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 in Suffolk County
Since graduating from Hofstra Law School in 1994, I have successfully handled more than 2,000 criminal cases throughout Suffolk County.
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.
Suffolk County Sex Crimes Lawyer
Suffolk County Sex Crimes Defense Attorney
Being accused of a sex crime in Suffolk County is one of the most serious charges you can face. Whether you were arrested in Riverhead, Hauppauge, Central Islip, or anywhere in Suffolk County, you need an experienced defense attorney who knows the local courts and prosecutors.
As a Suffolk County criminal defense lawyer with over 31 years of experience, I have successfully defended clients facing sex crime allegations at the Suffolk County Court in Riverhead and all District Courts throughout the county.
(631) 903-3733
Related Services
- Long Island Criminal Defense Lawyer
- Domestic Violence Defense
- SORA Risk Level Calculator – Estimate Your Registration Risk
- About Ed Palermo – Credentials
I treasure my clients, and I will do everything in my power to get you a great result.
Notable Case Results/Verdicts
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. Client walked out of court a free man after facing life-changing charges.
Second Degree Burglary - NOT GUILTY VERDICT
Client charged with violent Second Degree Burglary faced three strikes rule and potential 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 in Suffolk County. Secured release on low bail and the matter was ultimately dismissed. Case reported on News 12, WABC, and WCBS.
DWI - NOT GUILTY AFTER TRIAL
Client arrested for DWI on Main Street. Officer claimed client failed field sobriety tests. We challenged the stop as lacking reasonable suspicion and the tests as improperly administered. Jury returned not guilty verdict.
Drug Possession - DISMISSED
Client was a passenger in a vehicle stopped on Jericho Turnpike in Suffolk County. Police found cocaine in the center console and charged all occupants. We demonstrated our client had no knowledge of the drugs. Prosecution dismissed all charges.
Weapons Possession - CASE DISMISSED
Client charged with possessing unregistered firearm found during traffic stop in Suffolk County. Successfully challenged search as unconstitutional. All evidence suppressed, case dismissed.
Multiple Felonies - REDUCED TO SINGLE MISDEMEANOR
Client facing multiple felony charges including burglary and larceny in Suffolk County. Through intensive investigation and negotiation, secured plea to single misdemeanor with probation, avoiding state prison and preserving client's future.
Meet Ed Palermo - Your Suffolk County Sex Crimes Lawyer
I am Edward Palermo, a Suffolk County criminal defense attorney with over three decades of experience defending clients in Riverhead, Hauppauge, Central Islip, and throughout Suffolk County. Since graduating from Hofstra Law School in 1994, I have dedicated my career to protecting the rights of the accused.
I know the prosecutors at the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office. I know the judges at Suffolk County Court. I know how these cases are investigated by Suffolk County Police and State Police. This local knowledge is invaluable in defending sex crimes charges.
What sets my practice apart is my commitment to accessibility. I provide every client with my personal cell phone number: (631) 903-3733.
I have been named Best Lawyer on Long Island for five consecutive years, recognized as a NY Law Journal Trailblazer, and maintain a 10.0 AVVO Rating.
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
Understanding Sex Crimes in Suffolk County
Suffolk County Sex Crimes Prosecution
Sex crimes in Suffolk County are prosecuted aggressively by the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office. Cases are heard at Suffolk County Court in Riverhead for felonies and at various District Courts for misdemeanors.
Where Suffolk County Sex Crimes Cases Are Heard
Suffolk County Court (Riverhead) – All felony sex crimes including rape, sexual assault, and child pornography.
First District Court (Central Islip) – Misdemeanor sex crimes for western Suffolk County.
Second District Court (Hauppauge) – Misdemeanor sex crimes for eastern Suffolk County.
Various Town Courts – Local violations and initial appearances.
Types of Sex Crimes in Suffolk County
Rape and Sexual Assault
Rape charges in Suffolk County carry severe penalties. First-degree rape can result in up to 25 years in state prison. These cases often involve complex issues of consent and require immediate legal intervention.
Child Pornography
Suffolk County actively investigates child pornography cases, often involving computer forensics and federal cooperation. Early intervention by an experienced attorney is critical.
Sexual Abuse
Charges involving inappropriate sexual contact are prosecuted vigorously in Suffolk County, particularly when they involve minors or vulnerable adults.
SORA Registration Issues
If convicted, you will face SORA registration requirements. The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office handles registration and community notification for Level 2 and 3 offenders.
