Long Island's Premier Criminal & DWI Defense Law Firm
Hempstead Criminal Defense Lawyer
Hochhauser Criminal & DWI Defense, PLLC is at 164 Jackson Street in Hempstead, across the street from the Nassau County District Court at 99 Main Street, where Hempstead arrests are arraigned. Richard Hochhauser of Hochhauser Criminal & DWI Defense, PLLC is a former Nassau County prosecutor who defends people charged with crimes, DWI and traffic offenses in Hempstead every week. If you or someone you love was arrested in Hempstead, call before the first court date. Consultations are free, in person at our office or by video call or phone call.
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Former Prosecutor
Brings years of experience from both sides to every case.
Arrested or have a court date on Long Island?
Call or text (516) 939-1529 for a free consultation, in person at our Hempstead office, by video call or by phone call. We answer 24/7.
A Hempstead criminal defense lawyer across the street from the courthouse
- Arraignments. We can be at 99 Main Street quickly when someone is held for arraignment, including on weekends and holidays.
- Meeting before court. Clients meet with us at 164 Jackson Street before their court date and walk across the street together.
- Parking. Complimentary parking is offered to our clients near the courthouse.
- Knowing the courthouse. Richard Hochhauser prosecuted cases in this building as a Nassau County prosecutor. Our guide to the Nassau County District Court shows what is on each floor.
The most common charges for Hempstead residents
These are the charges we’ve seen most often for people with a Hempstead address over the last two years, most common first.
| Code | Charge | Level |
|---|---|---|
| VTL 511 | Driving with a suspended license (aggravated unlicensed operation) | Misdemeanor |
| VTL 340(a) | Failure to surrender a suspended license or registration | See guide |
| VTL 1192 | DWI and DWAI | Misdemeanor (first offense) |
| PL 155.25 | Petit larceny | Class A misdemeanor |
| VTL 512 | Driving with a suspended registration | Misdemeanor |
| PL 220.16 | Criminal possession of a controlled substance, 3rd degree | Class B felony |
| PL 220.03 | Criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th degree | Class A misdemeanor |
| PL 120.00 | Assault in the third degree | Class A misdemeanor |
| PL 215.50 | Criminal contempt (violating an order of protection) | Class A misdemeanor |
| VTL 318(7) | Insurance lapse revocation | Misdemeanor |
| PL 120.05 | Assault in the second degree | Class D violent felony |
Local note. Driving and license charges are by far the most common charges for Hempstead residents. Many come from unpaid tickets, insurance lapses or missed DMV notices, and they can often be resolved much better when the DMV problem is fixed before court. See our suspended license and DMV hearing guide.
Where Hempstead cases are heard
| Court or agency | Address | What it handles |
|---|---|---|
| Nassau County District Court | 99 Main Street, Hempstead, NY 11550 | Arraignments, misdemeanors, violations and desk appearance tickets |
| Nassau County Court | 262 Old Country Road, Mineola, NY 11501 | Felony cases after indictment |
| Nassau County Traffic and Parking Violations Agency | 801 Axinn Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530 | Traffic infractions in Nassau County |
What happens after an arrest in Hempstead
- Arrest or desk appearance ticket. After an arrest, you are either held for arraignment or released with a desk appearance ticket and a court date.
- Arraignment at 99 Main Street. The charges are read, the judge decides release conditions, and in domestic cases an order of protection is usually issued.
- Discovery and motions. The prosecutor must turn over the evidence. Your lawyer reviews it and files motions, such as to suppress evidence.
- Resolution or trial. Many cases end in a dismissal, a reduced charge or a non-criminal outcome. Felonies that are indicted move to Nassau County Court in Mineola.
Arrested in Hempstead?
Call before your arraignment or first court date. Consultations are free, in person across from the courthouse, by video call or by phone call. We answer 24/7.
Hempstead defense guides
DWI in Hempstead
Arrests, refusal hearings and license suspensions for Hempstead drivers.
Suspended license
Driving with a suspended license or registration.
Also see: Hempstead criminal court · Hempstead reckless driving · Hempstead theft lawyer · New York Penal Law guide · Vehicle and Traffic Law guide
Nearby Nassau County communities we serve
Garden City · Uniondale · Roosevelt · Freeport · Baldwin · Westbury · Elmont · East Meadow · Rockville Centre · Valley Stream · Levittown · Hicksville
Hempstead criminal defense: frequently asked questions
Where is the Hempstead criminal court?
Criminal cases from Hempstead start at the Nassau County District Court, 99 Main Street, Hempstead, NY 11550. Felony cases that are indicted move to Nassau County Court, 262 Old Country Road, Mineola.
How close is your office to the courthouse?
Our office at 164 Jackson Street, Hempstead is across the street from the Nassau County District Court at 99 Main Street.
I got a desk appearance ticket in Hempstead. Do I need a lawyer?
Yes. A desk appearance ticket is a criminal charge with a court date. Talk to a lawyer before your appearance; many of these cases can be resolved without a criminal record.
Can I meet with you before my court date?
Yes. Consultations are free, in person at our Hempstead office, or by video call or phone call. We answer 24/7.
What are the most common charges in Hempstead?
In the cases we’ve seen over the last two years, the most common charges for Hempstead residents are driving with a suspended license (VTL 511), failure to surrender a suspended license (VTL 340(a)), DWI, petit larceny and suspended registration charges.
How much does a criminal defense lawyer cost?
Hochhauser Criminal & DWI Defense, PLLC charges a flat fee, quoted after your free consultation, so you know the cost up front.
Talk to a former Nassau County prosecutor today
Free consultation in person across from the courthouse, by video call or by phone call. We answer 24/7.
This is general information, not legal advice about your case. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Offices
Garden City Office
1225 Franklin Ave #325
Garden City, NY 11530
Phone: (516) 939-1529
Appointments Only
See What Our Clients Are Saying
During what was one of the scariest times of my life, he gave me all of the knowledge and support possible to help me get through it. Not only did I end up getting a great outcome for my case, but Richard helped make it a very smooth process and was always there when I had...
Mr. Hochausser worked hard on my behalf.. so hard that he achieved what seemed impossible. He always communicated with me honestly and earnestly, which is rare in any profession these days. He was prepared and forthright every step of the way. I hope to never need his services...
Best Criminal Attorney in New York. Richard explains each detail slowly and carefully so it’s easily understood. He handles each case as if it’s the most important. Highly recommend!
Best DWI lawyer in New York!
Mr. Hochhauser was incredible. I was consulted immediately after the first call. Richard was easy to keep in touch with and would answer all of my emails, phone calls, and even texts regarding my concerns. Guided me through the whole process, made sure I understood everything...
Richard explained the matters of my case thoroughly and was professional and effective in dealing with the charges I was facing, ultimately getting the docket dismissed in its entirety. I would highly recommend procuring his services.
Was in a bad spot but Richard Hochhauser got me great results on my DWI case in Nassau County. Highly Recommend!!!
Can't thank Richard enough. He went aobve and beyond for me. Never had any issues with the law before and he made sure I had no record. Great Criminal Attorney!!!
Was never really in trouble before. And just googled best criminal attorney near me. Feel so lucky that Richard was the one I called. He really fought for me was very knowledgeable. Highly recommend!!
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