Long Island's Premier Criminal & DWI Defense Law Firm
Long Island Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you’ve been arrested or given a desk appearance ticket anywhere on Long Island, your case will start in one of two places. Nassau County cases begin at the First District Court, 99 Main Street in Hempstead. Suffolk County cases begin at the First District Court in Central Islip or an East End town court. Richard Hochhauser of Hochhauser Criminal & DWI Defense, PLLC is a former Long Island prosecutor who now defends people charged with crimes in both counties, including New York City residents arrested on Long Island.
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 on Long Island?
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.
Where your Long Island case will be heard
Hempstead & Mineola
Nassau County
Arraignments and misdemeanors at 99 Main Street, Hempstead. Felonies in County Court, Mineola. Our office is across the street from the courthouse.
Central Islip & East End
Suffolk County
Misdemeanors from the western towns at the First District Court in Central Islip, East End cases in town and village courts, and felonies in County Court.
NYC residents
Live in New York City?
Many people arrested on Long Island live in the five boroughs. We handle the Long Island court dates and keep you updated.
Criminal charges we defend
Assault & violent crimes
Assault 3rd degree · Assault 2nd degree · Menacing · Obstruction of breathing · Reckless endangerment
Property crimes
Fraud & forgery
Possession of a forged instrument · Unauthorized practice of a profession
Other charges
Obstructing governmental administration · Probation violations · Public lewdness · Prostitution and patronizing · Unlawful fleeing a police officer · Unauthorized use of a vehicle · Sex offender registration violations · Stalking (PL 120.45) · False personation (PL 190.23) · Possession of stolen property (PL 165.40) · Accused without evidence
Charged with DWI? See our Long Island DWI lawyer page. Richard served in a prosecution unit that handled only DWI and drugged-driving cases.
Violations, misdemeanors and felonies in New York
How serious your charge is depends on its class. These are the maximum sentences under New York law. Learn more about misdemeanors and felonies.
| Level | Examples | Maximum jail or prison |
|---|---|---|
| Violation (not a crime) | Harassment 2nd degree, disorderly conduct | 15 days |
| Class B misdemeanor | Menacing 3rd degree, some trespass charges | 3 months |
| Class A misdemeanor | Assault 3rd degree, petit larceny, possession 7th degree | 364 days |
| Class E felony | Grand larceny 4th degree, felony DWI | 4 years |
| Class D felony | Assault 2nd degree, grand larceny 3rd degree | 7 years |
| Class C, B and A felonies | Robbery, drug sales, violent felonies | 15 years to life |
What happens after an arrest on Long Island
- Arrest or desk appearance ticket. You’re either held for arraignment or released with a desk appearance ticket (DAT) and a court date. Don’t discuss the case with police without a lawyer.
- Arraignment. The charges are read and the judge decides release conditions. In domestic cases, an order of protection is often issued.
- Grand jury for felonies. Felony charges can be presented to a grand jury. If you’re indicted, the case moves to County Court.
- Discovery. The prosecution must turn over video, police reports and witness statements on a deadline. We review everything for weaknesses.
- Resolution. Most cases end in a dismissal, an ACD, a reduction to a violation or a plea. Some go to trial.
Outcomes that protect your record
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 Long Island criminal defense results
Felony dismissed & sealed
Felony criminal mischief, caught on video
Nassau County, June 15, 2026. A client with no record was charged with a felony for damaging a car, with the incident on a doorbell camera. After restitution was paid, the case ended in an ACD: dismissed and sealed.
Felony dismissed & sealed
Felony assault, domestic incident
Nassau County, 2026. A felony assault charge after an argument at home ended in an ACD, with the case dismissed and sealed after the adjournment period.
Dismissed & sealed
Weapon possession allegation
Nassau County First District Court, September 23, 2026. A client accused of pointing a gun at a former employee received an ACD after completing a course: 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.
Dismissed & sealed
Cocaine possession, desk appearance ticket
Nassau County First District Court, August 17, 2026. A first-time client charged with possessing cocaine received an ACD: dismissed and sealed.
Dismissed & sealed
Petit larceny, two retail thefts
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.
More results: our successful cases.
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Long Island criminal defense: frequently asked questions
Is a desk appearance ticket a serious charge?
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 work toward an early resolution.
Should I talk to the police about my case?
No. You have the right to remain silent and the right to a lawyer. Politely say you won’t answer questions without your attorney. Statements made to police are often the strongest evidence in a case.
Will I have a criminal record?
Not necessarily. A dismissal or an ACD is sealed, and a reduction to a violation, such as harassment or disorderly conduct, doesn’t give you a criminal record. Those are the outcomes we work toward from the first day.
Can the charges against me be dropped?
Often, yes. Charges can be dismissed for weak evidence, missed deadlines or illegal police conduct, or resolved with an ACD. Many first-time cases on Long Island end without a criminal conviction.
I live in New York City. Can you handle my Long Island 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 criminal defense lawyer cost on Long Island?
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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