Award Winning & Highly Rated
I was featured as a Trailblazer by the prestigious New York Law Journal in 2019 and have a perfect 10.0 Superb rating from AVVO. I have also been voted Best Lawyer on Long Island 5 consecutive years.
There is no Lawyer fighting harder than me!
I treasure every single one of my clients and treat every case as if it were my own family member. I pride myself on fighting for the underdog and I will fight for you.
31+ Years Experience
Since graduating from Hofstra Law School in 1994, I have successfully handled more than 2,000 criminal cases ranging from minor violations to serious felonies.
24/7 Personal Accessibility
When you hire me, you get my personal cell phone number. I am available to my clients when they need me most, because I understand that legal emergencies do not happen during business hours.
Northport Criminal Lawyer
Northport Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you’ve been arrested or charged with a crime in Northport Village, you need a local attorney who knows this courthouse inside and out. I’m Ed Palermo, and I’ve been defending people in Northport Village Court since 1994—over 31 years of experience in this exact courtroom.
Northport Village Court is one of the busier local courts on Long Island. It’s a night court that meets every Monday evening. I know Judge Brian Trodden. I know the prosecutors from the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office who handle these cases. I know the court personnel. That familiarity matters when your freedom, your license, and your future are on the line.
Northport is a beautiful harbor town with shops along Main Street and a park by the water. Summer brings more visitors, more foot traffic, and more arrests. DWI charges, traffic violations, petit larceny, and public disturbance offenses are common here. Whether you’re a local resident or you were visiting for the day, you deserve aggressive defense from an attorney who knows how this court works.
6-Time Best Lawyer on Long Island • Trailblazer Award Winner • Over 2,000 Clients Represented • Available 24/7 — Call: (631) 265-1052 or Text My Cell Anytime: (631) 903-3733
Case Results
DWI - Main Street
Reduced to Violation
Professional arrested for DWI on Main Street in Northport. We challenged the field sobriety testing and negotiated a reduction to a traffic violation, preserving the client's professional license and avoiding a criminal record.
Drug Possession
ACD Dismissal
College student charged with marijuana possession in Northport. We secured an Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal. After six months of good behavior, the case was dismissed and sealed with no criminal record.
Domestic Dispute
Case Dismissed
Client falsely accused of harassment during a neighbor dispute in Northport. We presented evidence contradicting the allegations and demonstrating the accuser's motive to fabricate. All charges were dismissed.
Shoplifting
Reduced to Violation
Client arrested for petit larceny from a Main Street store in Northport. We negotiated restitution and community service in exchange for a reduction to disorderly conduct, a non-criminal violation.
Reckless Driving
Not Guilty
Client accused of reckless driving on Route 25A. We demonstrated that the driving did not meet the legal definition of reckless conduct. The Northport Village Court found our client not guilty after trial.
Assault
Self-Defense Acquittal
Client charged with assault following a confrontation at a Northport establishment. We proved our client acted in self-defense and secured a not guilty verdict at trial.
Felony Weapons
Reduced to Misdemeanor
Client facing felony weapons charges after an incident in Northport. We identified constitutional issues with the search and negotiated a plea to a non-violent misdemeanor with probation only.
White Collar Fraud
No Criminal Charges Filed
Northport professional investigated for financial misconduct. We intervened during the investigation phase and presented exculpatory evidence to prosecutors, resulting in no criminal charges being filed.
Meet Ed Palermo
Meet Ed Palermo
I’ve been practicing in Northport Village Court since 1994. I know Judge Brian Trodden, who is also a practicing defense attorney. I know the prosecutors from the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office who specialize in handling outlying courts like Northport and Amityville. I know the court personnel.
This kind of local knowledge can’t be replicated by an attorney from outside Suffolk County who shows up once or twice. When you hire me, you’re hiring someone who’s been in this courtroom hundreds of times over three decades.
Northport Village Court meets Monday nights. It’s a busy docket, especially during the summer months when the harbor town sees more visitors. Whether you’re facing DWI charges, traffic violations, petit larceny, or public disturbance offenses, I know how to defend these cases in Northport.
If you need immediate assistance, text my cell anytime: (631) 903-3733. I respond quickly, especially in urgent situations.
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.
Northport Criminal Defense Experience
Northport Village Court: What You Need to Know
Night Court on Mondays
Northport Village Court is a night court that meets every Monday evening. If you’ve been arrested in Northport or charged with a crime, your case will be heard here. The docket can be busy, with 20 to 40 cases scheduled on any given night.
Judge Brian Trodden presides over the court. He’s also a practicing defense attorney, which gives him a unique perspective on how defense cases should be handled. The prosecutors are from the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office and specialize in handling outlying town and village courts like Northport and Amityville.
I have a great relationship with both the judge and the prosecutors assigned to this court. That doesn’t mean I get special treatment—it means I know how they think, what they prioritize, and how to position your case for the best possible outcome.
Common Criminal Charges in Northport
DWI and Traffic Violations: Northport sees a significant number of DWI arrests, especially during the summer months. Main Street and the harbor area attract visitors, and police are active in monitoring for impaired drivers. Traffic violations like speeding, suspended license, and reckless driving are also common.
