Successful Cases

DWI Resolved With No Jail and No Probation After Speedy Trial Motion

Date: August 21, 2026

Charge: Driving While Intoxicated · Court: Nassau County District Court · Result: Conditional discharge — no jail, no probation

Our client, arrested for the first time in his life after leaving a work event, was charged with Driving While Intoxicated. Rather than negotiate from the outset, we fought the case. Over nearly a year, we pushed back on the prosecution’s delays and their failure to properly turn over evidence, and moved to dismiss the case for violating our client’s right to a speedy trial. The court agreed the prosecution was responsible for significant delays, which completely shifted the negotiations in our client’s favor. The case resolved with a conditional discharge (no jail and no probation), an ignition interlock device, license reinstatement, and required DWI programs.

DWI (.15 BAC) Dismissed — Reduced to DWAI for a Teacher and Coach

Date: August 14, 2026

Charge: DWI, .15 BAC · Court: Nassau County District Court · Result: Original charge dismissed; reduced to Driving While Ability Impaired, a traffic infraction

Our client — a high school teacher and coach with no prior record — was stopped by State Police for swerving and later registered a .15 BAC, nearly twice the legal limit. A DWI conviction would have meant a permanent criminal record, a mandatory license revocation, and near-certain consequences with the school district.

We appeared at arraignment and won a hardship privilege on consent at the outset so our client could keep driving to work, then adjourned the case so the treatment and education requirements could be completed before any plea was entered. With that record in hand, we negotiated the DWI down to Driving While Ability Impaired — a traffic infraction, not a crime — with the Impaired Driver Program and a 20-day stay on the suspension. No criminal conviction, and our client kept both the license and the job.

DWI with a Prior and a Refusal — No Jail, No Probation

Date: August 12, 2026

Charge: Driving While Intoxicated; chemical test refusal · Court: Southampton Town Court · Result: Conditional discharge — no jail, no probation

Our client was charged with Driving While Intoxicated after a high-speed stop. He refused the chemical test and already had a prior alcohol-related conviction on his record. The District Attorney’s office wanted jail and probation. Our review of the discovery told a very different story than the paperwork did. Our client performed well on the field sobriety tests, and the officer’s own recording showed him steering the encounter toward drugs rather than alcohol. Our client enrolled in treatment while we developed those points, and the case resolved with a conditional discharge. No jail and no probation.

DWI Dismissed — Reduced to a Traffic Infraction

Date: August 6, 2026

Charge: Driving While Intoxicated · Court: Nassau County District Court · Result: Original charge dismissed; reduced to Driving While Ability Impaired — not a crime

Our client, who had no prior record, was charged with Driving While Intoxicated after a stop for excessive speed. In New York a DWI conviction is a crime that stays on your record permanently; a reduction to Driving While Ability Impaired is a traffic infraction and is not a crime. We had our client complete community service and the required evaluations before the disposition date, so that the reduction we were asking for was supported by something concrete rather than a promise. The charge was reduced to DWAI under VTL 1192.1 with a conditional discharge and a 20-day stay of the suspension — no criminal conviction, no jail, no probation.

Third DWI Dismissed Entirely on Speedy Trial Grounds

Date: July 30, 2026

Charge: Driving While Intoxicated (third charge) · Court: Nassau County District Court · Result: Dismissed in its entirety

Our client, who had driven for a living for fourteen years and whose livelihood depended on his license, was charged with Driving While Intoxicated, his third such charge. The District Attorney’s office sought eight months in jail followed by three years of probation. We did not negotiate. We challenged the prosecution’s certificate of compliance, the document stating they had turned over all required evidence, on the ground that their disclosures were incomplete. We briefed the motion fully and answered the prosecution’s opposition point by point. The court invalidated the certificate, which meant the prosecution had never been legally ready for trial. The case was dismissed in its entirety on speedy trial grounds. No conviction, no jail, no probation, nothing.

DWI with a Collision — No Jail and No Probation

Date: July 30, 2026

Charge: Driving While Intoxicated · Court: Nassau County District Court · Result: Conditional discharge — no jail, no probation

Our client, who had no prior record, was charged with Driving While Intoxicated following a collision on a snowy night in which no one was injured. The District Attorney’s office opened at ten days in jail and three years of probation, on a first offense. We obtained a full alcohol evaluation before any plea discussion and put a clean state-certified alcohol assessment in front of the court, then held the case over several appearances while we pressed the point that the People’s demand did not match the record. Our client pled to the DWI and received a conditional discharge — no jail and no probation.

DWI and Drug Charge — Drug Case Dismissed, No Jail, No Probation

Date: July 30, 2026

Charge: Driving While Intoxicated; criminal possession of a controlled substance · Court: Nassau County District Court · Result: Drug charge dismissed; conditional discharge on the DWI

Our client — a union electrician of nine years and a homeowner who had never been arrested — faced two separate exposures after a minor collision: a Driving While Intoxicated charge, and a drug possession charge arising from a search during processing. The District Attorney’s office wanted jail and probation. We litigated the discovery aggressively, establishing that the People had certified compliance before the lab results were annexed to the file and that video evidence in the case had been destroyed — pressure that changed the negotiating posture entirely. The drug charge was dismissed outright, and the DWI resolved with a conditional discharge — no jail and no probation.

DWI with a Collision — Both Jail and Probation Avoided

Date: July 30, 2026

Charge: Driving While Intoxicated · Court: Nassau County District Court · Result: Conditional discharge — no jail, no probation

Our client, 26 years old with no prior record, was charged with Driving While Intoxicated after a collision with a guardrail. The District Attorney’s office sought jail time and a term of probation — an outcome that would have followed a young person into every job application and background check for years. We put our client into treatment early and returned to court repeatedly with documented progress rather than promises, using each appearance to narrow the gap between what the People wanted and what the record actually supported. The case resolved with community service, a stay of the license suspension, and the Impaired Driver Program — no jail and no probation.

Second-Offense DWI with a Crash — No Jail

Date: July 27, 2026

Charge: Driving While Intoxicated (second offense) · Court: Nassau County District Court · Result: Probation — no jail

Our client was charged with Driving While Intoxicated following a crash in which no one was injured, with a prior DWI conviction on her record from years earlier. The District Attorney’s office sought four months in jail plus probation — and on a second offense involving an accident, that is a realistic outcome, not a bluff. We built the case around treatment and mitigation, documenting our client’s engagement across a series of appearances so that by the sentencing date the court was looking at a record of progress rather than a rap sheet. Our client was sentenced to probation with an ignition interlock and the required programs — no jail.

DWI with a Chemical Test Refusal Dismissed — Reduced to a Traffic Infraction

Date: July 27, 2026

Charge: Driving While Intoxicated; chemical test refusal · Court: Nassau County District Court · Result: Original charge dismissed; reduced to Driving While Ability Impaired — not a crime

Our client was stopped while driving home from the beach and refused the chemical test, a refusal that triggers its own license revocation on top of the criminal charge. We did not treat this as a plea negotiation. Over more than a year, we challenged the prosecution’s compliance with their obligation to turn over evidence, forcing them to file supplemental certificates. Those filings revealed that the prosecution had received additional material, including radio transmissions, the day after certifying that everything had been turned over. With that groundwork laid, the charge was reduced to Driving While Ability Impaired, a traffic infraction, not a crime, with a conditional discharge, the Impaired Driver Program, and a 20-day stay of the suspension. No criminal conviction.

DWI with Flight from Police — No Jail

Date: July 20, 2026

Charge: Driving While Intoxicated · Court: Nassau County District Court · Result: Probation — no jail

Our client was charged with Driving While Intoxicated after fleeing police at high speed, with a prior alcohol-related conviction already on his record — a combination that ordinarily ends in a jail sentence. The recommendation on the table was a four-month jail split. The chemical evidence was in fact weak, with readings at or near the legal threshold, and we paired that with fully documented treatment compliance throughout the case, including running down and disproving a false positive test result. Our client was sentenced to probation with community service and an ignition interlock — no jail.

