Long Island's Premier Criminal & DWI Defense Law Firm
Guide to Nassau County District Court (99 Main Street, Hempstead)
The Nassau County District Court at 99 Main Street in Hempstead is where most criminal, DWI and traffic misdemeanor cases in Nassau County begin. Hochhauser Criminal & DWI Defense, PLLC hands out a printed guide to the courthouse in front of our office at 164 Jackson Street, right across the street. Everything in it is below: which floor to go to, parking, court hours, how check-in works, what the words in court mean and how to carry yourself in front of the judge. You can also print it or have a free copy mailed to you.
Print or save the guide
Two pages, ready to print. Bring it with you on your court date, or ask us to mail you a free copy by calling or texting (516) 939-1529.
Prefer email or the web? Request a mailed copy here and include your mailing address. There is no charge.
Court information at a glance
| Detail | Nassau County District Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 99 Main Street, Hempstead, NY 11550 |
| Phone | (516) 493-4200 |
| Hours | Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Closed | All federal and state holidays |
| Weekend and holiday arraignments | Yes, arraignments are also held on weekends and holidays |
| Parking | Lot across from the courthouse at Jackson Street and Main Street. Park only in permitted spaces and pay at the meter. |
| Paying fines and fees | In person at the Cashier’s Office (first floor) or online at payments.nycourts.gov |
Free parking for our clients. Clients of Hochhauser Criminal & DWI Defense, PLLC get complimentary parking. Our office at 164 Jackson Street is across the street from the courthouse.
Courthouse directory: what is on each floor
| Where to go | What it is for | Floor |
|---|---|---|
| Arraignment A | For defendants held (in custody) for arraignment | First floor |
| Arraignment B | For Desk Appearance Tickets (DATs) | First floor |
| Clerk’s Office | Information about your case and certificates of disposition | First floor |
| Cashier’s Office | Paying court fines, fees and bail | First floor |
| Police Liaison | Collecting property and getting fingerprints taken | First floor |
| Parts 1, 2, 3 and 4 | Courtrooms | Second floor |
| DVM | Courtroom | Second floor |
| Parts 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11 and 12 | Courtrooms | Third floor |
| District Attorney’s Office | Nassau County DA | Third floor |
| Probation | Probation Department | Lower level |
| Problem Solving Court Unit (PSCU) | Treatment and problem solving courts | Lower level |
| AIM Office | Ignition interlock | Lower level |
| Holding cell | Defendants in custody | Lower level |
Bathrooms are across from the elevators on each floor.
What to expect when you get to court
Security
Everyone goes through a metal detector at the entrance. Leave anything that is not allowed in a courthouse at home. The line can be long in the morning, so arrive early.
Finding your courtroom
Your courtroom (the “Part”) is printed on your ticket or court paperwork. You can also check the directories in the lobby.
Checking in
If you do not have a lawyer, check in with the court officer in your courtroom. If you have a lawyer, your lawyer checks in for you.
Waiting for your case
Cases with lawyers are usually called in the order the lawyers check in. Cases without a lawyer are called after that.
Language services
Interpreters are available. Ask the court officer or the clerk if you need one.
Paying a fine
Pay at the Cashier’s Office on the first floor or online at payments.nycourts.gov. Keep your receipt.
Tips for your court appearance
- Be on time. If you are late and your case is called, the judge can issue a warrant.
- Dress appropriately. No shorts. Dress as you would for a job interview.
- Address the judge as “Your Honor.”
- Silence your phone before you walk into the courtroom.
- Speak only when your attorney advises you to. What you say in court can be used against you.
- Stay calm and respectful, even if you disagree with what is happening.
- No food or drink in the courtroom.
Have a court date at 99 Main Street?
Richard Hochhauser is a former Nassau County prosecutor, and our office is across the street from the courthouse. Consultations are free, in person, by video call or by phone call.
Glossary: words you will hear in court
| Term | What it means |
|---|---|
| Arraignment | Your first court appearance, where you are told the charges against you and the judge decides on bail or release. |
| Bail / bond | Money or property given to the court to make sure you come back to court. |
| Adjournment | When your case is postponed to another court date. |
| Misdemeanor | A crime punishable by up to one year in jail and/or up to three years of probation. |
| Felony | A more serious crime punishable by more than one year in state prison. |
| Violation | A non-criminal offense, such as Disorderly Conduct or Harassment. |
| ADA | Assistant District Attorney, the prosecutor handling your case. |
| Discovery | The evidence the prosecution must share with your attorney before trial. |
| Plea deal | An agreement where you plead guilty to a lesser charge or in exchange for a lower sentence. |
Nassau County District Court: frequently asked questions
Where is the Nassau County District Court?
The Nassau County District Court is at 99 Main Street, Hempstead, NY 11550. The phone number is (516) 493-4200.
What are the Nassau County District Court hours?
The court is open Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and closed on federal and state holidays. Arraignments are also held on weekends and holidays.
Where do I park for the Nassau County District Court?
There is a lot across from the courthouse at Jackson Street and Main Street. Park only in permitted spaces and pay at the meter. Clients of Hochhauser Criminal & DWI Defense, PLLC get complimentary parking.
Where do I go for a desk appearance ticket in Hempstead?
Desk appearance tickets are handled in Arraignment B on the first floor of the Nassau County District Court, 99 Main Street, Hempstead.
How do I pay a fine to the Nassau County District Court?
Pay in person at the Cashier’s Office on the first floor, or online at payments.nycourts.gov.
Where is the ignition interlock (AIM) office?
The AIM Office, which handles ignition interlock, is on the lower level of the courthouse, along with Probation and the Problem Solving Court Unit.
Can I get a printed copy of the courthouse guide?
Yes. Download and print the PDF, pick one up in front of our office at 164 Jackson Street, or call or text (516) 939-1529 and we will mail you a free copy.
For how Nassau criminal cases move from arraignment to County Court, read how Nassau County’s criminal court system is different. For defense help, see Hempstead criminal court defense, Nassau County criminal defense and Nassau County DWI and criminal lawyer.
This is general information about the courthouse, not legal advice. Court rooms, hours and procedures can change; confirm with the court or your lawyer before your appearance.
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