau County prosecutors will negotiate and which ones never budge. I know how Suffolk County’s centralized court system operates differently from Nassau’s. I know which judges respond to mitigation arguments and which ones impose mandatory sentences. This knowledge can mean the difference between a conviction that destroys your future and a favorable resolution that lets you move on with your life.
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
Voted Best of Long Island for 7 years (2019–2024 & 2026), featured as a New York Law Journal Trailblazer, and maintaining a "Superb" AVVO rating for over a decade. My reputation in Nassau and Suffolk courts is built on 31+ years of trial wins and integrity.
Lifelong Defender, Never a Prosecutor
While competitors highlight past stints prosecuting citizens, my entire 31-year career has been dedicated to defending them. I have never carried a badge or a DA's office credential. My loyalty has always been to my clients, and my single-minded focus on dismantling state evidence is your decisive advantage.
No Hand-Offs, No Junior Associates
When you hire my firm, you get me personally. Every client receives my direct cell phone number for 24/7 access from the moment of arrest to the final disposition of your case. You will never be passed off to an intake coordinator, paralegal, or inexperienced associate.
Text Ed Personally Right Now
An arrest can happen at any hour. I am available right now to discuss your charges and start building your defense. Text or call my cell at (631) 903-3733 for an immediate, honest assessment of your case.
Step Off the Google Rabbit Hole: I Handle the Heavy Lifting
If you or a loved one is currently facing criminal allegations on Long Island, you are likely trapped in a terrifying spiral of panic, shame, and worst-case scenarios. Most clients tell me they spent nights sitting up at 2:00 AM, searching the internet for statutory penalties and convincing themselves that their life, career, and freedom were completely over. I need you to step away from the search results and take a deep breath. This is not the end of your world, and a clear path to a favorable outcome is on the horizon.
For more than 31 years, the very first conversation clients have with me brings them an instant, profound sense of relief. My job is to absorb your panic, stop the downward spiral, and get you concentrated back on your life. I do not judge you. I do not lecture you. I do not pass blame. The moment you text or call my office, I take the weight of the state off your shoulders and handle the heavy lifting. Clients consistently tell me the pure anxiety disappears after talking to me because they realize an experienced trial advocate has taken control of their case file.
Why Criminal Defense Requires Deep Long Island Knowledge
Long Island is not one jurisdiction. It is Nassau County, Suffolk County, and the East End, and each one handles criminal cases very differently. Nassau County maintains an aggressive prosecutorial stance with strict internal guidelines that limit plea bargaining, particularly on crossover crimes from New York City and white-collar offenses. Suffolk County operates with a more decentralized court system 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 comes from 31 years of actually defending criminal 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 criminal defense, Suffolk County criminal defense, and East End criminal defense.
Key Takeaway:
Long Island criminal defense requires county-specific knowledge because Nassau County, Suffolk County, and the East End each prosecute criminal 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.
Long Island High-Exposure Felony Trials – UNANIMOUS ACQUITTALS
Featured Trial Result: First Degree Assault NOT GUILTY VERDICT
I represented a young man charged with First Degree Assault and a number of additional felonies and misdemeanors carrying a maximum sentence of 25 years in state prison and a minimum sentence of 5 years upon conviction. The assigned Suffolk County District Attorney’s office took a hardline stance and offered a plea deal of 15 years in state prison. Refusing to accept a career-destroying outcome for my client, I rejected the offer and scheduled the matter for trial in the New York State Supreme Court.
The trial lasted four weeks. Approximately 15 witnesses testified, including three forensic experts presenting complex scientific testimony. I systematically dismantled the prosecution’s evidence through cross-examination and presented a comprehensive defense that exposed serious weaknesses in the government’s case. The jury needed only four hours to acquit my client of First Degree Assault and all other charges. The case was reported in Newsday.
This victory stands alongside my other recent high-stakes Long Island trial successes, including a NOT GUILTY verdict for a financial professional accused of felony sexual assault in Nassau County Court at Mineola, a NOT GUILTY verdict for a client facing a mandatory life sentence under New York’s Persistent Felony Offender (Three Strikes) law in Riverhead Criminal Court, and a NOT GUILTY verdict in a First Degree Robbery case where my client faced 25 years in state prison.