Petit Larceny: Shoplifting and theft charges happen regularly in Northport’s Main Street retail area. These are typically misdemeanor charges but can result in a permanent criminal record if not handled properly.
Public Disturbance Offenses: Disorderly conduct, harassment, and public intoxication charges are common, particularly during summer weekends when the harbor area is crowded.
Assault and Domestic Violence: I’ve defended numerous assault cases in Northport Village Court, including domestic violence charges. These cases require aggressive defense, especially when Orders of Protection are involved.
Drug Possession: Marijuana possession and other drug charges are prosecuted in Northport, though many cases can be negotiated down or dismissed depending on the circumstances.
Summer in Northport: More People, More Arrests
Northport is a beautiful harbor town. Main Street is lined with shops and restaurants. The harbor has a park right by the water, perfect for walking. During summer months, the population swells with visitors from across Long Island and beyond.
More people means more police activity. DWI checkpoints, traffic enforcement, and patrols around the harbor area increase during peak season. If you’ve been arrested during a summer visit to Northport, don’t assume you can just mail in a guilty plea and forget about it. You need local representation to protect your record.
Why Local Experience Matters in Northport
Northport Village Court is small compared to Central Islip or Riverhead, but the stakes are just as high. A conviction here creates the same permanent criminal record as a conviction anywhere else in New York State.
Attorneys who don’t practice regularly in Northport often underestimate how this court operates. They don’t know the judge’s tendencies. They don’t know which prosecutors have discretion to negotiate and which ones don’t. They don’t understand the rhythm of Monday night court.
I do. I’ve been here since 1994. I know how to get results in this courthouse.
The First Steps After Arrest in Northport
If you’ve been arrested in Northport Village, here’s what happens:
Arraignment: You’ll be arraigned in Northport Village Court, usually within 24 to 48 hours of your arrest. The judge will read the charges, set bail if necessary, and schedule your next court date.
Discovery: The prosecution must turn over evidence against you, including police reports, video footage, and witness statements. I review every document and every frame of video looking for weaknesses in their case.
Negotiation: In many cases, I can negotiate with the Suffolk County prosecutors to reduce charges or achieve a favorable disposition. My relationships with the DAs who handle Northport cases give me insight into what’s possible.
Trial: If we can’t negotiate a fair resolution, I’m prepared to take your case to trial. I’ve tried cases in Northport and know how to defend you aggressively in front of Judge Trodden.
Why Choose Ed Palermo for Your Northport Case
31 Years in Northport Village Court
I’ve been practicing in Northport since 1994. That’s 31 years of Monday nights in this courthouse. I know Judge Trodden. I know the prosecutors. I know the court clerks and court officers. This isn’t casual familiarity—it’s three decades of consistent representation in this exact courtroom.
When you hire me, you’re not hiring someone who’s learning the ropes. You’re hiring someone who knows how Northport Village Court operates and what strategies work here.
Direct Access to Your Attorney
You’ll have my personal cell phone number: (631) 903-3733. You can text me anytime if you need immediate assistance. I respond quickly, especially in urgent situations.
I also maintain a Suffolk County office at 1300 Veterans Memorial Highway in Hauppauge. You can reach that office at (631) 265-1052. But whether you call the office or text my cell, you’ll get me—not a paralegal, not a secretary.
What to Expect When You Hire Me
When we meet for your consultation, I’ll review the facts of your case and explain exactly what you’re facing. I’ll outline a defense strategy tailored to your specific situation. You’ll leave our meeting with a clear understanding of what happens next.
I’ll handle all court appearances with you. I’ll review all discovery materials. I’ll negotiate with prosecutors. And if necessary, I’ll take your case to trial.
Throughout the process, you’ll have direct access to me. You won’t sit around wondering what’s happening with your case.
Don’t Wait—Call Me Today
The sooner you hire an attorney, the better your chances of achieving a favorable outcome. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget details. Opportunities for negotiation narrow as the case progresses.
If you’ve been arrested or charged with a crime in Northport, call my Suffolk County office at (631) 265-1052 or text my cell anytime at (631) 903-3733.
Don’t face this alone. Let me put my 31 years of Northport Village Court experience to work for you.
Northport Village Court Information
Address: Northport Village Court, 224 Main Street, Northport, NY 11768
Court Schedule: Monday evenings (night court)
Judge: Honorable Brian Trodden
Jurisdiction: Criminal and traffic matters arising within Northport Village
Prosecutor: Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office
Other Suffolk County Courts Where I Practice
In addition to Northport Village Court, I practice regularly in:
Suffolk County Court (Riverhead): Felony cases, serious charges
First District Court (Central Islip): Misdemeanors and un-indicted felonies
Amityville Village Court: Another busy Suffolk outlying court where I have extensive experience
Other Suffolk Town Justice Courts: Babylon, Huntington, Islip, Smithtown, Brookhaven, and more
Whether your case is in Northport or another Suffolk County courthouse, I have the local knowledge and experience to defend you effectively.
Call Me Now
Suffolk County Office: (631) 265-1052
Text My Cell Anytime: (631) 903-3733
Don’t wait. The first hours after arrest are critical. Let me fight for you.
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