30+ Years Defending Southold Cases
I have spent over 30 years defending clients at Southold Town Court. I know the judges, prosecutors, and court procedures in this North Fork community.
2,000+ Criminal Cases Handled
From arrests on Main Road to serious felony charges, I have successfully defended thousands of criminal cases in Southold and throughout Suffolk County.
Direct Access to Your Attorney
When you hire me, you get my personal cell phone number: (631) 903-3733. I am available 24/7 because I know criminal charges do not happen on a schedule.
Local Southold Court Knowledge
Southold is unique—historic North Fork community with agricultural roots. I understand the local enforcement patterns and court procedures that affect your case.
Southold Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you have been arrested in Southold or anywhere on the North Fork, you need a defense attorney who understands the local courts and the unique enforcement patterns in this wine country region. I am Ed Palermo, and I have spent over 30 years defending clients in Southold Town Justice Court.
Southold encompasses several hamlets including Cutchogue, Mattituck, New Suffolk, and Peconic. The area is known for its wineries, farm stands, and waterfront dining, which attracts visitors year-round. This tourism brings increased police presence, particularly along Route 48 (North Road) and Route 25 (Main Road), with enforcement focused on DWI, drug offenses, and traffic violations.
Southold Town Justice Court is located on Main Road and handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic violations, and preliminary felony matters. I know the local justices and prosecutors, and I understand what defense strategies work in this court.
If you are facing DWI charges in Southold, visit my Southold DWI Defense page to learn how I fight DWI cases in Southold Town Justice Court.
First Degree Assault - Not Guilty on All Charges
Client charged with First Degree Assault and multiple felonies. Maximum exposure: 25 years in state prison. The District Attorney offered 15 years. I rejected the offer and took the case to trial in New York State Supreme Court. After a four-week trial with approximately 15 witnesses — including 3 expert witnesses — the jury needed only four hours to acquit my client of ALL charges. Case reported in Newsday. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Notable Verdicts & Results
First Degree Robbery - Acquittal At Trial
Client accused of gunpoint First Degree Robbery facing up to 25 years in state prison. Convinced a Suffolk County jury to acquit on all charges.
Second Degree Burglary - Not Guilty Verdict
Client charged with violent Second Degree Burglary faced three strikes rule and life imprisonment. Tried the case and convinced Suffolk County jury client was not guilty. Client immediately released after 8 months in jail awaiting trial.
Marijuana First Degree & Weapons Charges – Reduced to Misdemeanor, No Jail
Client charged with Criminal Possession of Marijuana First Degree and Criminal Possession of a Weapon Second Degree in Suffolk County Supreme Court. Faced decade+ in prison with $1 million bail. Got bail reduced to $400,000, marijuana charge dismissed, negotiated to misdemeanor with no jail and no probation. Cash seized at arrest returned to client.
Assault - Case Dismissed
Client arrested for assault after violent altercation. Secured release on low bail and the matter was ultimately dismissed. Case reported on News 12, WABC, and WCBS.
Meet Ed Palermo
Why Choose Edward Palermo for Your Defense?
Your Trusted Southold Criminal Defense Lawyer
When you are facing criminal charges on the North Fork, you need more than a lawyer — you need someone who will personally invest in your defense. I have been defending people across Long Island for over 30 years, and I bring that experience to every Southold case I handle.
I do not run a volume practice where you get passed off to an associate. When you hire me, I personally handle your case from start to finish. You get my direct cell phone number — (631) 903-3733 — and I answer it. My East Hampton office at 9 Willow Lane serves the entire East End, including every community on the North Fork.
I appear regularly in Southold Town Justice Court at 53095 Route 25, as well as Suffolk County Court in Riverhead where felony cases are prosecuted. I know the judges, I know the Assistant District Attorneys, and I know which defense strategies produce results in these courts.
What to Expect When You Call
I offer a free initial consultation where I review your charges, explain the legal process in Southold Town Justice Court, and give you an honest assessment of your case. No pressure, no obligation.
Let’s Fight This Together
Do not let a criminal charge define your future. Contact me today. Call my cell at (631) 903-3733 — I am ready to fight for you.
Criminal Charges & Defense in Southold
Criminal Charges I Defend in Southold
Assault & Violent Crimes: From altercations at Greenport bars to disputes at vineyard events. I challenge witness credibility and self-defense claims.
Drug Possession & Drug Crimes: I challenge the legality of searches, chain of custody, and probable cause.
Petit Larceny & Grand Larceny: Theft charges involving retail theft, contractor disputes, or agricultural equipment. I work to get charges reduced or dismissed.
Domestic Violence & Orders of Protection: I fight to protect your rights while navigating family court and criminal court proceedings.
Trespass & Criminal Mischief: Vineyard property disputes, beach access issues, and property damage incidents.
DWI & Traffic Offenses: The North Fork wine trail is a major DWI enforcement corridor. See my Southold DWI Lawyer page.
Charged with DWI in Southold?
If you are facing DWI charges in Southold, I can help. Visit my Southold DWI Defense page to learn how I defend clients arrested for driving while intoxicated on the North Fork.