When prosecutors refuse to negotiate and your future is on the line, you need an experienced trial attorney who has actually tried serious felony cases to verdict. Text my cell directly 24/7 to put 31+ years of pure criminal defense experience in your corner.
Notable Criminal Defense Results
First Degree Assault and Multiple Felonies
NOT GUILTY
Edward Palermo represented a young man charged with first degree assault and a number of assorted felonies and misdemeanors. The charges carried a maximum sentence of 25 years and a minimum sentence of 5 years upon conviction. The assigned Suffolk County District Attorney offered a sentence of 15 years. Edward rejected the offer and scheduled the matter for trial in the New York State Supreme Court. The trial lasted for four weeks and approximately 15 witnesses, including 3 experts, testified. The jury needed only four hours to acquit Edward's client of the assault first degree and all other charges. The case was reported in Newsday.
First Degree Robbery (Gunpoint)
NOT GUILTY
Edward Palermo represented a client accused of a gunpoint First Degree Robbery wherein the client faced up to 25 years in state prison. Once again, Edward convinced a Suffolk County Jury to acquit his client.
Second Degree Burglary (Three Strikes Case)
NOT GUILTY
Edward Palermo represented a client charged with a violent Second Degree Burglary allegation. The client faced the three strikes rule and life imprisonment. Edward tried the case and convinced a fair-minded Suffolk County Jury that his client was not guilty of the charge. The client was then immediately released after having been detained in jail for more than 8 months while awaiting trial.
First Degree Rape (Two Defendants)
NOT GUILTY
Edward Palermo represented two people charged with First Degree Rape. Each faced up to 25 years in state prison. The matter went to trial in the New York State Supreme Court in Suffolk County. Both clients were acquitted of all charges.
Edward represented a client charged with criminal sale of a controlled substance in the first degree
Edward negotiated reduction of charges to misdemeanor offense with no jail and no probation. Client's, freedom, reputation and future protected!
Edward represented a client charged with sexual abuse of two minors.
Edward Palermo negotiated a reduction to two disorderly conduct violation charges. No criminal conviction. Client only required to pay small fine.
Edward represented client charged with felony possession of a loaded firearm- facing up to 7 years in state prison
Edward obtains reduction to misdemeanor- No Jail Time
Edward Palermo represented student at Stony Brook University charged with Grand Larceny
Edward convinced District Attorney to grant dismissal after 6 months of not being re-arrested. Student's reputation, freedom and student visa protected
Meet Ed Palermo
Your Long Island Criminal Defense Attorney
I have dedicated over 31 years to criminal defense, representing more than 2,000 Long Island residents facing charges ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies. My practice focuses exclusively on high-stakes criminal trial defense and DWI defense in Nassau County courts, Suffolk County courts, and throughout the East End.
I appear regularly in the Nassau County Court in Mineola defending serious felony indictments, the First District Court in Hempstead handling misdemeanor offenses, the Cohalan Court Complex in Central Islip handling Suffolk County misdemeanors and lower felonies, the Suffolk County Court in Riverhead for serious felony 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 felony cases including First Degree Assault, First Degree Robbery, Second Degree Burglary under the Three Strikes Law, First Degree Rape, and felony sexual assault. I have negotiated favorable, non-custodial outcomes in cases where clients faced state prison time. I have successfully gotten serious felony 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.
Online Ratings
The Premier Long Island Criminal Defense Advocate
Understanding Long Island Criminal Charges
New York classifies criminal offenses into three categories based on severity: violations, misdemeanors, and felonies. The specific category determines what penalties you face, what court hears your case, and what long-term consequences a conviction creates. Understanding which classification applies to your charges is the first step in building an effective defense.
Categories of Criminal Charges I Defend
- Violations: The least serious offenses under New York law. Violations carry a maximum penalty of 15 days in jail and are not considered criminal convictions. Common examples include Disorderly Conduct and Harassment in the Second Degree.
- Misdemeanors: Criminal offenses punishable by up to one year in jail. New York divides misdemeanors into Class A (up to 1 year), Class B (up to 3 months), and Unclassified categories. Common misdemeanors include DWI, Petit Larceny, Assault in the Third Degree, and Criminal Possession of Marijuana.