DWI and Reckless Endangerment Dismissed — Contract Plea to DWAI, No Criminal Record

Date: July 20, 2026

Charge: Driving While Intoxicated; Reckless Endangerment · Court: Nassau County District Court · Result: Conditional discharge — no probation, no criminal record

Our client, a licensed for-hire driver, was charged with Driving While Intoxicated and Reckless Endangerment after being found asleep in a lane of traffic and then driving away when officers woke him. The District Attorney’s office recommended three years of probation. We negotiated a contract plea — an arrangement under which our client entered and completed a supervised treatment program, with the plea structured so that successful completion earned him a disposition at the Driving While Ability Impaired level. He completed the contract. The case ended with a conditional discharge and an ignition interlock: no probation, no jail, and no criminal record.

Second-Offense DWI — 45-Day Jail Offer Defeated

Date: July 16, 2026

Charge: Driving While Intoxicated (second offense) · Court: Nassau County District Court · Result: Probation — no jail

Our client, an accountant with a prior DWI conviction, was charged after striking a parked car. He declined the chemical test, and blood was later drawn at the hospital. The District Attorney’s opening offer was 45 days in jail followed by two years of probation. We worked the case through discovery and mitigation over nine months, making sure our client met every requirement and that the case was resolved on our terms, not the prosecution’s. Our client was sentenced to probation with an ignition interlock device and the Victim Impact Panel. No jail.

DWI Dismissed After Suppression Hearing — Law Student, .13 BAC

Date: 2026

Charge: DWI (.13 BAC), open container, and marijuana possession · Court: Long Beach, Nassau County · Result: Dismissed after suppression hearing

Client R.R. was a young law student who made a potential life altering mistake by driving home from a party at a friend’s house. The law student was found to have a blood alcohol content of a .13 in addition to having an open bottle of alcohol in the car and marijuana. Due to the numerous negative factors involved in the case, the Nassau County District Attorney’s office refused to offer the client a reduced plea deal. Therefore, NY DWI attorney Richard Hochhauser moved the court to conduct a suppression hearing. At the hearing, the police officer testified that he pulled the vehicle over for speeding, and estimated that the vehicle was going 50 miles per hour.

During cross examination, Attorney Hochhauser got the officer to admit that he was never trained in estimating speeds while his own vehicle was also in motion, as was the case here. Thus, based on Attorney Hochhauser’s arguments, the Court found that the Officer was not credible in estimating the Defendant’s speed, and thus the Officer had no basis to pull her over. As such, all of the evidenced in the case was suppressed as “fruit of the poisonous tree” and the entire case was dismissed. As a law student, Client R.R. is now able to start her career with a clean record.

Second-Offense DWI Dismissed — Unconstitutional Checkpoint Stop

Date: 2026

Charge: DWI, second offense · Court: Nassau County District Court · Result: Dismissed

Our client, who had a prior DWI conviction, was charged with DWI in Nassau County and was facing jail time if convicted of a second offense. We proved to the Nassau County District Court that our client had been stopped at an unconstitutional DWI checkpoint run by the New York State Police. As a result, all evidence from the stop was suppressed, and the Nassau County District Attorney was forced to dismiss the charges. Full dismissal. No conviction, no jail.

Aggravated DWI Dismissed — .18 BAC, All Evidence Suppressed

Date: 2026

Charge: Aggravated DWI (.18 BAC) · Court: Nassau County · Result: Dismissed; all evidence suppressed

Client R.H. had absolutely no criminal record and wanted it to stay that way. R.H. was charged with aggravated DWI as he blew a .18% blood alcohol content after being pulled over by the Nassau County Police Department. At the pre-trial suppression hearing, top New York DWI Lawyer Richard Hochhauser established that the Nassau County Police Department illegally pulled over R.H. even though he never violated the Vehicle and Traffic Law.

While the police alleged that the defendant had failed to signal and changed lanes unsafely, Mr. Hochhauser was able to show the court that the government failed to meet its burden, and the officer testimony did not support a finding that the defendant violated the law. Without a valid basis to pull the defendant over, Long Island DWI Lawyer Richard Hochhauser was able to get all evidence suppressed, and a full dismissal of the charges.

DWI Dismissed for an Accountant Who Registered a .07 BAC

Date: 2026

Charge: DWI (.07 BAC) · Court: Nassau County · Result: Dismissed

Our client, an accountant, was charged with DWI even though his BAC was .07, below the legal limit of .08. At a hearing before the Honorable Andrew Engel in Nassau County District Court, where our office regularly appears, we cross-examined the arresting officer and exposed clear inconsistencies in his testimony and in the evidence. Drawing on his experience as a former DWI prosecutor, Richard Hochhauser showed the court exactly where the prosecution’s case fell apart. After the hearing, the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office dismissed the DWI charge entirely.

DWI Dismissed Despite a 0.23 BAC and a Collision

Date: September 22, 2025

Charge: Driving While Intoxicated, BAC 0.23 · Court: Long Island · Result: Dismissed

Our client was charged with DWI after hitting a parked car, with a breath result nearly three times the legal limit. Despite the high BAC and the accident, the DWI charge was dismissed.

DWI Dismissed After the Prosecution Missed Its Deadlines

Date: October 30, 2025

Charge: Driving While Intoxicated · Court: Long Island · Result: Dismissed on speedy trial grounds

Our client was charged with DWI. We held the prosecution to its discovery obligations, including its late filing of supporting depositions. When the prosecution missed New York’s speedy trial deadline, the DWI charge was dismissed.

Breath-Test Refusal Case: DWI Dismissed — Reduced to a Traffic Ticket

Date: February 25, 2026

Charge: Driving While Intoxicated; chemical test refusal · Court: Long Island · Result: DWI dismissed; reduced to failure to maintain a lane, a traffic infraction

Our client was charged with DWI after refusing a breathalyzer. Our review of the discovery found problems with how police questioned our client before a blood test was taken. As a result, the DWI charge was dismissed, and the case was resolved with a plea to failure to maintain a lane, a traffic infraction, not a crime.

DWI With a Prior Conviction Dismissed — Reduced to DWAI

Date: May 7, 2026

Charge: Driving While Intoxicated (prior DWI conviction), breath test 0.11 · Court: Suffolk County District Court · Result: DWI dismissed; reduced to Driving While Ability Impaired, a traffic infraction

Even with a prior DWI conviction on the client’s record, the DWI charge was dismissed and the case resolved with a plea to Driving While Ability Impaired, a traffic infraction rather than a crime, with a conditional discharge and 35 hours of community service.

Suffolk DWI Dismissed — Reduced to DWAI, With a Hardship License

Date: 2026

Charge: Driving While Intoxicated, breath test 0.10 · Court: Suffolk County District Court · Result: DWI dismissed; reduced to Driving While Ability Impaired, a traffic infraction

Our client was charged with DWI in Suffolk County after a traffic stop. At arraignment, we got our client a hardship license so he could keep driving to work. The DWI charge was then dismissed, and the case was resolved with a plea to Driving While Ability Impaired, a traffic infraction, not a crime.

First-Offense DWI — Probation Avoided

Date: September 17, 2026

Charge: Driving While Intoxicated, roadside breath test 0.16 · Court: Suffolk County District Court · Result: Conditional discharge with TASC supervision — no probation

Our client was charged with Driving While Intoxicated after a roadside breath test showed a BAC of 0.16. The prosecution recommended three years of probation. After we submitted mitigation, the case was resolved with a conditional discharge and TASC treatment supervision instead. No probation.

DWI Dismissed — Reduced to DWAI After a Speeding Stop on the Meadowbrook

Date: March 27, 2026

Charge: Driving While Intoxicated · Court: Nassau County District Court · Result: DWI dismissed; reduced to Driving While Ability Impaired, a traffic infraction

A restaurant owner stopped for speeding on the Meadowbrook Parkway completed the required programs and had the DWI dismissed with a plea to Driving While Ability Impaired.

DWI Dismissed — Reduced to DWAI After a Treatment Contract

Date: February 19, 2026

Charge: Driving While Intoxicated · Court: Nassau County District Court · Result: DWI dismissed; reduced to Driving While Ability Impaired, a traffic infraction

The client completed an 8-month treatment contract with remote breath monitoring and community service. His original guilty plea was vacated and replaced with a plea to Driving While Ability Impaired.

