Long Island's Premier Criminal & DWI Defense Law Firm
Suffolk County Domestic Violence Lawyer (PL 215.50, 120.00, 240.26)
If you were arrested after a domestic incident in Suffolk County, you’ll usually be arraigned at the First District Court in Central Islip, or in a town or village justice court if the arrest was on the East End. At arraignment, the judge will almost always issue a temporary order of protection, which can keep you out of your own home. Richard Hochhauser of Hochhauser Criminal & DWI Defense, PLLC is a former prosecutor who now defends people accused of domestic violence across Suffolk County.
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.
Arrested after a domestic incident in Suffolk?
Call before your arraignment or your next court date. We answer 24/7, and the first consultation is free, in person, by video call or by phone call.
Which Suffolk court will my case be in?
Central Islip
First District Court
Domestic misdemeanor and violation cases from Babylon, Huntington, Islip, Smithtown and Brookhaven, including arraignments. 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 domestic cases after indictment, such as strangulation, assault in the second degree or felony criminal contempt.
Family Court
Suffolk Family Court
A separate family offense petition can be filed in Family Court at the same time. The two cases run independently, and what you say in one can be used in the other.
What happens after a domestic violence arrest in Suffolk
- Arrest. New York law requires police to make an arrest in many domestic incidents, even when the other person doesn’t want to press charges.
- Arraignment and order of protection. The judge sets release conditions and usually issues a temporary order of protection. This is the moment to argue for a limited order that lets you stay home.
- Discovery. We get the 911 call, body-camera video, photos and statements, which often tell a different story than the police report.
- The complaining witness. The prosecutor decides whether the case goes forward, but what the other person wants, and says, matters.
- Resolution. Many domestic cases end in a dismissal, an ACD or a reduction to a violation, often with a class and a final order of protection.
Orders of protection
Most restrictive
Full (stay-away) order
No contact at all, including texts and calls through friends. If you live together, you have to leave the home.
Less restrictive
Limited (refrain-from) order
You can live together and have contact, but can’t harass, threaten or harm the person. We can ask the court to change a full order to a limited one.
Violating an order is a new crime, even if the other person reaches out first. See criminal contempt. An order of protection can also require you to surrender your firearms, and a domestic violence conviction can affect custody, some jobs and licenses, and immigration status.
Domestic charges we defend in Suffolk
Harassment & threats
Harassment 2nd degree · Menacing · aggravated harassment
Assault
Strangulation charges
Criminal obstruction of breathing · strangulation 2nd degree
Property & other
Criminal mischief · Endangering the welfare of a child · Criminal contempt
For the full list of charges and penalty levels, see our Long Island domestic violence lawyer page.
Recent Suffolk County results
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 involving a family member
Suffolk County District Court, 2026. After the client completed a course, the charge was reduced to disorderly conduct, a violation.
More domestic violence results from across Long Island: Long Island domestic violence 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 domestic violence: frequently asked questions
Can the person who called the police drop the charges in Suffolk?
Not on their own. The Suffolk District Attorney’s office decides whether a domestic case goes forward. But the complaining witness’s wishes and cooperation matter a great deal, and many cases are resolved once that’s clear.
Can I go back home after a domestic violence arrest?
Only if the order of protection allows it. A full stay-away order means you can’t return home, even to get your things, without arranging it through the police or the court. We can ask the judge to change it to a limited order.
What’s the difference between a Family Court case and a criminal case?
A family offense petition in Family Court is a civil case that can lead to an order of protection. A criminal case can lead to a conviction and jail. Both can happen at once, and statements in one can be used in the other, so talk to a lawyer before testifying.
Will I lose my guns?
Possibly. An order of protection can require you to surrender your firearms and can suspend a pistol license while the case is pending.
How much does a Suffolk County domestic violence 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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