- Felonies: The most serious offenses, carrying potential sentences exceeding one year and up to life in prison. New York categorizes felonies into Class A through Class E, with Class A felonies (like Murder in the First Degree) carrying potential life sentences and Class E felonies (like Felony DWI) carrying up to 4 years in state prison.
Criminal classifications and penalties in New York are governed by New York Penal Law.
Key Takeaway:
New York classifies criminal offenses into violations, misdemeanors, and felonies based on severity. Violations carry up to 15 days in jail with no criminal record. Misdemeanors carry up to 1 year. Felonies carry more than 1 year, with Class A felonies carrying potential life sentences. The specific classification determines penalties and available defenses.
Criminal Charges I Handle on Long Island
My practice covers the full range of criminal charges across Long Island. As a 7-time Best Lawyer on Long Island winner, I provide aggressive representation across all major categories:
- Violent Crimes: Sex crimes, assault, robbery, weapons offenses, and homicide-related charges
- Drug Offenses: Drug possession, drug sale, and drug-related felonies
- Theft and Property Crimes: Grand larceny, petit larceny, embezzlement, burglary, and criminal mischief
- Domestic Charges: Domestic violence, criminal contempt, and orders of protection violations
- DWI and Driving Offenses: DWI defense, aggravated DWI, felony DWI, and leaving the scene of an accident
- Other Charges: Trespass, civil rights violations, white-collar offenses, and professional license matters
Long Island Criminal Court System
Long Island criminal cases are heard in dozens of different courts across two counties and the East End. Each court has its own culture, its own prosecutors, and its own procedural quirks. Successfully defending your case requires deep familiarity with each venue:
- Nassau County Court (Mineola): Where Nassau felony indictments are heard. Located near my Mineola office.
- Nassau County First District Court (Hempstead): The high-volume center of Nassau County misdemeanor enforcement.
- Long Beach City Court: Handling localized Nassau County matters.
- Suffolk County Court (Riverhead): Where Suffolk County felony cases are prosecuted.
- Cohalan Court Complex (Central Islip): The busiest courthouse in New York State for Suffolk County misdemeanors and lower felonies.
- East Hampton Town Justice Court: Located near my East Hampton office, handling East End cases.
- Southampton Town Justice Court: Handling South Fork arrests.
- Riverhead Town Justice Court: Handling North Fork matters.
- Sag Harbor Village Justice Court: Handling village-level cases.
- Town and village justice courts across Long Island
The New York State Unified Court System provides additional information on court structure at the New York Courts website.
The Power of Cross-County Trial Experience
Many Long Island law firms claim to practice across both counties, but in reality they operate as single-office practices that treat one county as an afterthought. I maintain active physical offices in both Nassau County (Mineola) and Suffolk County (Hauppauge), with an additional East Hampton office serving the East End. I am in the trenches of all three jurisdictions every single week.
The District Attorney’s office in each county operates on a centralized, countywide mandate that controls all local village and municipal town courts from Long Beach to the East End. My three decades of unbroken courtroom presence means I am familiar with the individual prosecutors, bureau chiefs, and judges who hold your future in their hands. I understand the distinct cultural, administrative, and political differences that dictate how your case will be treated:
- Nassau County Prosecutorial Approach: Nassau operates with a particularly aggressive stance against crossover crime moving from New York City. High-exposure offenses like burglary, robbery, and grand larceny against local residents are pursued aggressively by the Nassau County District Attorney’s office. Without an experienced advocate with deep local relationships, unguided defendants are often unable to secure the procedural relief and plea reductions they need.
- Suffolk County Prosecutorial Framework: Suffolk maintains a tightly run, localized judicial network that can be severe on felony indictments. Suffolk County DA Ray Tierney runs a highly organized framework. My deep understanding of his office’s personnel and operational approach allows me to navigate effectively when cases require senior prosecutor review and reconsideration of plea positions.
- East End Town and Village Courts: The East End operates differently than the rest of Long Island. Cases are heard in local town and village justice courts rather than centralized county courts. Local relationships, knowledge of individual justices, and seasonal enforcement awareness matter tremendously.
