Most people who call this office have never been arrested before. They are a nurse who blew a .09 on the Meadowbrook, a college student holding a desk appearance ticket, a driver who cannot lose a license without losing a job. If that sounds like your situation, the first consultation is free.
Richard Hochhauser from Hochhauser Criminal & DWI Defense, PLLC is an award-winning Long Island criminal defense lawyer who comprehensively understands both sides of the courtroom. As a former Nassau County prosecutor, he knows how the District Attorney’s office builds these cases and where they are weakest.
Free consultation · No charge and no obligation on the first call.
Former Nassau County prosecutor · Experience inside the District Attorney’s office.
Call or text · (516) 939-1529 — fast response.
Across from the courthouse · 164 Jackson Street, Hempstead.
Recent Results
A sample of outcomes obtained in Nassau and Suffolk County courts. Every case turns on its own facts and its own evidence.
DWI Reduced to a Traffic Infraction — Teacher and Coach
Charge: DWI, .15 BAC · Court: Nassau County District Court · Result: Reduced to Driving While Ability Impaired — not a crime
Stopped by State Police at nearly twice the legal limit, with a school district certain to learn of any conviction. We won a hardship privilege at arraignment so our client could keep driving to work, completed the treatment and education requirements before any plea was entered, then negotiated the DWI down to a traffic infraction. No criminal conviction — and he kept both the license and the job.
Aggravated DWI Dismissed — .18 BAC
Charge: Aggravated DWI, .18 BAC · Court: Nassau County · Result: Dismissed — all evidence suppressed
Our client had no record and wanted to keep it that way. At the suppression hearing we showed the court that the police had no lawful basis for the stop — the alleged failure to signal did not survive cross-examination. Without a valid stop, every piece of evidence fell, and so did the case.
Petit Larceny Dismissed and Sealed — Public School Teacher
Charge: Petit Larceny · Court: Nassau County District Court · Result: Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal — dismissed and sealed
A teacher with no criminal history, charged after an incident at a big-box retailer, with the district already notified. A theft conviction ends teaching careers. We filed a notice of appearance immediately, built the mitigation, and pressed the District Attorney for a disposition carrying no conviction of any kind. Charge dismissed, record sealed, career intact.
See all 23 case results →
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. These are examples of outcomes obtained in specific matters and are not a prediction or guarantee of the result in any other case.
Know Your Rights: What To Do Before, During, and After Arrest
If you have been approached by law enforcement or are accused of a crime, it’s vital to know your rights and use them correctly at all times.
Before Arrest
Officers may approach you to gather information and assess whether you are a witness, a suspect, or an accomplice. During that encounter:
- Remain calm and cooperative.
- Ask if you are free to leave, and request to speak with an attorney.
- Avoid self-incriminating statements and refuse searches without a warrant.
During Arrest
What you do in the first few minutes can shape the whole case.
- Assert your right to remain silent and request legal counsel.
- Refuse searches or arrests without warrants, unless exigent circumstances apply, such as a DWI arrest.
- Follow lawful orders while maintaining your rights.
After Arrest
- Contact a criminal defense attorney immediately.
- Document details of the arrest, including officers’ names and circumstances.
- Discuss the case with no one but your attorney — and do not post about it on social media.
Knowing and exercising your rights are indispensable when your freedom is on the line. We understand that each second counts. Contact Hochhauser Criminal & DWI Defense today for a consultation and let our experienced team defend your rights and secure your future.
At the core of our practice, we uphold a fierce commitment to justice and the presumption of innocence. Our unique experience includes navigating a variety of criminal cases, from DWIs and traffic tickets to domestic violence and theft. Consider reaching out to our Long Island criminal defense lawyer for aggressive and reliable representation.
Why Choose Hochhauser Criminal & DWI Defense, PLLC?
Choosing the right legal counsel to entrust your freedom with is never easy. Richard Hochhauser stands out among the countless options in Long Island for many reasons, including:
Both sides of the courtroom — Richard’s knowledge of criminal law comes from working both sides — as a Nassau County defense lawyer and as a former prosecutor. That perspective lets us anticipate what the prosecution will do before they do it.
Trusted by hundreds of Long Islanders — Strong ratings and client reviews across Google, Avvo, and Justia.