DWI Dismissed — Reduced to DWAI for a Retiree

Date: April 21, 2026

Charge: Driving While Intoxicated · Court: Nassau County District Court · Result: DWI dismissed; reduced to Driving While Ability Impaired, a traffic infraction

A retiree stopped for swerving had the DWI dismissed and resolved the case with a plea to Driving While Ability Impaired, with a conditional discharge and the required programs.

Felony Criminal Contempt Dismissed

Date: September 8, 2026

Charge: Criminal Contempt (felony) · Court: Nassau County Court · Result: Dismissed and sealed (adjournment in contemplation of dismissal)

Our client was charged with felony Criminal Contempt for speaking by phone with a former partner while a Family Court order was in place. A related misdemeanor case was already set for trial. Contempt cases are prosecuted at the District Attorney’s discretion, even if the other party doesn’t want to pursue them, and a felony conviction would have been permanent. We handled the Family Court matter and the criminal case together, obtained proof that the family case had been dismissed, and put that documentation before the court before the trial date arrived. The case was resolved with an Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal, meaning the felony charge will be dismissed and sealed. No conviction of any kind.

Felony Grand Larceny Dismissed — Reduced to a Misdemeanor

Date: August 7, 2026

Charge: Grand Larceny (felony) · Court: Nassau County Court · Result: Original charge dismissed; reduced to a Class B misdemeanor

Our client was charged with Grand Larceny for taking approximately $40,000 from an employer — a felony carrying state prison exposure and the end of a career built over two decades. Complicating matters, our client had already admitted the conduct to both the company and the police before we were retained, so litigating the statements was not a realistic path to a better outcome.

We built the case around mitigation instead: a long and otherwise unblemished work history, the complete absence of any prior record, and our client’s early acceptance of responsibility, pressed through multiple appearances while the District Attorney’s office evaluated the file. The felony was reduced to a Class B misdemeanor — the lowest grade of misdemeanor in New York. Our client avoided a felony conviction and the state prison exposure that came with it.

Felony Criminal Mischief Dismissed

Date: August 7, 2026

Charge: Criminal Mischief in the Third Degree (felony) · Court: Nassau County District Court · Result: Felony dismissed and sealed (adjournment in contemplation of dismissal)

Our client was charged with Criminal Mischief in the Third Degree — a felony — after a road-rage confrontation in which the complainant kicked his mirror and he broke both of hers. The claimed damage exceeded $2,900, and a felony property-damage conviction would have ended our client’s livelihood. We filed a notice of appearance immediately, developed the provocation and mutual-conduct facts the complaint left out, and negotiated an arrangement under which restitution would be paid in exchange for a full dismissal rather than a plea. The case was resolved with an Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal — the felony dismissed and the record sealed, with no conviction of any kind.

Felony Domestic Assault Dismissed — Reduced to a Misdemeanor, No Jail or Probation

Date: July 29, 2026

Charge: Assault (felony) · Court: Nassau County Court · Result: Original charge dismissed; reduced to a misdemeanor with a conditional discharge

Our client was charged with felony Assault arising from an incident with a significant other — a charge carrying state prison exposure, a lifetime felony record, and the collateral consequences that follow a felony conviction for the rest of a person’s life. Rather than let the case be resolved on the People’s timetable, we got our client engaged in treatment early and built a mitigation record around that engagement over several months. We then used that record to move the District Attorney’s office off the felony entirely. The case resolved with a plea to a misdemeanor and a conditional discharge — no felony, no jail, and no probation.

Felony Grand Larceny Dismissed — Reduced to a Violation

Date: July 16, 2026

Charge: Grand Larceny (felony) · Court: Nassau County · Result: Original charge dismissed; reduced to a non-criminal violation

Our client, a 29-year-old, was charged with Grand Larceny, a felony, for taking roughly $10,000 in computer equipment from the laboratory where he worked. A felony theft conviction involving an employer can make a person nearly unemployable in any field that runs a background check, and the dollar amount put this squarely in felony territory with real jail exposure. We focused negotiations on our client’s background and circumstances and pushed the District Attorney’s office below the misdemeanor range entirely. The case was resolved with a plea to a violation, which is not a crime. No felony, no misdemeanor, and no criminal record.

Felony Grand Larceny Dismissed — Reduced to a Violation for a Registered Nurse

Date: July 15, 2026

Charge: Grand Larceny (felony) · Court: Nassau County District Court · Result: Original charge dismissed; reduced to Disorderly Conduct — a non-criminal violation

Our client, a registered nurse, was charged with Grand Larceny — a felony — over merchandise taken from a department store. For a licensed nurse this was never primarily a criminal case: a theft-related felony conviction is reportable to the licensing board and disqualifying with most employers in the field. We focused the negotiation on that reality and on our client’s background and circumstances rather than litigating the underlying allegation. The felony was reduced all the way down to Disorderly Conduct — a non-criminal violation — with community service. No felony, no misdemeanor, and no criminal conviction to report.

Felony Marijuana Sale Dismissed and Sealed — Reduced to a Misdemeanor, Then ACOD

Date: 2026

Charge: Felony sale of marijuana · Court: Nassau County · Result: Felony dismissed and sealed — reduced to a misdemeanor, then resolved by ACOD under CPL § 170.56

Nassau County Criminal Lawyer Richard Hochhauser represented client charged with felony possession of marijuana with intent to sell. Mr. Hochhauser was successful in reducing the charge to a misdemeanor marijuana offense, after which the client was eligible for a 170.56 marijuana ACOD.

Felony Possession of a Forged Instrument Dismissed

Date: 2026

Charge: Felony possession of a forged instrument · Court: Nassau County · Result: Dismissed

Our client was charged with felony Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument after Nassau County police searched his wallet and found multiple fake IDs. In New York, an essential element of this charge is the intent to defraud, and simply having a fake ID is not enough. We showed the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office that the police had no justification to search our client’s wallet, and that nothing in his actions showed any intent to defraud anyone. The District Attorney’s Office dismissed the felony charge. No conviction and no criminal record.

Felony Assault Dismissed and Sealed — Domestic Incident

Date: 2026

Charge: Assault (felony) · Court: Nassau County · Result: Felony dismissed and sealed (adjournment in contemplation of dismissal)

A felony assault charge after an argument at home ended in an ACD, with the case dismissed and sealed after the adjournment period.

Class B Felony Cocaine Possession — Treatment Court

Date: 2026

Charge: Criminal possession of a controlled substance (class B felony) · Court: Nassau County Court · Result: Accepted into treatment court; felony dismissed upon completion

Police found cocaine in a car where our client, who had no record, was sitting. He was accepted into treatment court. Under the agreement, the felony is dismissed when he completes the program.

Felony Criminal Mischief and Assault Dismissed — Reduced to a Sealed Violation

Date: September 2, 2025

Charge: Criminal mischief (felony); assault · Court: Nassau County District Court · Result: Felony dismissed; reduced to disorderly conduct, a sealed non-criminal violation

An electrician who surrendered voluntarily after a fight with a stranger who was harassing him had the felony and assault charges dismissed. The case resolved with a sealed plea to disorderly conduct.

Felony Grand Larceny Dismissed — Reduced to a Sealed Violation, Found Wallet

Date: June 5, 2025

Charge: Grand larceny (felony) · Court: Nassau County · Result: Felony dismissed; reduced to disorderly conduct, a sealed non-criminal violation

Our client found a wallet and was later charged with felony Grand Larceny because it contained credit cards. In New York, possessing someone else’s credit card can be charged as a felony regardless of its value. Our client voluntarily surrendered to detectives, and we got the felony dismissed. The case was resolved with a sealed plea to disorderly conduct, a violation, not a crime, along with a class.