What Sets My Criminal Defense Practice Apart on Long Island
The Long Island criminal defense market is crowded. There are hundreds of attorneys who claim to handle criminal 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 criminal defense 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, and I never will. When you hire a former prosecutor, you are hiring someone whose professional development was rooted in convicting people. 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 criminal defense 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. No receptionists telling you the attorney will call you back next Tuesday. Criminal arrests do not happen on a business hour schedule, and neither does my availability.
Trial-Ready Approach to Every Case
Most criminal defense attorneys negotiate from a position of weakness. They prepare for trial as a last resort. I prepare every 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 cases prosecutors thought were unwinnable, including assault, robbery, burglary, and felony sexual assault.
Two Fully Active Cross-County Offices
Many law firms claim to practice across Long Island, but they are actually single-office operations that treat one county as an afterthought. I maintain active, physical offices in both Nassau County (Mineola) and Suffolk County (Hauppauge), plus a dedicated East Hampton office. I am in the trenches of all three jurisdictions every single week, regularly managing critical court conferences and securing major bail modifications across all counties on the same morning.
Focused Practice on Criminal Defense and DWI
I am a 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. I do not handle real estate transactions. My entire practice is dedicated exclusively to criminal trial defense. This focus matters because criminal defense work demands specialized knowledge of constitutional law, criminal procedure, evidence rules, jury selection, and trial strategy that general practitioners simply do not develop.
How I Defend Long Island Criminal Cases
A winning criminal defense on Long Island is never achieved by simply hoping for a lenient offer. It requires aggressively auditing the state’s evidence from the moment of arrest. Over my 31 + years of trial practice, I have mastered the technicalities of New York’s automatic discovery statutes, forcing the state to provide every piece of mandatory evidence. If the state cuts corners or fails to meet strict statutory deadlines under New York Criminal Procedure Law § 245.20, I file immediate motions to challenge the prosecution.
Challenging Constitutional Violations
The Fourth Amendment protects you from unreasonable searches and seizures. The Fifth Amendment protects you from compelled self-incrimination. The Sixth Amendment protects your right to confront witnesses and have effective counsel. I review every police report, video recording, and witness statement to identify constitutional violations that can result in evidence being suppressed and charges being dismissed.
Pre-Trial Motion Practice
Aggressive pre-trial motion practice can win cases before trial. I file motions to suppress evidence obtained through unlawful searches, motions to dismiss charges based on procedural violations, motions to challenge the indictment, and motions to obtain favorable evidence from the prosecution. When the state fails to comply with its discovery obligations under New York Criminal Procedure Law § 30.30 speedy trial requirements, I move immediately to dismiss.
Trial Strategy and Cross-Examination
When cases require trial, I prepare thoroughly. I have selected juries in dozens of felony cases. I have cross-examined police officers, detectives, expert witnesses, and victims. I have presented affirmative defenses, challenged forensic evidence, and exposed inconsistencies in prosecution narratives. My trial-ready approach gives us leverage in plea negotiations because prosecutors know I am prepared to take cases to verdict.
Key Takeaway:
Criminal defense requires a multi-layered approach including constitutional challenges, aggressive pre-trial motion practice, and trial-ready preparation. After 31+ years of criminal trial practice on Long Island, I examine every aspect of your case to identify weaknesses in the prosecution and opportunities for dismissal, reduction, or acquittal.
Long Island Criminal Defense by County
Each Long Island jurisdiction handles criminal 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 Criminal Defense: Defending clients in Nassau County Court (Mineola), First District Court (Hempstead), and Long Beach City Court. Nassau County operates with aggressive prosecution policies, particularly on crossover crimes and white-collar offenses. 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 Criminal 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.
- East End Criminal Defense: Handling East End 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.
For DWI-specific defense, see my dedicated Long Island DWI defense page, covering all aspects of drunk driving defense across Nassau, Suffolk, and the East End.
Free Initial Consultation
If you have been arrested or charged with any criminal offense 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 criminal cases. Evidence gets stale. Witnesses become unavailable. Procedural deadlines pass. The sooner I get involved, the more I can do to protect your rights and your future.
