East Meadow Domestic Dispute Lawyer

A heated argument within the privacy of your East Meadow home can escalate in an instant. A neighbor hears shouting, someone calls 911, and before you know it, Nassau County police officers are at your door. Due to New York’s mandatory arrest laws for domestic incidents, one person is almost always going to be arrested, taken away in handcuffs, and charged with a crime. Suddenly, you are facing the overwhelming power of the criminal justice system, and your life is turned upside down.

If you have been arrested following a domestic dispute, you may feel scared, confused, and alone. It is critical to understand that this is not a private family matter anymore; it is a criminal case. At Hochhauser Criminal and DWI Defense, we have defended countless individuals from East Meadow and across Long Island who have been in this exact situation. We know what you are up against, and we know how to protect you.

“Domestic Dispute” is Not a Charge—It’s the Beginning of a Serious Legal Battle

When police respond to a domestic call, they are there to make an arrest. The initial argument can lead to a variety of criminal charges, each with serious consequences. The most common charges we see stemming from domestic disputes include:

• Assault in the 3rd Degree: Alleging you intentionally caused physical injury to a family or household member.
• Criminal Obstruction of Breathing or Blood Circulation: A serious charge often based on an allegation of choking.
• Criminal Mischief: Alleging you intentionally damaged property during the argument (e.g., breaking a phone, punching a wall).
• Aggravated Harassment: Alleging threats were made in person or via text message.

Each of these charges, even a misdemeanor, can result in a permanent criminal record, jail time, and significant fines.

The Immediate Consequence: The Order of Protection

Immediately following an arrest for a domestic incident in Nassau County, the court will issue an Order of Protection (also known as a restraining order). This happens at your very first court appearance, called the arraignment.

• A “Full Stay-Away” Order is Common: This means you will be legally barred from returning to your own home if the complainant lives there. You will also be forbidden from contacting them in any way—no calls, no texts, no emails, no contact through a third party.
• The Complainant Cannot “Drop” It: Even if your partner or spouse appears in court and tells the judge they do not want the order, the judge will almost always issue it on behalf of the state.

Violating an Order of Protection is a separate crime of Criminal Contempt, which can be charged as a felony. This is a trap many people fall into by sending a simple text message. It is a mistake that can land you right back in jail.

Why You Can’t “Just Talk It Out” with the Prosecutor

A common and dangerous misconception is that if the complaining witness (your partner or spouse) wants to “drop the charges,” the case will be dismissed. This is not true.

Once an arrest is made, the case is controlled by the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office. They have specialized Domestic Violence prosecutors who are trained to pursue these cases even without the cooperation of the complaining witness. They will use the 911 call, police body camera footage, photos, and your own statements to build their case against you.

How an East Meadow Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer Fights for You

A domestic dispute case requires a defense attorney with specific experience in this sensitive and complex area of criminal defense. Our approach is strategic and comprehensive:

1. Challenging the Initial Allegations: We conduct our own investigation into what really happened. Stories can be exaggerated in the heat of the moment, and we work to present the full context to the prosecutor and the court.
2. Fighting the Order of Protection: We argue aggressively at the arraignment to have the least restrictive order possible put in place, fighting for you to be able to return home or have contact with your children.
3. Negotiating with Specialized Prosecutors: As a former Nassau County prosecutor, Richard Hochhauser has a unique understanding of how the Domestic Violence bureau operates. He knows the prosecutors, understands their objectives, and uses that insight to negotiate for dismissals, reductions, or resolutions that avoid a criminal record.
4. Preparing for Trial: If a fair resolution cannot be reached, we are veteran trial attorneys who are fully prepared to defend your innocence in court.

Your Case and Your Future Start Here

If you were arrested in East Meadow, your case will be heard at the Nassau County District Court in Hempstead. Our office is located just minutes away, and we are in that courthouse every single day fighting for our clients. Don’t risk your future by navigating this terrifying process alone.

If you have been arrested or are under investigation for a domestic incident, contact Hochhauser Criminal and DWI Defense now. Call our 24/7 line at (516) 939-1529 for a free, completely confidential consultation.