Long Island's Premier Criminal & DWI Defense Law Firm
Suffolk County Assault Lawyer (PL 120.00, 120.05, 265)
Assault charges in Suffolk County often come out of a fight at a bar, a road-rage incident or an argument at home, and many start as misdemeanors at the First District Court in Central Islip. Felony assault and gun possession cases go to Suffolk County Court, where the stakes include state prison. Richard Hochhauser of Hochhauser Criminal & DWI Defense, PLLC is a former prosecutor who defends assault and weapons charges across Suffolk County.
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Former Prosecutor
Brings years of experience from both sides to every case.
Charged with assault or a gun charge in Suffolk?
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.
Assault and weapons charges in New York
| Charge | What it usually covers | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Harassment, 2nd degree | Shoving, kicking or striking without injury | Violation (not a crime) |
| Menacing, 2nd degree | Threatening someone while displaying a weapon | Class A misdemeanor |
| Assault, 3rd degree | Causing a physical injury | Class A misdemeanor |
| Assault, 2nd degree | Serious physical injury, using a weapon, or injuring certain officers and workers | Class D felony |
| Criminal possession of a weapon, 4th degree | Possessing certain weapons, such as some knives, or a gun without a license at home | Class A misdemeanor |
| Criminal possession of a weapon, 2nd degree | A loaded firearm outside your home or business | Class C violent felony |
Gun charges carry mandatory prison time. Possessing a loaded firearm outside your home or business is a violent felony with a mandatory state prison sentence if you’re convicted as charged. How the gun was found, and whether the search was legal, is often the whole case.
Which Suffolk court will my case be in?
Central Islip
First District Court
Misdemeanor cases and arraignments from Babylon, Huntington, Islip, Smithtown and Brookhaven. Cohalan Court Complex, 400 Carleton Avenue, Central Islip.
East End
Town & village justice courts
Arrests in Riverhead, Southampton, East Hampton, Southold and Shelter Island, plus some village arrests.
Felonies
Suffolk County Court
Felony assault and gun possession cases after indictment.
What happens after an assault arrest in Suffolk
- Arrest. Assault arrests usually mean you’re held for arraignment. In a domestic case, an order of protection is almost always issued.
- Arraignment. The judge sets release conditions. For a felony, the prosecution may present the case to a grand jury.
- Discovery. Video from phones, bars and businesses, medical records and 911 calls often show who started it. Self-defense is a real defense.
- Resolution. Many assault cases are reduced to harassment or disorderly conduct, violations that don’t leave a criminal record.
Recent Suffolk County results
Charges dismissed · Reduced to harassment
Two people charged after a roadside fight
Suffolk County District Court, September 9, 2026. A husband and wife were both charged after a fight with a group of young men. The prosecution offered a plea to the charge with a 2-year order of protection. Both cases were resolved with pleas to harassment, a non-criminal violation.
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.
More results: Long Island criminal defense results · our successful cases.
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Areas we serve in Suffolk County
Our offices are in Hempstead and Garden City. 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
- Huntington
- Islip
- Lindenhurst
- Patchogue
- Riverhead
- Ronkonkoma
- Shirley
- Smithtown
- Southampton
- West Babylon
- Wyandanch
Suffolk assault charges: frequently asked questions
What’s the difference between assault and harassment?
Harassment in the second degree covers shoving, kicking or striking someone without causing injury. It’s a violation, not a crime. Assault requires a physical injury and is a misdemeanor or felony. Many assault cases are reduced to harassment.
Can I claim self-defense?
Yes. New York allows you to use reasonable force to defend yourself or someone else. Video, witnesses and injuries often show who was the aggressor.
Is a gun charge in Suffolk County a felony?
Possessing a loaded firearm outside your home or business is criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, a violent felony with mandatory prison if convicted as charged. Some weapon charges are misdemeanors.
How much does a Suffolk County assault 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!!
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