CLICK HERE TO TEXT MY CELL: (631) 903-3733
Legal Authority & Editorial Review: This page was authored and legally reviewed by Edward Palermo, Esq., founder of Palermo Law P.L.L.C. With over 31 years of dedicated Long Island criminal defense practice, Mr. Palermo has built specialized expertise in trial defense across Nassau County Court, Suffolk County Court, the Cohalan Court Complex, and East End justice courts. 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 types of criminal cases does a Long Island criminal defense attorney handle?
A criminal defense attorney on Long Island handles charges ranging from violations and misdemeanors to serious felonies. Common practice areas include DWI defense, drug possession, violent crimes (assault, robbery, weapons offenses), sex crimes, theft offenses, domestic violence, white-collar crimes, and federal criminal cases. I represent clients in both misdemeanor and felony cases across Nassau County, Suffolk County, and the East End.
When should I hire a criminal defense attorney on Long Island?
You should hire a criminal defense attorney immediately after arrest, or as soon as you become aware you are under investigation. Early representation can significantly impact your case outcome. The first 48 hours after an arrest are particularly critical because evidence can be preserved, witnesses can be interviewed, and police reports can be analyzed before they harden into the prosecution's narrative. I am available 24/7 at (631) 903-3733.
How much does a criminal defense attorney cost on Long Island?
Legal fees for criminal defense on Long Island vary widely based on the complexity and seriousness of your charges. Misdemeanor cases typically range from $2,500 to $7,500. Felony cases requiring extensive trial preparation can range from $10,000 to $50,000 or more depending on the severity of charges and whether the case goes to trial. I offer free initial consultations to discuss your case and provide transparent pricing.
Can a criminal defense attorney get my charges dismissed?
While no attorney can guarantee dismissal, an experienced criminal defense attorney can often find procedural errors, constitutional violations, or evidentiary weaknesses that increase the chances of charges being reduced or dismissed. Common dismissal grounds include illegal searches, Miranda violations, speedy trial violations, insufficient evidence, and witness credibility problems. I have successfully obtained dismissals in cases prosecutors were certain they could win.
What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in New York?
Under New York Penal Law, misdemeanors are punishable by up to one year in jail, while felonies carry potential sentences exceeding one year and up to life in prison. Felonies are divided into Classes A through E, with Class A being the most serious. A felony conviction creates a permanent criminal record with significant long-term consequences, including loss of firearm rights and impacts on employment opportunities and professional licenses.
Read more about the difference between misdemeanors and felonies in New York.
Should I plead guilty or go to trial?
The decision between pleading guilty and going to trial depends on the strength of the evidence, the prosecution's plea offer, your potential sentence exposure, and your goals. Many cases resolve through plea negotiations that achieve favorable outcomes without trial risk. However, when prosecutors refuse to offer reasonable plea deals, or when the evidence is weak, going to trial may be the right strategy. After 31+ years of trying cases on Long Island, I can give you an honest assessment of your options.
How does bail work in Long Island criminal cases?
Bail is set by a judge at arraignment based on the charges, your criminal history, your community ties, and flight risk. New York's 2020 bail reform legislation eliminated cash bail for most misdemeanors and non-violent felonies, allowing more defendants to await trial outside of custody. For cases where bail is set, I can argue for reduced bail or release on recognizance based on your specific circumstances.
Read more about how bail works in Long Island criminal cases.
How long does a criminal case take on Long Island?
The timeline varies based on case complexity and court schedules. Misdemeanor cases typically resolve within 3 to 6 months. Felony cases can take 6 months to 2 years or longer, particularly cases that proceed to trial. New York’s speedy trial statute (CPL 30.30) requires the prosecution to be ready for trial within specific timeframes based on the offense level, providing protections against indefinite delay.
Learn more about how long a criminal case takes on Long Island.
What should I do immediately after a criminal arrest on Long Island?
After a criminal arrest, contact an attorney immediately. Do not make statements to the police beyond providing your identification. You have the right to remain silent under the Fifth Amendment, and you should exercise that right until you have spoken with an attorney. Write down everything you remember about the arrest, including the time, location, what was said, and whether you were read your Miranda rights. Preserve any evidence and do not discuss your case on social media.
Will I go to jail for a first-time criminal offense on Long Island?