Fast, reliable communication — Clear updates, prompt responses, and honest guidance at every stage. You will not be chasing us for answers.
Support at every stage — Investigation, plea negotiation, trial preparation, and trial itself.
Facing Criminal Charges? You’re Not Alone
Dealing with criminal charges can be overwhelming and frightening. The stress and uncertainty that come with navigating the criminal justice system are immense. It’s natural to feel anxious about your future and the potential consequences of the charges you’re facing. However, it’s crucial to remember that you don’t have to face this alone.
Seeking the guidance of an experienced criminal defense attorney like Richard Hochhauser is paramount.
At Hochhauser Criminal & DWI Defense, PLLC we can provide crucial support and legal representation to protect your rights and advocate on your behalf. With a proven track record of success, we are dedicated to defending the rights and interests of our clients. We are immediately available to residents of Nassau and Suffolk County, ensuring prompt and effective legal representation when you need it most.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards protecting your future.
Criminal Cases We Handle
At Hochhauser Criminal & DWI Defense, PLLC we are dedicated to defending individuals facing a wide range of criminal charges with diligence and determination. Our experienced team focuses on advocating for clients accused of:
- DWI/DWAI: Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) and Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI) involve operating a vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, or both, leading to serious legal consequences, including driver’s license suspension, a fine, and possible mandatory jail time.
- Theft: Theft offenses encompass various acts of taking someone else’s property without permission, including shoplifting, petit and grand larceny, and theft by extortion.
- Domestic Violence: Domestic violence charges involve abusive behavior within intimate or household relationships, such as physical violence, threats, or harassment.
- Drug Crimes: Drug-related offenses range from possession and possession with intent to trafficking illegal substances, all carrying severe penalties and a permanent criminal record.
- Assault: Assault charges involve intentionally causing physical harm or injury to another person, with varying degrees of severity.
- Traffic Tickets: Traffic violations, such as speeding or running a red light, can result in fines, license points, and increased insurance rates, affecting your driving record.
- Driving with a Suspended License: Operating a vehicle while your driver’s license is suspended or revoked is called aggravated unlicensed operation (AUO) in NY. Depending on your criminal history and the cause of suspension, AUO can lead to criminal charges ranging from misdemeanors to felonies.
If you are facing any of these charges, our criminal defense law firm is here to provide strategic legal representation and guide you through the complexities of the criminal justice system.
Unique Defense for Your Specific Case
At Hochhauser Criminal & DWI Defense, PLLC we believe in a personalized and customized approach to criminal defense. We understand that every criminal case is unique, and we tailor our defense strategies to fit the specific circumstances and needs of our clients.
Our defense strategies are carefully crafted and implemented by our experienced team. Some of the key defense strategies that may used in your case include:
- Presumption of innocence: In criminal law, it’s the prosecution’s burden to prove guilt, not yours to prove innocence. We challenge the prosecution’s case and hold it to its duty to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Violations of Constitutional Rights: If due process wasn’t followed, the reliability of the evidence against you could be questionable.
- Mistaken Identity: We meticulously examine the evidence to expose any identification fallacies.
- Self-Defense or Defense of Others: If applicable, we establish that your actions were justified as self-defense or in defense of others to get your charges reduced or dismissed.
- Entrapment: Our investigation includes assessing whether law enforcement induced you to commit a crime that you would not have otherwise committed.
- Lack of Intent: In many criminal offenses, intent is a necessary element. When intent can’t be conclusively established, we use this fact to establish a solid defense.
At Hochhauser Criminal & DWI Defense, PLLC we understand that the devil is in the details. That’s why every case evaluation, plea negotiation, and trial representation is underpinned by our commitment to custom-fit defenses. We align our criminal defense strategies with your distinct narrative because we know that’s what justice demands.
When facing urgent legal matters, Hochhauser Criminal & DWI Defense, PLLC is here to provide immediate assistance and dedicated client defense. We understand the urgency of legal issues and are committed to offering prompt and effective legal representation to protect your rights.
Don’t wait—reach out to Hochhauser Criminal & DWI Defense, PLLC for the help you need when you need it most. Let our experienced team provide the legal support you deserve. Schedule your free consultation now!
