Criminal Defense Attorney in Suffolk County

Arrested in Nassau or Suffolk County? Retain a Skilled Criminal Defense Lawyer in Long Island Now!

Being arrested for a crime can cause significant stress and uncertainty, especially when facing charges in Nassau or Suffolk County. A criminal conviction can affect many aspects of your life. In addition to jail time and fines, it may result in the loss of your job, professional license, and rights such as voting or firearm possession. It's crucial to act quickly and select a criminal defense attorney in Long Island who thoroughly understands both the local legal landscape and the stakes involved. The right criminal defense lawyer in Suffolk County can help minimize these risks, guide you toward the best possible outcome, and provide peace of mind during a difficult time.

When you are first arrested or learn you are under investigation, early decisions can shape the rest of your case. Speaking to law enforcement without counsel, posting on social media, or contacting alleged victims may impact how prosecutors view you and what charges are ultimately filed. By consulting a criminal attorney Suffolk County residents trust at the outset, you can better understand what to expect at arraignment, whether you will face bail or supervised release, and how to protect your employment and family obligations while the case is pending.

With so much at stake, it is important to work with the right defense attorney. Contact our trusted Suffolk County criminal defense attorney at Lerner & Lerner, P.C. online or by calling (516) 586-0383 today.

National Recognition for Our Nassau & Suffolk County Criminal Law Practice

In addition to our strong local reputation, our Long Island criminal defense attorneys are recognized both regionally and nationally for their professionalism and commitment to client advocacy. This reputation has been built over years of handling high-profile and complex cases in Suffolk and Nassau Counties. Our attorneys are frequently called upon to provide legal analysis to both local and national organizations and regularly offer commentary on changes in New York State criminal laws. These contributions underscore the high level of trust we have earned in our ability to convey nuanced legal topics in a clear, honest manner. Richard Lerner and Kimberly Lerner have developed broad professional networks and are respected as leaders not just in courtrooms but also across the statewide and national legal community.

Our visibility also benefits clients facing charges in Suffolk County courts because judges, prosecutors, and other attorneys are often familiar with our work and the seriousness with which we approach each case. When we appear in District Court in Central Islip or County Court in Riverhead, we draw on decades of practice with the same procedures, personnel, and local rules that affect how matters move through the system. That familiarity allows us to explain practical timelines, likely plea bargaining practices, and the risks of going to trial in language that helps you make informed decisions about your future.

Attorney Kimberly Lerner leads our criminal defense team. Her reputation is recognized by clients, the legal community, and major news media outlets. As a featured legal correspondent for Fox News, CNN, and MSNBC, she brings fair, accessible legal analysis to a national audience. This public platform highlights her ability to communicate complex legal issues clearly and makes her perspective highly valued both within legal circles and by the greater Long Island community.

Experience Handling Felonies & Misdemeanors in Suffolk County

At Lerner & Lerner, P.C.., we represent clients who are facing criminal charges or who are under investigation across Nassau and Suffolk counties. Our criminal defense lawyers in Suffolk County understand the serious consequences that felony or misdemeanor charges can bring and provide representation tailored to the needs of Long Island residents.

Because each charge is governed by specific New York Penal Law and Vehicle and Traffic Law provisions, we take time to explain the exact elements prosecutors must prove, the range of potential sentences, and any collateral issues such as license suspension, immigration exposure, or employment reporting. In Suffolk County, even a seemingly minor misdemeanor in District Court can have long-term impacts if it is not carefully managed at the early stages. By walking you through these details before you decide how to proceed, we help you weigh the practical pros and cons of motions, plea offers, and trial.

Our defense lawyers can assist with all forms of misdemeanor and felony cases on Long Island, including:

• White-collar crimes such as credit card fraud, Medicaid fraud, and workers' compensation fraud
• Drug offenses, including prescription drug crimes, have received increased attention from local prosecutors
• Theft crimes, encompassing robbery and shoplifting
• Crimes related to the illegal possession and use of weapons
• Assault, harassment, and violent crimes, including domestic violence
• DWI / DUI offenses, covering underage DWI, aggravated DWI, and multiple DWI charges
• Sex crimes, such as prostitution and solicitation

Our Suffolk County criminal defense lawyers provide realistic advice to help clients make informed decisions when considering case resolutions—including dismissals, plea negotiations, early intervention programs, or taking a case to trial. We act promptly to protect your rights and use every possible strategy to secure favorable outcomes.

In many Suffolk County matters, there are opportunities for early advocacy that can significantly change how a case is charged or resolved. This may include presenting mitigation materials to the District Attorney’s Office, arranging voluntary surrender rather than a public arrest, or pursuing entry into treatment or counseling programs that demonstrate accountability. A criminal defense lawyer Suffolk County residents turn to should not only appear in court but also handle the behind-the-scenes work that can lead to reduced charges, favorable plea terms, or, in some situations, a decision not to prosecute.

