Ronkonkoma Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you live in Ronkonkoma and were arrested or given a desk appearance ticket, your case will most likely be heard at the Suffolk County First District Court, 400 Carleton Avenue, Central Islip. Ronkonkoma is in the Towns of Islip and Brookhaven, and criminal and DWI cases from its western Suffolk County towns start in Central Islip. Richard Hochhauser of Hochhauser Criminal & DWI Defense, PLLC is a former Long Island prosecutor who defends Ronkonkoma residents in both Suffolk County and Nassau County courts. Consultations are free, in person at our Hempstead 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 in or near Ronkonkoma?
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.
The most common charges for Ronkonkoma residents
These are the charges we’ve seen most often for Ronkonkoma residents over the last two years, most common first. Nearly all of those cases are heard in Suffolk County.
| Rank | Code | Charge | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | PL 155.25 | Petit larceny (shoplifting) | Class A misdemeanor |
| 2 | PL 220.03 | Criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th degree | Class A misdemeanor |
| 3 | VTL 340(a) | Failure to surrender a suspended license or registration | Misdemeanor |
| 4 | VTL 1192(2) | Per se DWI, 0.08% BAC or higher | Misdemeanor |
| 5 | VTL 511(1)(a) | Aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd degree | Misdemeanor |
| 6 | VTL 512 | Operating while registration is suspended or revoked | Misdemeanor |
| 7 | PL 240.26(1) | Harassment, 2nd degree | Violation, not a crime |
| 8 | VTL 600(1)(a) | Leaving the scene of an accident with property damage | Traffic infraction |
Local note. Per se DWI (0.08% BAC or higher) and leaving the scene of an accident both rank among the eight most common charges for Ronkonkoma residents, along with suspended license and registration charges.
Where a Ronkonkoma case is heard
| Detail | For Ronkonkoma |
|---|---|
| County | Suffolk County |
| Town | Towns of Islip and Brookhaven |
| ZIP code | 11779 |
| Criminal and DWI court | Suffolk County District Court, First District |
| Address | 400 Carleton Avenue, Central Islip, NY 11722 |
| Felony cases | Suffolk County Court, after an indictment or a waiver of indictment |
| Arrested in Nassau County? | Your case goes to the Nassau County First District Court, 99 Main Street, Hempstead |
Arrive early. Both courthouses have security screening at the entrance, and the line is what usually makes people late.
Suspended license and registration charges
Suspended license and registration charges are among the most common charges we see for Ronkonkoma residents. Many of these come from unpaid tickets, missed court dates, insurance lapses or unpaid child support. Clearing the suspension with the DMV before your court date can lead to a much better result. See driving with a suspended license and aggravated unlicensed operation (VTL 511).
How we help Ronkonkoma clients
DWI
Refusal hearings, ignition interlock and the DMV consequences that follow a DWI arrest.
Theft and shoplifting
Petit larceny, grand larceny and possession of stolen property charges.
Domestic violence
Assault, harassment, criminal contempt and orders of protection.
Ronkonkoma criminal defense: frequently asked questions
Which court handles an arrest in Ronkonkoma?
Criminal and DWI cases from Ronkonkoma are heard at the Suffolk County District Court, First District, at 400 Carleton Avenue in Central Islip. Felony cases move to Suffolk County Court after an indictment. If you were arrested in Nassau County, your case goes to the First District Court in Hempstead instead.
What are the most common charges for Ronkonkoma residents?
In the cases we’ve seen over the last two years, the most common charges for Ronkonkoma residents include petit larceny (shoplifting), criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th degree and failure to surrender a suspended license or registration.
Is a desk appearance ticket a criminal charge?
Yes. A desk appearance ticket is a criminal charge with a court date. If you miss the date, a warrant can be issued. Call a lawyer before your first appearance.
Do I have to travel to your office from Ronkonkoma?
No. Consultations are free and available in person at our Hempstead office, or by video call or phone call. We answer 24/7.
How much does a criminal defense lawyer cost?
Hochhauser Criminal & DWI Defense, PLLC charges a flat fee, quoted after your free consultation.
Talk to a former prosecutor today
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