Second Theft Charge Dismissed

Date: August 21, 2026

Charge: Petit Larceny · Court: Suffolk County District Court · Result: Dismissed and sealed (adjournment in contemplation of dismissal)

Our client was charged with Petit Larceny for a second time in Suffolk County — and a second theft charge is exactly the point where prosecutors stop offering dismissals and start talking about convictions. We handled both matters together rather than letting the newer case be judged against the older one, and made the case for a disposition that would leave our client with nothing on her record. The charge was resolved with an Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal — dismissed and sealed, with no criminal record.

Petit Larceny Dismissed for a Teacher

Date: August 17, 2026

Charge: Petit Larceny · Court: Nassau County District Court · Result: Dismissed and sealed (adjournment in contemplation of dismissal)

Our client, a public school teacher with no criminal history, was charged with Petit Larceny following an incident at a big-box retailer — and the school district had already been notified of the arrest. A theft conviction, even a misdemeanor, can end a teaching career and trigger licensing consequences that outlast any court sentence. We filed a notice of appearance immediately, assembled our client’s background and clean record, and pressed the District Attorney’s office for a disposition that would leave no conviction of any kind. The case was resolved with an Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal, meaning the charge is dismissed and the record sealed. Our client kept a clean record and kept teaching.

Bench Warrant Vacated and Theft Charge Dismissed for a Practicing Attorney

Date: August 3, 2026

Charge: Petit Larceny; outstanding bench warrant · Court: Suffolk County District Court · Result: Warrant vacated; Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal

Our client, a practicing attorney with no prior record, missed a court appearance and a bench warrant was ordered — a situation that compounds fast, because the warrant becomes its own problem on top of the underlying charge. For a licensed professional, an open warrant and a pending theft charge are both serious in their own right. We appeared, got the warrant vacated first to clear the immediate exposure, and then turned to the charge itself. The Petit Larceny was resolved with an Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal — dismissed and sealed, with no criminal record.

Six-Month Jail Offer on a Shoplifting Charge Defeated

Date: July 30, 2026

Charge: Petit Larceny · Court: Nassau County District Court · Result: Original charge dismissed; reduced to Disorderly Conduct — no jail, no probation

Our client was charged with Petit Larceny over a small-dollar item taken from a large retailer. Because he had prior contacts with the criminal justice system, the District Attorney’s office opened at six months in jail or three years of probation — a demand wildly out of proportion to the conduct actually charged. We took over the case and made that point directly and repeatedly: the offer reflected our client’s history, not this allegation. The case resolved with a plea to Disorderly Conduct, a non-criminal violation — no jail, no probation, and no criminal conviction.

Theft Charge Dismissed — Client Kept Her School Job

Date: July 28, 2026

Charge: Petit Larceny · Court: Suffolk County District Court · Result: Dismissed and sealed (adjournment in contemplation of dismissal)

Our client worked in food service at an elementary school and had no prior record when she was charged with Petit Larceny over merchandise from a department store. For someone working in a school, a theft conviction very often ends the job regardless of what sentence the court imposes. We moved quickly to get a program completed and certified before the return date, and presented that certificate along with our client’s clean history to the prosecutor. The charge was resolved with an Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal under CPL 170.55 — dismissed and sealed. Our client kept her job.

Petit Larceny Dismissed and Sealed — $600 in Merchandise

Date: May 26, 2026

Charge: Petit larceny · Court: Nassau County First District Court · Result: Dismissed and sealed (adjournment in contemplation of dismissal)

Our client was charged with Petit Larceny for taking $600 in merchandise from a big-box retailer. After our client completed a theft-awareness class, the case was resolved with an Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD), meaning the charge was dismissed and sealed. No conviction and no criminal record.

Petit Larceny Dismissed — Reduced to a Sealed Violation, Career Protected

Date: June 11, 2026

Charge: Petit larceny · Court: Nassau County First District Court · Result: Petit larceny dismissed; reduced to disorderly conduct, a sealed non-criminal violation

A client whose job depended on a clean record was charged with taking items from a home-improvement store. The petit larceny charge was dismissed and the case resolved with a sealed plea to disorderly conduct.

Shoplifting Charge Dismissed and Sealed for a First-Time Client

Date: May 27, 2026

Charge: Petit larceny · Court: Nassau County First District Court · Result: Dismissed and sealed (adjournment in contemplation of dismissal)

A first-time client charged with shoplifting at a warehouse store received an ACD: dismissed and sealed.

Two Retail Thefts Dismissed and Sealed

Date: July 10, 2026

Charge: Petit larceny (two incidents, $330 total) · Court: Suffolk County District Court · Result: Dismissed and sealed (adjournment in contemplation of dismissal)

The client completed a theft-awareness class before the next court date, and the case ended in an ACD: dismissed and sealed.

Employee Theft Charge Dismissed and Sealed

Date: 2026

Charge: Petit larceny · Court: Suffolk County District Court · Result: Dismissed and sealed (adjournment in contemplation of dismissal)

A worker charged with taking a $200 item from a retailer received an ACD: dismissed and sealed.

Self-Checkout Theft Charge Dismissed and Sealed

Date: March 4, 2026

Charge: Petit larceny · Court: Suffolk County District Court · Result: Dismissed and sealed (adjournment in contemplation of dismissal)

A client with no record charged after items weren’t scanned at a big-box store received an ACD: dismissed and sealed.

Two Petit Larceny Charges Dismissed — Reduced to a Sealed Violation

Date: January 14, 2026

Charge: Petit larceny (two cases) · Court: Nassau County District Court · Result: Original charge dismissed; reduced to disorderly conduct, a sealed non-criminal violation

A client charged in two separate shoplifting cases had both petit larceny charges dismissed and resolved them with a single sealed plea to disorderly conduct after a theft-awareness class.

Petit Larceny Dismissed — Reduced to Disorderly Conduct, Mail Dispute

Date: June 29, 2026

Charge: Petit larceny · Court: Nassau County District Court · Result: Original charge dismissed; reduced to disorderly conduct, a non-criminal violation

A client accused of taking a spouse’s mail had the petit larceny charge dismissed and resolved the case with a plea to disorderly conduct.

Stolen Scooter Charge Dismissed and Sealed for a College Student

Date: December 15, 2025

Charge: Criminal possession of stolen property · Court: Suffolk County District Court · Result: Dismissed and sealed (adjournment in contemplation of dismissal)

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.

Theft of Services Charge Dismissed and Sealed

Date: June 25, 2025

Charge: Theft of services · Court: Nassau County District Court · Result: Dismissed and sealed (adjournment in contemplation of dismissal)

A theft of services charge ended in an ACD: dismissed and sealed.

Criminal Contempt Dismissed — Reduced to a Non-Criminal Violation

Date: August 12, 2026

Charge: Criminal Contempt (alleged violation of an order of protection) · Court: Nassau County District Court · Result: Original charge dismissed; reduced to Disorderly Conduct, a non-criminal violation

Our client was charged with Criminal Contempt for allegedly violating a “do not harass” order of protection during a domestic dispute — a charge carrying a permanent criminal record and, in many cases, real jail exposure. The complaining witness did not want the case prosecuted, but in New York that alone does not end a contempt prosecution; the decision belongs to the District Attorney.

Over several months we obtained adjournments on consent, worked with the DA’s office on appropriate alternative programming, and had our client begin an anger management program before any plea was on the table. The case resolved with a plea to Disorderly Conduct — a non-criminal violation — with a conditional discharge and completion of a six-session program. No criminal conviction and no jail.

Stalking and Harassment Charges Dismissed — Alleged Following of an Officer

Date: 2026

Charge: Stalking and harassment · Court: Nassau County · Result: Dismissed

Nassau County Criminal Lawyer Richard Hochhauser represented client M.L. In this case, M.L. was charged with stalking a police officer. Attorney Hochhauser argued that the allegations in this case, that Defendant was “following” the officer in a public post office, failed to establish the course of conduct necessary for a stalking allegation. All of the related charges were dismissed along with the stalking charge. Motion practice is a commonly overlooked mechanism to get a dismissal in a criminal case. It is imperative to hold the government to its legal burden on all charges.