Call (516) 586-0383 today to request your consultation with a criminal defense attorney in Suffolk County.

How Criminal Cases Move Through Suffolk County Courts

Understanding how a case moves through the Suffolk County court system can make the process less overwhelming and help you plan for what comes next. Most misdemeanor cases begin in Suffolk County District Court in Central Islip, while felony matters may be transferred to County Court in Riverhead if an indictment is filed. At each stage, from arraignment and pretrial conferences to motion hearings and potential trial, there are specific deadlines and opportunities to challenge the prosecution’s evidence or negotiate a resolution that protects your future.

We guide clients step by step through this process so they know what to expect before each court date. Before arraignment, we review the charges and any available paperwork so you understand the allegations that will be read in court. During the pretrial phase, we analyze police reports, witness statements, and discovery material produced under New York’s discovery rules to identify weaknesses and potential violations of your rights. If your case proceeds toward trial, we prepare you for testimony, work with appropriate experts when needed, and explain how juries in Suffolk County are selected and instructed on the law.

Because local practice can vary from one courthouse to another, our experience in Suffolk County courts allows us to offer practical guidance on issues such as how judges typically handle bail, adjournments, and requests for treatment-based dispositions. For clients who live or work elsewhere on Long Island but have a case pending in Suffolk County, we also help coordinate schedules and appearances so the legal process interferes as little as possible with daily life. This clear roadmap can provide a greater sense of control during an otherwise uncertain time.

Why Choose Our Suffolk County Criminal Defense Team

Choosing the right lawyer is one of the most important decisions you will make after an arrest or when you learn you are under investigation. Our firm is led by the father-daughter team of Richard Lerner and Kimberly Lerner, who bring more than 70 years of combined criminal law experience to every matter. Both began their careers as prosecutors, so we understand how cases are built from the inside and how Suffolk County prosecutors evaluate evidence, negotiate pleas, and prepare for trial.

That background allows us to anticipate the strategies the other side may use and to tailor our approach based on the specific courtroom, judge, and type of charge you are facing. We know that no two cases are alike, so we take time to learn about your personal circumstances, employment, and family responsibilities before advising you on options. When we appear in Suffolk County courts, we draw on longstanding professional relationships and a deep understanding of local expectations regarding compliance with court orders, program participation, and restitution.

Clients also benefit from the firm’s work beyond the courtroom, including media commentary and ongoing study of changes to New York criminal procedure and sentencing laws. By staying current on developments that affect bail, discovery, and record sealing, we are able to identify creative paths that may not have been available just a few years ago. Our goal is to combine this legal knowledge with clear communication, so you always understand where your case stands and what decisions are available at each important turning point.

FAQs About Criminal Defense in Suffolk County

How Does a Criminal Charge Affect My Record in Suffolk County?

A criminal charge can have lasting consequences for your record in Suffolk County, potentially influencing employment, professional licensing, housing, and educational opportunities. Even if you are not convicted, a pending charge may appear on background checks or licensing applications. This is why it is so important to work with a defense lawyer in Suffolk County who can help you challenge the charges, pursue dismissals or reductions, and advise you on future record-sealing options.

What Is the Process After Being Arrested in Suffolk County?

After an arrest in Suffolk County, you will be booked and processed before being scheduled for arraignment, where the charges are formally presented. Immediate legal representation at this stage helps protect your rights and starts the process of exploring plea deals, negotiating with prosecutors, or pursuing potential case dismissals. Lerner & Lerner, P.C. acts swiftly to guide you through this process, leveraging knowledge of the Suffolk County court system and local prosecutorial procedures.

Can I Avoid Jail Time For a First Offense in Suffolk County?

While the outcome depends on individual circumstances and the type of charge, first-time offenders in Suffolk County may be eligible for alternative sentencing options like probation, diversion programs, or other community-based resolutions. Our Suffolk County criminal defense attorneys evaluate each case in detail, identify available alternatives based on the specifics of your situation, and advocate for the least severe penalties whenever possible.

What Should I Do If I’m Under Investigation in Suffolk County?

If you learn that you are under investigation in Suffolk County, avoid speaking to police or investigators without a criminal defense lawyer present. What you say and do at this stage can have a tremendous impact on your case, particularly if you are being investigated for white-collar crimes or similar offenses. Early intervention from an experienced criminal defense attorney may prevent charges from being filed and help protect your rights at every stage.

 Our Long Island criminal defense attorney can work to ensure your rights are protected and defended to the fullest extent possible. Call us at (516) 586-0383 today.