Suffolk County SORA (Sex Offender Registration Act) – Complete Guide
Understanding SORA Requirements in Suffolk County
The Sex Offender Registration Act (SORA) is one of the most severe consequences of a sex crime conviction in New York. If convicted in Suffolk County, you will be required to register as a sex offender, with potential lifetime registration depending on your risk level.
SORA Registration Levels
Level 1 (Low Risk): Registration for 20 years. Information shared with law enforcement only.
Level 2 (Moderate Risk): Registration for life. Information shared with law enforcement and available to public through online directory.
Level 3 (High Risk): Registration for life. Active community notification including postcards to neighbors, schools, and organizations throughout Suffolk County.
SORA Registration in Suffolk County – Calendar & Deadlines
Initial Registration Timeline
- Within 10 days of sentencing or release: Must register in person at Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office in Riverhead or Yaphank
- Within 5 days of moving: Must update address with new jurisdiction
- Within 10 days of any address change: Update current Suffolk County jurisdiction
Annual Verification Requirements
- Every year within 5 days of your birthday: In-person verification at Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office in Riverhead
- Every 3 months (Level 3 only): Additional verification required at designated Suffolk County location
Employment/School Registration in Suffolk County
- Within 24 hours: Report any change in employment or school enrollment in Suffolk County
- Before starting: Must register new workplace or school location with Suffolk County Sheriff
SORA Risk Assessment & Hearings in Suffolk County
Step 1: Initial Risk Assessment
After conviction in Suffolk County Court (Riverhead), the court orders a risk assessment conducted by the Board of Examiners of Sex Offenders. This evaluation determines your risk level based on offense details, criminal history, and psychological evaluation.
Step 2: SORA Risk Level Hearing
You have the right to challenge your assigned risk level at a hearing, typically held at Suffolk County Court. This is critical because we can present mitigating evidence, challenge risk factors, and potentially reduce from Level 3 to 2, or Level 2 to 1.
Step 3: Registration with Suffolk County Sheriff
Once your risk level is determined, you must register in person at the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office. Level 2 and 3 offenders will have community notification through the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office.
Defending Against SORA Registration in Suffolk County
Challenge the Underlying Conviction
The best defense against SORA is avoiding conviction in the first place at Suffolk County Court. We fight aggressively to get charges dismissed or reduced to non-SORA eligible offenses.
Minimize Risk Level at Suffolk County SORA Hearing
If convicted, we fight at your Suffolk County SORA hearing to minimize your risk level by presenting comprehensive mitigation and challenging prosecution’s risk factors.
SORA Modification & Removal in Suffolk County
For Level 1 offenders in Suffolk County, you may petition for relief from registration after 20 years. For Level 2 and 3, we can petition for downward modification based on years of compliance and clean record.
Defense Strategies for Suffolk County Sex Crimes
False Accusations
False accusations occur in Suffolk County due to custody battles, divorce proceedings, and personal vendettas. We investigate thoroughly to expose false claims.
Consent Defense
In many cases, the issue is whether the encounter was consensual. We gather evidence to establish consent was given.
Challenging Evidence
We challenge illegal searches, improper forensic analysis, and chain of custody issues that commonly arise in Suffolk County investigations.
Minimizing SORA Requirements
We fight at SORA hearings at Suffolk County Court to minimize your risk level and avoid the most burdensome registration requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions About Suffolk County Sex Crimes Defense
Where will my sex crimes case be heard in Suffolk County?
Felony sex crimes are heard at Suffolk County Court in Riverhead. Misdemeanors are heard at First District Court in Central Islip or Second District Court in Hauppauge depending on where the alleged offense occurred.
How long do sex crimes cases take in Suffolk County?
Sex crimes cases in Suffolk County typically take 6-18 months from arrest to resolution, depending on complexity and whether the case goes to trial.
Can I avoid SORA registration in Suffolk County?
The best way to avoid SORA is to avoid conviction. We fight aggressively to get charges dismissed or reduced to non-SORA eligible offenses. If convicted, we fight to minimize your risk level at the SORA hearing.
What if I’m falsely accused in Suffolk County?
False accusations are common in custody and divorce cases. We investigate thoroughly, gather exculpatory evidence, and expose false claims to the Suffolk County District Attorney.
Why choose Ed Palermo for Suffolk County sex crimes defense?
31+ years of criminal defense experience in Suffolk County, deep knowledge of local courts and prosecutors, access to expert witnesses, and commitment to protecting your rights and reputation.
Honors & Recognition