Assault and Harassment Case Dismissed

Date: 2026

Charge: Assault and harassment · Court: Nassau County · Result: Dismissed

Our client was charged with Assault and Harassment arising from a domestic dispute. The Nassau County District Attorney’s Office repeatedly claimed it had enough evidence to go forward to trial. Still, we aggressively held the prosecution to its burden and demanded that it declare itself ready for trial. Ultimately, the District Attorney’s Office was unable to do so within the time allowed by New York’s speedy trial law. Richard Hochhauser’s motion to dismiss was granted by Judge Girardi in Nassau County District Court, and the case was dismissed. No conviction and no criminal record.

Criminal Contempt Dismissed and Sealed During a Divorce

Date: September 22, 2026

Charge: Criminal contempt (violating an order of protection) · Court: Nassau County District Court · Result: Dismissed and sealed (adjournment in contemplation of dismissal)

A criminal contempt charge during a divorce ended in an ACD, and the order of protection was adjusted so the client could keep working.

Obstruction of Breathing Charge Dismissed and Sealed

Date: January 5, 2026

Charge: Criminal obstruction of breathing · Court: Nassau County District Court · Result: Dismissed and sealed (adjournment in contemplation of dismissal)

A strangulation-type charge in a domestic case resolved with an ACD and an order of protection: dismissed and sealed.

Assault Charge Dismissed and Sealed After a Fight With a Sibling

Date: February 19, 2026

Charge: Assault · Court: Nassau County District Court · Result: Dismissed and sealed (adjournment in contemplation of dismissal)

After a family argument led to an arrest, the case ended in an ACD: dismissed and sealed.

Choke-Hold Allegation Dismissed — Reduced to a Sealed Violation

Date: August 15, 2025

Charge: Assault-related charges (alleged choke hold) · Court: Nassau County District Court · Result: Original charge dismissed; reduced to disorderly conduct, a sealed non-criminal violation

In a family fight case involving an alleged choke hold, the criminal charges were dismissed and the case resolved with a sealed plea to disorderly conduct.

Stalking Charge Dismissed — Reduced to Disorderly Conduct

Date: November 14, 2025

Charge: Stalking and harassment · Court: Nassau County First District Court · Result: Original charges dismissed; reduced to disorderly conduct, a non-criminal violation

Charges arose from repeated messages to a former partner during a dispute over an online post. The stalking charge was dismissed and the case resolved with a plea to disorderly conduct, with community service and an order of protection.

Domestic Criminal Mischief Dismissed — Reduced to Harassment

Date: July 14, 2026

Charge: Criminal mischief (domestic) · Court: Suffolk County District Court · Result: Original charge dismissed; reduced to harassment, a non-criminal violation

A criminal charge after an argument at home was dismissed and the case resolved with a plea to a harassment violation, which is not a crime.

Assault Charges From a Roadside Fight Dismissed — Reduced to Harassment

Date: September 9, 2026

Charge: Assault-related charges · Court: Suffolk County District Court · Result: Original charges dismissed; reduced to harassment, a non-criminal violation

A husband and wife were both charged after a fight with a group of young men. The prosecution offered a plea to the charges with a two-year order of protection. Both criminal cases were dismissed and resolved with pleas to harassment, a non-criminal violation.

Menacing Charge Dismissed and Sealed — Registered Nurse

Date: September 11, 2025

Charge: Menacing · Court: Nassau County District Court · Result: Dismissed and sealed (adjournment in contemplation of dismissal)

A registered nurse was accused by a family member of threatening her with a knife after the family member attacked her. The case ended in an ACD with an order of protection: dismissed and sealed.

Domestic Assault Charge Dismissed — Reduced to a Sealed Violation

Date: July 13, 2026

Charge: Assault · Court: Nassau County District Court · Result: Original charge dismissed; reduced to disorderly conduct, a sealed non-criminal violation

A law firm clerk was accused of choking a former partner during an argument in which she was kicking him. The assault charge was dismissed and the case resolved with a sealed plea to disorderly conduct.

Assault on an Officer Allegation Dismissed — Reduced to a Sealed Violation

Date: April 20, 2026

Charge: Assault · Court: Nassau County District Court · Result: Original charge dismissed; reduced to disorderly conduct, a sealed non-criminal violation

Police serving an eviction warrant claimed our client, a home health aide, caused an officer to fall. The assault charge was dismissed and the case resolved with a sealed plea to disorderly conduct.

Assault Charge Dismissed and Sealed for a Registered Nurse

Date: June 25, 2026

Charge: Assault · Court: Nassau County · Result: Dismissed and sealed (adjournment in contemplation of dismissal)

A registered nurse accused of throwing knives during an argument with her husband, with family members on body camera, had the case end in an ACD: dismissed and sealed.

Domestic Assault Charge Dismissed — Reduced to Disorderly Conduct

Date: September 16, 2026

Charge: Assault · Court: Nassau County District Court · Result: Original charge dismissed; reduced to disorderly conduct, a non-criminal violation

After the client completed a batterer’s intervention program under a conditional plea, the assault charge was dismissed and the case resolved with a plea to disorderly conduct.

Domestic Assault Charge Dismissed and Sealed

Date: June 12, 2026

Charge: Assault · Court: Nassau County District Court · Result: Dismissed and sealed (adjournment in contemplation of dismissal)

The prosecution said it would proceed without the complaining witness. The case ended in an ACD: dismissed and sealed.

Assault Charge Dismissed in the Interest of Justice

Date: April 28, 2026

Charge: Assault in the third degree · Court: Nassau County · Result: Dismissed

The assault charge was dismissed in the interest of justice.

Criminal Contempt Dismissed and Sealed — Custody Dispute

Date: September 22, 2026

Charge: Criminal contempt · Court: Nassau County District Court · Result: Dismissed and sealed (adjournment in contemplation of dismissal)

A father accused of texting his child’s mother in violation of a Family Court order of protection had the case end in an ACD: dismissed and sealed.

Criminal Mischief Dismissed and Sealed for a Graduate Student

Date: October 17, 2025

Charge: Criminal mischief · Court: Nassau County District Court · Result: Dismissed and sealed (adjournment in contemplation of dismissal)

A graduate student charged after an argument at home had the case end in an ACD: dismissed and sealed, keeping her record clean for doctoral applications.

Reckless Driving Dismissed — Reduced to Non-Criminal Violations

Date: September 8, 2026

Charge: Reckless Driving (misdemeanor) · Court: Nassau County District Court · Result: Original charge dismissed; reduced to two non-criminal traffic violations

Our client, who lives out of state, was charged with Reckless Driving — a criminal misdemeanor — after losing control of a borrowed car and striking a tree on private property. She needed the case resolved quickly; repeated trips to Long Island from Philadelphia for court appearances were not realistic. We obtained her out-of-state driving abstract, submitted a mitigation package to the prosecutor early rather than waiting to be asked, and pushed for a disposition instead of a series of adjournments. The case resolved with pleas to two non-criminal traffic violations — no misdemeanor and no criminal record.

Suspended License Charge Dismissed — Reduced to a Parking Violation

Date: September 2, 2026

Charge: Aggravated Unlicensed Operation; expired registration · Court: Nassau County District Court · Result: Original charge dismissed; reduced to a VTL 1200(d) parking violation — no points

Our client was stopped driving a car she did not own and was charged with driving on a suspended license, along with an expired registration and a missing inspection sticker. The suspension traced back to an unpaid driver assessment fee she had never been told about — and which she paid as soon as she learned of it. We put that timeline in front of the prosecutor along with proof that our client was not the vehicle’s owner. The case resolved with a plea to a VTL 1200(d) parking violation — no criminal conviction and no points.

Reckless Driving Dismissed — Reduced to a Parking Violation

Date: September 1, 2026

Charge: Reckless Driving (misdemeanor) · Court: Suffolk County District Court · Result: Original charge dismissed; reduced to a VTL 1200(d) parking violation — no points

Our client was charged with Reckless Driving — a criminal misdemeanor — after being involved in two collisions during a single incident. Facts like that make a case look far worse on paper than it is, and a Reckless Driving conviction carries five points, a permanent criminal record, and years of insurance consequences. We adjourned the case with a waiver of our client’s appearance so she was not repeatedly pulled away from her life, and negotiated the charge down over several months. The case resolved with a plea to a VTL 1200(d) parking violation — no points, no moving violation, and no criminal record.

