Long Island's Premier Criminal & DWI Defense Law Firm
Suffolk County Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you’ve been arrested or given a desk appearance ticket in Suffolk County, most misdemeanor cases are handled at the First District Court in Central Islip. Felonies go to Suffolk County Court, and East End arrests go to local town and village justice courts. Richard Hochhauser of Hochhauser Criminal & DWI Defense, PLLC is a former prosecutor who now defends people charged with crimes across Suffolk County, from Babylon and Huntington to Riverhead and the Hamptons.
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 Suffolk 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.
Suffolk County charges we defend
DWI & DWAI
Drunk and drugged driving, chemical test refusals, aggravated DWI and Leandra’s Law charges.
Assault
Assault in the third and second degree, menacing, reckless endangerment and fights that got out of hand.
Domestic violence
Domestic incident arrests, orders of protection, criminal contempt and harassment charges.
Drug crimes
Possession, possession with intent to sell and drug charges that come out of traffic stops.
Theft & shoplifting
Petit larceny, grand larceny and retail theft desk appearance tickets from stores across Suffolk.
Traffic & license
Suspended license and registration, reckless driving and tickets at the Traffic and Parking Violations Agency.
Which Suffolk court will my case be in?
Central Islip
First District Court
Most misdemeanor and violation cases from Babylon, Huntington, Islip, Smithtown and Brookhaven, including arraignments. Cohalan Court Complex, 400 Carleton Avenue, Central Islip.
Felonies
Suffolk County Court
Felony cases after indictment, such as felony assault, felony DWI, drug sales and grand larceny.
East End
Town & village justice courts
Arrests in Riverhead, Southampton, East Hampton, Southold and Shelter Island, plus some village arrests. Each court sets its own calendar.
Hauppauge
Traffic and Parking Violations Agency
Most traffic tickets from the western towns are handled here, not in criminal court.
What happens after an arrest in Suffolk County
- Arrest or desk appearance ticket. You’re either held for arraignment or released with a desk appearance ticket (DAT) that gives you a court date. Call a lawyer before that date.
- Arraignment. The charges are read, the judge decides release conditions, and an order of protection may be issued in domestic cases.
- Discovery. The prosecution must turn over its evidence, including body-camera and store video, police reports and witness statements, on a deadline.
- Negotiation, motions and hearings. We challenge the evidence and push for a dismissal or reduction. Getting ahead with classes, treatment or restitution often changes the offer.
- Resolution. Most Suffolk cases end in a dismissal, an ACD, a reduced charge or a plea. Some go to trial.
Outcomes that protect your record
Not every resolution is equal. 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 Suffolk County results
Dismissed & sealed
Petit larceny, two retail thefts totaling $330
Suffolk County District Court, July 10, 2026. The client completed a theft-awareness class before the next court date, and the case ended in an ACD: dismissed and sealed.
Charge dismissed · Reduced to harassment
Charges from a roadside fight
Suffolk County District Court, September 9, 2026. The prosecution offered a plea to the charge with a 2-year order of protection. The case resolved with a plea to harassment, a non-criminal violation.
Charge dismissed · Reduced to harassment
Domestic criminal mischief
Suffolk County District Court, July 14, 2026. A criminal charge after an argument at home ended with a plea to a harassment violation, which is not a crime.
Charge dismissed · Reduced to disorderly conduct
Reckless endangerment
Suffolk County District Court, August 25, 2026. After an animal-care course, the charge was reduced to disorderly conduct, a violation.
Dismissed
Weapon charge and old warrant
Suffolk County District Court, November 6, 2025. A client trying to buy a firearm learned of a warrant from about 20 years earlier and was charged. Both the weapon case and the underlying warrant were dismissed.
Dismissed & sealed
Menacing, landlord and basement tenant
Suffolk County District Court, November 10, 2025. A homeowner went to the basement with a knife to check on a power and hot-water outage, and the tenant called police. The case ended in an ACD: dismissed and sealed.
Dismissed & sealed
Prostitution
Suffolk County District Court, October 22, 2025. A prostitution charge ended in an ACD: dismissed and sealed.
Dismissed
Criminal mischief, slashed tires allegation
Suffolk County District Court, May 29, 2026. A criminal mischief charge alleging slashed tires and a damaged convertible top was dismissed.
Dismissed & sealed
Possession of stolen property, rental scooter
Suffolk County District Court, December 15, 2025. A 19-year-old college student charged after taking a scooter near campus had the case end in an ACD after a theft-awareness class: dismissed and sealed.
Dismissed & sealed
Leaving the scene of an accident, property damage
Suffolk County District Court, April 22, 2026. After community service and a defensive driving course, the case ended in an ACD: dismissed and sealed.
More results: Suffolk County DWI case results.
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Areas we serve in Suffolk County
Our offices are in Hempstead and Garden City in Nassau County. Suffolk clients can meet with us in person, or skip the drive with a free video call or phone call. We answer 24/7.
- Amityville
- Babylon
- Bay Shore
- Brentwood
- Central Islip
- Commack
- Coram
- Deer Park
- Hauppauge
- Huntington
- Islip
- Lindenhurst
- Patchogue
- Port Jefferson
- Riverhead
- Ronkonkoma
- Medford
- Huntington Station
- Shirley
- Smithtown
- Southampton
- East Hampton
- West Babylon
- Wyandanch
Suffolk County criminal defense: frequently asked questions
I got a desk appearance ticket in Suffolk County. Is that serious?
Yes. A desk appearance ticket is a criminal charge with a court date, not a traffic ticket. If you miss the date, a warrant can be issued. Call a lawyer before your first appearance so we can try to resolve it early.
What is an ACD?
An Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal. The case is put on hold, usually for 6 months. If you don’t get re-arrested and you meet any conditions, it’s dismissed and sealed. For many first-time shoplifting and minor cases in Suffolk, an ACD is a realistic goal.
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.
Do I have to go to every court date?
Not always. For many misdemeanors and violations, the court will let your lawyer appear for routine dates. You’ll still need to be there for some dates, such as certain pleas and sentencing.
I don’t live on Long Island. Can you still handle my Suffolk case?
Yes. We represent clients who live in New York City and out of state. We handle the court dates and keep you updated by phone, text and email.
How much does a Suffolk 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 prosecutor today
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!!
Call Now to schedule a Free Consultation with Richard Hochhauser
Call or text anytime.