For first-time offenders on Long Island, jail time is possible but not always guaranteed. The likelihood depends on the seriousness of the charges, the circumstances of the alleged offense, and the prosecutor's office handling the case. Nassau County prosecutors are generally more aggressive about pursuing incarceration than Suffolk County prosecutors. For minor first offenses, alternatives like probation, community service, and conditional discharges are often available. For serious felonies, even first-time offenders may face mandatory minimum sentences.
Can a Long Island criminal attorney help if I have violated probation?
Yes. A criminal defense attorney can represent you in probation violation hearings, potentially negotiating alternative outcomes or preventing harsher penalties including jail time. Probation violations require strategic defense because the burden of proof at violation hearings is lower than at trial (preponderance of the evidence rather than beyond a reasonable doubt). I have extensive experience negotiating favorable outcomes in probation violation matters.
What is the role of the grand jury in Long Island felony cases?
For felony cases in New York, the prosecution must obtain a grand jury indictment before the case can proceed to trial. The grand jury hears evidence in secret and decides whether there is sufficient evidence to indict. Defendants have the right to testify before the grand jury, though this is a strategic decision that requires careful analysis with your attorney. I have represented many clients during grand jury proceedings and helped them make informed decisions about whether to testify.
Can criminal charges be expunged or sealed in New York?
New York offers record sealing through two routes. Under Criminal Procedure Law § 160.59, you may petition to seal up to two eligible convictions, no more than one of which may be a felony, once at least 10 years have passed since your sentencing or release, provided you have no other disqualifying convictions and the offense is not a violent or serious felony or a sex offense. Separately, the Clean Slate Act (CPL § 160.57), in effect since November 2024, provides for automatic sealing of many eligible records: three years after sentencing or release for misdemeanors and eight years for felonies, though the court system has until November 2027 to fully implement it. New York does not have true expungement that erases convictions, but sealing keeps most employers and the public from accessing those records. The Section 160.59 process requires a formal petition and is not automatic.
What rights do I have if police want to search my home or car?
Under the Fourth Amendment, you have the right to refuse consent to a search of your home or vehicle. Police generally need a warrant to search your home unless they have probable cause and exigent circumstances. For vehicle searches, the standards are lower but still require either consent, probable cause, or a valid arrest. If police violate these standards, evidence obtained from an unlawful search can be suppressed. I aggressively challenge unlawful searches in every applicable case.
What happens if I am arrested but not formally charged?
You can be arrested and held briefly without formal charges, but New York law requires arraignment within a reasonable time (generally 24 hours). At arraignment, formal charges are filed, bail is addressed, and your case proceeds. If you are arrested but released without formal charges, the prosecution may still file charges later. Anyone questioned by police or facing the possibility of charges should consult with an attorney before making any statements.
What should I look for in a criminal defense attorney on Long Island?
Look for an attorney whose practice is genuinely focused on criminal defense, with substantial local trial experience in the specific courts where your case will be heard. Ask how many cases like yours they have actually tried to verdict, not just resolved by plea. Local knowledge matters: familiarity with the prosecutors, judges, and procedures in Nassau County, Suffolk County, and the East End courts can directly affect your outcome. You should also feel comfortable communicating with the attorney directly, since you will be working closely with them throughout your case. After 31+ years practicing exclusively in criminal defense and DWI on Long Island, I handle every case personally from the first call to resolution.
Learn more about what to look for in a criminal defense attorney.
Do I really need a criminal defense lawyer on Long Island?
Yes. A criminal conviction carries serious consequences including jail time, fines, probation, and a permanent criminal record affecting employment, housing, professional licenses, immigration status, and constitutional rights. Long Island criminal prosecution is aggressive, particularly in Nassau County. An experienced criminal defense attorney can challenge the evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, identify constitutional violations, and protect your rights at every stage of the process.
What is the difference between state and federal criminal charges?
State criminal charges are prosecuted by county district attorneys under New York Penal Law. Federal criminal charges are prosecuted by the United States Attorney's Office under federal law. Federal cases involve different procedures, more severe sentencing guidelines, and the federal court system. I am admitted to practice in both New York State courts and the U.S. District Courts for the Eastern District of New York (EDNY) and Southern District of New York (SDNY), allowing me to handle cases in both court systems.
Honors & Recognition