Forgery Charge Dismissed

Date: August 28, 2026

Charge: Forgery · Court: Nassau County District Court · Result: Dismissed and sealed (adjournment in contemplation of dismissal)

Our client was charged with Forgery after an officer concluded that the out-of-state inspection sticker on her vehicle was counterfeit. She had been driving with out-of-state insurance and an out-of-state sticker while holding a New York license, and had no idea the sticker was anything but genuine. Forgery turns on an intent to defraud — and the documents in this case told a very different story than the officer’s conclusion did. We had our client obtain a valid New York inspection and presented the full documentary picture of what she actually knew and did. The charge was resolved with an Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal — dismissed and sealed, with no criminal record.

Eleven Suspended License Charges All Dismissed

Date: August 26, 2026

Charge: Aggravated Unlicensed Operation — eleven counts · Court: Nassau County District Court · Result: All eleven charges dismissed

Our client’s license was suspended over unpaid tolls, and by the time she came to us, the suspensions had compounded into eleven separate charges. Driving with a suspended license is a misdemeanor in New York, and eleven counts is enough exposure to create genuine jail risk and a permanent criminal record. Rather than treating this as a plea negotiation, we addressed the underlying toll problem and the charging documents together. All eleven charges were dismissed.

Counterfeit Inspection Sticker Charge Dismissed — Reduced to a Parking Ticket

Date: August 26, 2026

Charge: Counterfeit inspection sticker · Court: Suffolk County District Court · Result: Original charge dismissed; reduced to a parking ticket — no points, no criminal record

Our client took his vehicle to a shop for an inspection and was given a sticker that turned out to be counterfeit — something he had no way of knowing and no reason to suspect. He was charged anyway. We assembled the documentation showing that our client was the victim of the shop’s conduct rather than a participant in it, and put it in front of the prosecutor. The case was resolved with a plea to a parking ticket — no criminal record and no points.

Ten Tickets Dismissed — Reduced to a Single Violation at the First Appearance

Date: August 24, 2026

Charge: Suspended registration — ten counts · Court: Nassau County District Court · Result: Original charge dismissed; reduced to a single VTL 401.1 violation — no points

Our client came to us facing ten separate charges arising from a suspended vehicle registration. A stack like that normally takes multiple appearances over months to untangle, with the client exposed the entire time and the fines multiplying. We prepared the file and the negotiating position before the first court date rather than showing up to ask for an adjournment. At arraignment — the very first appearance — all ten tickets were resolved into a single VTL 401.1 violation with no points.

Reckless Driving Dismissed — Reduced to a Non-Criminal Violation

Date: August 19, 2026

Charge: Reckless Driving (misdemeanor) · Court: Nassau County District Court · Result: Original charge dismissed; reduced to a non-criminal violation under VTL § 1180(a)

Our client was charged with Reckless Driving after an allegation of traveling roughly 85 mph while weaving in and out of traffic — a misdemeanor that carries a permanent criminal record and puts a license in serious jeopardy. The client drove regularly for work, so a criminal conviction was not an acceptable outcome.

Rather than accept the prosecution’s opening position, we adjourned the case for continued investigation and negotiated with the District Attorney’s office over several appearances, presenting the client’s driving history and the real-world consequences of a conviction. The misdemeanor was reduced to a single non-criminal traffic violation under VTL §1180(a) (unreasonable speed), resolved with a conditional discharge, a defensive driving course, and 14 hours of community service. Our client left with no criminal record and a valid license.

Leaving the Scene Charge Dismissed — Reduced to a Parking Violation

Date: August 7, 2026

Charge: Leaving the Scene of an Incident · Court: Suffolk County District Court · Result: Original charge dismissed; reduced to a VTL § 1200(d) parking violation

Our client, a driver in her seventies with a clean record, received a Desk Appearance Ticket after police came to her home over a minor parking-lot contact with another vehicle — she had checked for damage, seen none, and driven on. Leaving the Scene of an Incident is a charge that sounds far worse than the underlying facts, and a conviction would have put points on the license of a senior driver and driven up her insurance.

We contacted the assigned prosecutor directly for an offer, had our client complete a defensive driving course before the return date, and presented the full picture of what actually happened that day. The charge was reduced to a VTL §1200(d) parking violation with a $400 fine — no points, no moving violation, and no criminal record.

Street Racing Spectator Charge Dismissed — Reduced to a Parking Ticket

Date: July 20, 2026

Charge: Street racing spectator · Court: Suffolk County District Court · Result: Original charge dismissed; reduced to a parking ticket — no criminal record

Our client was charged as a spectator at a street racing event in Suffolk County — an enforcement priority that police and prosecutors have been treating far more seriously in recent years. He had also relocated out of state and could not fly back for every court appearance. We appeared on his behalf, arranged for him to complete a corrective thinking program and 14 hours of community service, and presented that completed work to the prosecutor. The case was resolved with a plea to a parking ticket — no criminal record, and no return trips to New York.

Misdemeanor Leaving the Scene Dismissed — Reduced to a Traffic Ticket

Date: July 16, 2026

Charge: Leaving the Scene of an Incident (misdemeanor) · Court: Nassau County District Court · Result: Original charge dismissed; reduced to a traffic infraction — a ticket, not a crime

Our client, who had no prior record, was charged in connection with a collision involving a landscaper. The District Attorney’s office wanted a plea to misdemeanor Leaving the Scene — a criminal conviction that would sit on our client’s record permanently and surface on every background check. We adjourned the case on consent rather than accept that, working the file through discovery while we pushed for a non-criminal resolution and the court’s own view of the case developed. The matter resolved with a plea to a traffic infraction and a conditional discharge — a ticket, not a crime.

All Vehicle and Traffic Counts Dismissed — Defective Supporting Deposition

Date: 2026

Charge: Misdemeanor driving with a suspended license and related VTL counts · Court: Nassau County District Court · Result: Dismissed on motion

Our client was charged with multiple Vehicle and Traffic Law violations, including a misdemeanor charge of driving with a suspended license. We moved to dismiss all of the charges, arguing that the prosecution failed to properly serve a sufficient supporting deposition (the officer’s sworn statement supporting the charges). Judge Helen Voutsinas of the Nassau County District Court granted the motion, and every charge was dismissed.

Reckless Driving, Resisting Arrest, and Fleeing Charges Dismissed

Date: 2026

Charge: Reckless driving, resisting arrest, and fleeing from police · Court: Nassau County · Result: Dismissed

Our client was facing serious criminal charges, and the District Attorney was recommending up to six months in jail. Because of potential immigration consequences, he could not accept any plea. Our client was originally represented by another attorney, but after seeing Richard Hochhauser in court, he asked him to take over the case. We aggressively pushed the case toward litigation and repeatedly announced ready for hearings. Richard Hochhauser then filed a speedy trial motion, which the court granted, dismissing all of the criminal charges. Within two months of taking over the case, we had it dismissed.

Entire Case Dismissed on Motion — Misdemeanor Suspended License

Date: 2026

Charge: Misdemeanor driving with a suspended license and related VTL counts · Court: Nassau County District Court · Result: Dismissed on motion

Nassau County Criminal Defense Lawyer Richard Hochhauser succeeded in his motion to dismiss the entire case charged against client D.L., including a misdemeanor charge of driving with a suspended license. Mr. Hochhauser argued that the Nassau County District Attorney failed to properly serve a sufficient supporting deposition to the defendant. Judge Goodsell issued the decision at Nassau County District Court located at 99 Main Street, Hempstead, Nassau County.

Unauthorized Use of a Vehicle Dismissed and Sealed (ACD)

Date: 2026

Charge: Unauthorized use of a vehicle (misdemeanor) · Court: Nassau County · Result: Dismissed and sealed (adjournment in contemplation of dismissal)

Our client was charged with a misdemeanor for driving a vehicle that turned out to be stolen. We showed that she had no knowledge the vehicle was stolen and was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. By putting pressure on the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office and pushing the case toward litigation, we obtained an Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD), meaning the charge will be dismissed and sealed. No conviction and no criminal record.

