Long Island's Premier Criminal & DWI Defense Law Firm
Nassau County Criminal Defense
If you’re arrested in Nassau County, your case starts at the First District Court, 99 Main Street in Hempstead. That’s where arraignments happen and where most misdemeanors are handled. Felonies move to Nassau County Court in Mineola after indictment. Our office is at 164 Jackson Street, across the street from the courthouse. Richard Hochhauser of Hochhauser Criminal & DWI Defense, PLLC is a former Nassau County prosecutor who now defends people charged with crimes across the county. Learn more about our Nassau County criminal and DWI defense.
Free Consultation
In person, by video call or phone call
On over 230 reviews
Former Prosecutor
Brings years of experience from both sides to every case.
Charged with a crime in Nassau County?
Call before your first court date. We answer 24/7, and the first consultation is free, in person, by video call or by phone call.
Which Nassau County court will my case be in?
Hempstead
First District Court
Arraignments for Nassau arrests, plus misdemeanor and violation cases, including desk appearance tickets. 99 Main Street, Hempstead.
Mineola
Nassau County Court
Felony cases after indictment, such as felony assault, grand larceny, drug sales and felony DWI. 262 Old Country Road, Mineola.
Villages
Village justice courts
Some incorporated villages, such as Freeport and Garden City, have their own justice courts for local arrests and tickets.
Traffic
Traffic and Parking Violations Agency
Most traffic tickets in Nassau are handled at the TPVA in Hempstead, not in criminal court.
More detail: how Nassau County’s criminal court system is different.
Nassau County charges we defend
DWI & DWAI
Drunk and drugged driving, refusals and aggravated DWI, defended by a former DWI-unit prosecutor.
Assault
Assault in the third and second degree, menacing and fights, including charges that start as felonies.
Domestic violence
Domestic incident arrests, orders of protection and strangulation or obstruction-of-breathing charges.
Drug crimes
Possession of cocaine, pills or other controlled substances, and possession with intent to sell.
Theft & shoplifting
Petit larceny, grand larceny and retail theft tickets from stores across Nassau.
Weapons
Criminal possession of a weapon, including knives and firearms found in cars or homes.
Criminal contempt
Charges for violating an order of protection, often filed alongside a domestic case.
Criminal mischief
Damage to property, from a broken phone at home to a keyed car, charged as a misdemeanor or felony.
What happens after an arrest in Nassau County
- Arrest or desk appearance ticket. You’re either held for arraignment or released with a desk appearance ticket (DAT) and a court date. Call a lawyer before that date.
- Arraignment at 99 Main Street. The charges are read and the judge decides release conditions. In domestic cases, an order of protection is often issued that can keep you out of your own home.
- Felony cases go to the grand jury. If the charge is a felony, the prosecution decides whether to present it for indictment. Indicted cases move to County Court in Mineola.
- Discovery. The prosecution must turn over body-camera and store video, police reports and witness statements on a deadline. We review it all for weaknesses.
- Resolution. Most Nassau cases end in a dismissal, an ACD, a reduction to a violation or a plea. Getting ahead with classes, treatment or restitution often changes the offer.
Outcomes that protect your record
These are the outcomes we fight for, from best to acceptable:
Dismissal
The charges are thrown out and the case is sealed.
ACD
An Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal. If you stay out of trouble, usually for 6 months, the case is dismissed and sealed.
Reduced to a violation
Harassment or disorderly conduct is a violation, not a crime. A conviction for a violation doesn’t give you a criminal record, and the file is sealed.
Conditional discharge
A plea with no jail or probation, as long as you meet the conditions, such as community service or a class.
Recent Nassau County results
Felony dismissed & sealed
Felony criminal mischief, caught on video
Nassau County, 2026. A client with no record was charged with a felony for damaging a car, with the incident on a doorbell camera. After restitution was paid, the case ended in an ACD: dismissed and sealed.
Felony dismissed & sealed
Felony assault, domestic incident
Nassau County, 2026. A felony assault charge after an argument at home ended in an ACD, with the case dismissed and sealed after the adjournment period.
Dismissed & sealed
Weapon possession allegation
First District Court, 2026. A client accused of pointing a gun at a former employee received an ACD after completing a course: dismissed and sealed.
Dismissed & sealed
Cocaine possession, desk appearance ticket
First District Court, 2026. A first-time client charged with possessing cocaine received an ACD: dismissed and sealed.
Felony dismissed · Reduced to disorderly conduct
Grand larceny
Nassau County, 2026. A grand larceny charge was resolved with a plea to disorderly conduct, a violation, with community service and a conditional discharge.
Dismissed & sealed
Violating an order of protection
First District Court, 2026. A criminal contempt charge during a divorce ended in an ACD, with the order adjusted so the client could keep working.
More results: our successful cases · Long Island DWI results.
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Areas we serve in Nassau County
Our main office is at 164 Jackson Street in Hempstead, across the street from the courthouse, and we have a second office in Garden City. Consultations are free, in person, by video call or by phone call.
- Baldwin
- East Meadow
- Elmont
- Freeport
- Garden City
- Glen Cove
- Hempstead
- Hicksville
- Levittown
- Long Beach
- Oceanside
- Rockville Centre
- Roosevelt
- Uniondale
- Valley Stream
- Westbury
- Mineola
- Massapequa
- Great Neck
- Lynbrook
Nassau County criminal defense: frequently asked questions
I got a desk appearance ticket in Nassau County. Is that serious?
Yes. A desk appearance ticket is a criminal charge with a court date at 99 Main Street, not a traffic ticket. If you miss the date, a warrant can be issued. Call a lawyer before your first appearance so we can work toward an early resolution.
Where will I be arraigned after a Nassau County arrest?
Arraignments for Nassau County arrests take place at the First District Court, 99 Main Street in Hempstead. If the charge is a felony and you’re indicted, the case moves to County Court in Mineola.
Will the judge issue an order of protection?
In domestic cases, an order of protection is commonly issued at arraignment. A full stay-away order can keep you out of your own home. We can ask the court to change it to a limited order that lets you return home while the case is pending.
Will a harassment or disorderly conduct plea give me a criminal record?
No. Harassment in the second degree and disorderly conduct are violations, not crimes. A violation conviction is sealed, so it doesn’t give you a criminal record.
Can a felony charge in Nassau County be reduced?
Often, yes. Felony charges can be reduced to misdemeanors or violations, or resolved with an ACD, depending on the evidence, your record and steps like restitution or treatment. Several of our 2026 Nassau felony cases ended in an ACD.
How much does a Nassau County criminal defense lawyer cost?
It depends on the charge and how far the case goes. Hochhauser Criminal & DWI Defense, PLLC charges a flat fee, quoted after your free consultation.
Talk to a former Nassau County prosecutor
Free consultation in person, by video call or by phone call. We answer 24/7. The earlier we start, the more options you have.
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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