Driving With a Revoked License After Three Prior DWIs — Reduced to a Sealed Violation

Date: May 15, 2026

Charge: Aggravated unlicensed operation (revoked license) · Court: Nassau County District Court · Result: Original charge dismissed; reduced to disorderly conduct, a sealed non-criminal violation

A client with three prior DWIs was caught driving on a revoked license. The aggravated unlicensed operation charge was dismissed and the case resolved with a sealed plea to disorderly conduct.

Aggravated Unlicensed Operation Dismissed — Reduced to a Parking Ticket

Date: June 20, 2025

Charge: Aggravated unlicensed operation, 3rd degree · Court: Nassau County District Court · Result: Original charge dismissed; reduced to a VTL 1200(d) parking violation

The misdemeanor charge was dismissed and the case resolved with a plea to a VTL 1200(d) parking violation.

Second Aggravated Unlicensed Operation Case Dismissed — Reduced to a Parking Ticket

Date: September 30, 2025

Charge: Aggravated unlicensed operation · Court: Nassau County District Court · Result: Original charge dismissed; reduced to a VTL 1200(d) parking violation

A client with tickets in more than one court had the misdemeanor charge dismissed and resolved with a plea to a parking violation.

Reckless Driving Dismissed and Sealed for a 19-Year-Old

Date: June 4, 2026

Charge: Reckless driving · Court: Nassau County District Court · Result: Dismissed and sealed (adjournment in contemplation of dismissal)

Our client was charged with Reckless Driving, a misdemeanor in New York. After our client completed community service and an aggressive-driving program, the case was resolved with an Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD), meaning the charge was dismissed and sealed. No conviction and no criminal record.

Leaving the Scene Charge Dismissed and Sealed

Date: April 22, 2026

Charge: Leaving the scene of an accident · Court: Suffolk County District Court · Result: Dismissed and sealed (adjournment in contemplation of dismissal)

Facing a Leaving the Scene of an Incident charge, our client completed community service and a defensive driving course ahead of the disposition. That work paid off: the case ended in an Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD), and the charge was dismissed and sealed, leaving our client with a clean record.

Violation of a Conditional Discharge Dismissed

Date: September 8, 2026

Charge: Violation of a conditional discharge · Court: Nassau County District Court · Result: Violation dismissed; original sentence left intact

Our client was accused of violating the terms of a conditional discharge — an allegation that, if sustained, would have let the court vacate his original sentence and resentence him on the underlying case, with jail on the table. Violation proceedings get treated as a formality by a lot of people; they are not one. We tracked down the documentation on the outstanding program requirement and demonstrated our client’s compliance to the court. The violation was dismissed, and our client’s original conditional discharge stayed intact.

Reckless Endangerment Dismissed — Reduced to a Non-Criminal Violation

Date: August 25, 2026

Charge: Reckless Endangerment · Court: Suffolk County District Court · Result: Original charge dismissed; reduced to Disorderly Conduct — a non-criminal violation

Our client, a dog breeder, was charged with Reckless Endangerment after an incident during a routine veterinary procedure: while she was vaccinating and drawing blood from a dog, the animal pulled back and the needle scratched the person holding it. The charge came against the background of an unrelated dispute with that same family over the dog itself — context the criminal complaint left out entirely. We made sure the court understood the actual mechanics of what happened and why the charge had been brought. The case resolved with a plea to Disorderly Conduct, a non-criminal violation, with an animal handling course. No criminal conviction.

Park Curfew Charge Dismissed for an Out-of-State Student

Date: 2026

Charge: Village park curfew violation · Court: Nassau County District Court · Result: Dismissed and sealed (adjournment in contemplation of dismissal)

Our client, a college student whose family lives out of state, was charged in Nassau County District Court after being found in a village park after posted hours. The practical problem was as serious as the legal one — the client was away for the summer and back at school by the end of August, and repeated trips to Long Island for court appearances were not realistic.

We appeared on the client’s behalf, secured an adjournment that worked around the travel and academic calendar, and negotiated with the prosecutor for a disposition that would leave no record. The case was resolved with an Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal — dismissed and sealed, with no conviction and no interruption to the school year.

Public Lewdness Charge Dismissed

Date: August 17, 2026

Charge: Public Lewdness (misdemeanor) · Court: Suffolk County District Court · Result: Dismissed and sealed (adjournment in contemplation of dismissal)

Our client was charged with Public Lewdness after an alleged incident at a Suffolk County park-and-ride lot — a misdemeanor that carries real stigma and follows a person through every future background check. We moved to resolve the case quickly and quietly, presenting our client’s history and willingness to complete a corrective-thinking program to the prosecutor before the case could develop a longer court record. The People agreed to an Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal conditioned on completion of that program. The charge was dismissed and the record sealed — no conviction, no criminal record.

Trespass Charge Dismissed — Reduced to a Non-Criminal Violation

Date: August 17, 2026

Charge: Trespass · Court: Suffolk County District Court · Result: Original charge dismissed; reduced to Disorderly Conduct, a non-criminal violation

Our client was charged with Trespass in Suffolk County District Court after being processed and released from a location he had been told to leave. Even a low-level criminal trespass conviction creates a permanent criminal record that surfaces on employment and housing screenings. When our client’s international travel conflicted with a scheduled court date, we obtained an adjournment rather than let a bench warrant issue — a problem that turns a minor case into a serious one — and then negotiated the charge down with the prosecutor. The case ended in a plea to Disorderly Conduct, a non-criminal violation, closing the matter with no criminal conviction on our client’s record.

Cocaine Possession Dismissed at the First Court Appearance

Date: August 17, 2026

Charge: Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance · Court: Nassau County District Court · Result: Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal at the first appearance

Our client, 22 years old with no prior record and working in a trade, was issued a Desk Appearance Ticket for criminal possession of a controlled substance. Cases like this routinely take months and several appearances to resolve — months during which a young person carries an open drug charge into every job application and background check. We had the file prepared and our client’s background documented before the first court date, and asked the court to resolve the matter then and there. The case was dismissed at the very first appearance — an Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal under CPL 170.55, with the record sealed.

Twenty-Year-Old Felony Conviction Sealed Under CPL § 160.59

Date: 2026

Charge: Twenty-year-old felony conviction for forging Medicare documents · Court: Nassau County · Result: Record sealed under CPL § 160.59

Two decades after a felony conviction for forging Medicare documents, our client was still carrying that record into every job application and loan review. Richard Hochhauser filed a motion under New York’s sealing law (CPL § 160.59) and successfully had the conviction sealed. Our client can now apply for jobs, mortgages, and loans without that conviction following him.

Weapon Possession Allegation Dismissed and Sealed

Date: September 23, 2026

Charge: Weapon-related charge (alleged pointing of a gun) · Court: Nassau County First District Court · Result: Dismissed and sealed (adjournment in contemplation of dismissal)

A client accused of pointing a gun at a former employee received an ACD after completing a course: dismissed and sealed.

Mushrooms and LSD Case Dismissed and Sealed

Date: June 22, 2026

Charge: Criminal possession of a controlled substance · Court: Nassau County First District Court · Result: Dismissed and sealed (adjournment in contemplation of dismissal)

Drugs were found in a car. After an evaluation and community service, the case ended in an ACD: dismissed and sealed.

Drug Charge Dismissed — Reduced to Disorderly Conduct for a Rental Car Passenger

Date: May 12, 2026

Charge: Criminal possession of a controlled substance · Court: Nassau County First District Court · Result: Drug charge dismissed; reduced to disorderly conduct, a non-criminal violation

A client charged with drugs found beneath his seat in a rental car had the drug charge dismissed and resolved the case with a plea to disorderly conduct.

Prescription Pill Possession Dismissed and Sealed

Date: May 6, 2026

Charge: Criminal possession of a controlled substance · Court: Nassau County First District Court · Result: Dismissed and sealed (adjournment in contemplation of dismissal)

A client found with pills prescribed to someone else during a probation check received an ACD.

Crack Cocaine Possession Dismissed and Sealed

Date: May 12, 2026

Charge: Criminal possession of a controlled substance · Court: Nassau County First District Court · Result: Dismissed and sealed (adjournment in contemplation of dismissal)

A client with no prior record charged with possessing a small amount of crack cocaine received an ACD.

False Personation Charge Dismissed and Sealed

Date: 2026

Charge: False personation (PL 190.23) · Court: Long Island · Result: Dismissed and sealed (adjournment in contemplation of dismissal)

Our client completed 14 hours of community service, and the case ended in an ACD: dismissed and sealed.

Public Lewdness Charges Dismissed and Sealed — Park-and-Ride Arrests

Date: September 24, 2026

Charge: Public lewdness · Court: Suffolk County District Court · Result: Dismissed and sealed (adjournment in contemplation of dismissal)

Several clients charged after park-and-ride lot arrests received ACDs, some after completing a short class: dismissed and sealed.

Unlawful Fleeing Charge Dismissed — Reduced to Disorderly Conduct

Date: June 11, 2026

Charge: Unlawful fleeing a police officer · Court: Long Island · Result: Original charge dismissed; reduced to disorderly conduct, a non-criminal violation

Our 20-year-old client, who had no prior record, was charged after a 10-minute chase. He completed a class and a victim impact panel, and the unlawful fleeing charge was dismissed with a plea to disorderly conduct, a non-criminal violation.

Road-Rage Knife Allegation Dismissed — Reduced to a Sealed Violation

Date: November 14, 2025

Charge: Weapon-related charges · Court: Nassau County District Court · Result: Original charge dismissed; reduced to disorderly conduct, a sealed non-criminal violation

A driver with no record was accused of displaying a knife during a confrontation with cyclists. The criminal charge was dismissed and the case resolved with a sealed plea to disorderly conduct.

Weapon Possession Dismissed and Sealed for a Non-Citizen

Date: May 12, 2026

Charge: Criminal possession of a weapon · Court: Nassau County District Court · Result: Dismissed and sealed (adjournment in contemplation of dismissal)

Police found a knife in the car of a client with no prior record who is not a U.S. citizen. The case ended in an ACD: dismissed and sealed, avoiding a conviction with immigration consequences.

Weapon Charge and 20-Year-Old Warrant Dismissed

Date: November 6, 2025

Charge: Weapon-related charge; outstanding warrant · Court: Suffolk County District Court · Result: Dismissed

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.

Weapon Possession With Intent to Use Dismissed — Reduced to a Sealed Violation

Date: September 16, 2026

Charge: Criminal possession of a weapon (intent to use) · Court: Nassau County District Court · Result: Original charge dismissed; reduced to disorderly conduct, a sealed non-criminal violation

The prosecution recommended jail on all counts and the case was set for trial. Shortly before trial, the weapon charge was dismissed and the case resolved with a sealed plea to disorderly conduct.

Menacing Charge Dismissed and Sealed — Landlord and Tenant Dispute

Date: November 10, 2025

Charge: Menacing · Court: Suffolk County District Court · Result: Dismissed and sealed (adjournment in contemplation of dismissal)

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.

Menacing and Endangering the Welfare of a Child Dismissed

Date: September 11, 2025

Charge: Menacing; endangering the welfare of a child · Court: Nassau County · Result: Dismissed

Charges of menacing and endangering the welfare of a child were dismissed.

Forcible Touching Charge Dismissed on Speedy Trial Grounds

Date: August 26, 2025

Charge: Forcible touching · Court: Nassau County District Court · Result: Dismissed

The prosecution’s offer was a plea to a harassment violation with counseling. We held the prosecution to its speedy trial deadline instead, and the case was dismissed under CPL 30.30.

Forcible Touching Charge Dismissed — Reduced to Disorderly Conduct

Date: September 19, 2025

Charge: Forcible touching · Court: Nassau County District Court · Result: Original charge dismissed; reduced to disorderly conduct, a non-criminal violation

After the client completed treatment and classes, the forcible touching charge was dismissed and the case resolved with a plea to disorderly conduct, a non-criminal violation.

Forcible Touching Charge Dismissed and Sealed — Family Dispute

Date: December 12, 2025

Charge: Forcible touching · Court: Nassau County District Court · Result: Dismissed and sealed (adjournment in contemplation of dismissal)

A charge arising from a family dispute, with an existing order of protection, ended in an ACD with an order of protection and an online class: dismissed and sealed.

Forcible Touching Charge Dismissed and Sealed for a Professional

Date: July 13, 2026

Charge: Forcible touching · Court: Nassau County District Court · Result: Dismissed and sealed (adjournment in contemplation of dismissal)

A 48-year-old professional accused by a sibling had the case end in an ACD: dismissed and sealed.

Sexual Abuse Charge Dismissed

Date: June 15, 2026

Charge: Sexual abuse · Court: Nassau County District Court · Result: Dismissed

A sexual abuse charge brought against a working father was dismissed.

Prostitution Charge Dismissed and Sealed — Massage Parlor Arrest

Date: June 23, 2026

Charge: Prostitution · Court: Nassau County District Court · Result: Dismissed and sealed (adjournment in contemplation of dismissal)

A client arrested at a massage parlor, who was also in immigration custody, had the prostitution charge end in an ACD: dismissed and sealed, while the client’s immigration case proceeded separately.

Prostitution Charge Dismissed and Sealed

Date: October 22, 2025

Charge: Prostitution · Court: Suffolk County District Court · Result: Dismissed and sealed (adjournment in contemplation of dismissal)

A prostitution charge ended in an ACD: dismissed and sealed.

Criminal Mischief Charge Dismissed — Slashed Tires Allegation

Date: May 29, 2026

Charge: Criminal mischief · Court: Suffolk County District Court · Result: Dismissed

A criminal mischief charge alleging slashed tires and a damaged convertible top was dismissed.

Road-Rage Criminal Mischief Dismissed and Sealed

Date: August 7, 2026

Charge: Criminal mischief · Court: Nassau County District Court · Result: Dismissed and sealed (adjournment in contemplation of dismissal)

After an argument on the road, our client was charged with breaking the other driver’s mirrors. Once restitution was paid, the case ended in an ACD: dismissed and sealed.

Drug Possession Dismissed After a Treatment Program — Reduced to Disorderly Conduct

Date: February 24, 2026

Charge: Criminal possession of a controlled substance · Court: Nassau County District Court · Result: Original charge dismissed; reduced to disorderly conduct, a non-criminal violation

After a 70-year-old client completed a treatment program, the drug charge was dismissed and the case resolved with a plea to disorderly conduct.

Drug Possession Dismissed and Sealed After Rehab

Date: November 7, 2025

Charge: Criminal possession of a controlled substance, 7th degree · Court: Nassau County District Court · Result: Dismissed and sealed (adjournment in contemplation of dismissal)

After the client completed a 28-day rehabilitation program, the case ended in an ACD: dismissed and sealed.

Hallucinogen Edibles Charge Dismissed — Reduced to a Violation

Date: September 19, 2025

Charge: Criminal possession of a controlled substance · Court: Nassau County · Result: Original charge dismissed; reduced to disorderly conduct, a non-criminal violation

Police found unopened chocolates containing hallucinogens in a car that belonged to the client’s stepfather. The drug charge was dismissed and the case resolved with a plea to a non-criminal violation.

Obstruction Charge Dismissed — Reduced to Disorderly Conduct

Date: March 20, 2026

Charge: Obstructing governmental administration · Court: Nassau County District Court · Result: Original charge dismissed; reduced to disorderly conduct, a non-criminal violation

A client accused of blocking a tow truck and running from police had the obstruction charge dismissed and resolved the case with a plea to disorderly conduct.

Harassment Charge Dismissed and Sealed

Date: 2026

Charge: Harassment · Court: Nassau County District Court · Result: Dismissed and sealed (adjournment in contemplation of dismissal)

A harassment case ended in an ACD with an order of protection: dismissed and sealed.