![5 of the Best DWI Lawyers in Nassau County, Long Island [2026]](https://giannicriminallaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/inner-banner.jpg)
I’m Attorney Gianni Karmily. If you’re dealing with a criminal matter and need guidance, the Law Firm of Gianni Karmily is here to help.
If you’ve recently searched Google for “Nassau County DWI lawyer,” the odds are you’ve been met with a flood of directory sites promising “impartial reviews” and “verified rankings” of local DWI defense law firms. To cut through that noise, we have put together our own honest list of the attorneys we consider the top DWI defenders in Nassau County, Long Island.
Make no mistake: New York’s DWI laws are among the most unforgiving in the country.
If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you or someone you care about is facing a DWI charge on Long Island or in New York State.
What follows is our shortlist of the best DWI attorneys on Long Island in our experience. These are lawyers that we personally trust to handle the most serious DWI cases.
DUI Defense Law Firm – Respected by Legal Professionals and Trusted by Clients Across Long Island
Over the course of my career, we’ve defended numerous people accused of driving while intoxicated on Long Island. One endorsement we are especially proud of comes from Eric Bauman, a seasoned forensic social worker whose work has brought him into contact with a significant portion of the Long Island legal community.
“I have been a forensic social worker for twenty-five years and have provided private evaluations to the court, as well as formal treatment for those in need. I have established professional relationships with well over six hundred attorneys and law firms during this time. I can say, without reservation, that Gianni Karmily ranks very high among his peers. He takes his oath and job responsibilities seriously and always has the best interests of his clients at the forefront of his representation. He is professional and thorough with all services he provides, and I ranked him with five stars because of his dedication to the criminal justice system and those he represents.”
— Eric Bauman
Another endorsement we are very proud of comes from Christopher Romero, an individual that we represented on a DWI matter on Long Island.
“I had the pleasure to have Mr. Karmily as my attorney for my case. He is a very patient and down-to-earth individual who knows the court system well. He makes time to explain and makes sure you understand everything that is going on. Makes you feel at ease even at the worst moments that courts can put you thru. He will fight for you and won’t stop until you get the best outcome. Returns your calls and emails very quickly and goes out of his way to help and guide you. It was a pleasure to have him at my side for my case. I highly recommend Mr. Karmily for your DWI problems.”
— Christopher Romero
Related Read: Can a lawyer help get a DUI reduced in New York?
I’m Gianni Karmily, founder of the Law Firm of Gianni Karmily, PLLC. For over a decade of practicing criminal defense across Long Island and New York, I’ve watched a capable Nassau County DWI attorney transform the trajectory of a case from a conviction that follows someone for life to charges that get reduced or tossed out entirely. This guide lays out the five top Nassau County DWI lawyers I’d confidently send a friend or family member to.
Yes, I’m recommending lawyers who compete for the same clients I do. These are attorneys I’ve worked with and, more importantly, who I’ve watched work. I’ve seen how much they care about the people they defend.
So why share a list of the best DWI defense lawyers on Long Island? Because your freedom, license, and future matter more than our caseload. We want you walking into court with the best possible advocate beside you, whether that’s our law firm or someone else on this page.
There’s no shortage of lawyers advertising DWI defense in this area. Our goal is to give you enough honest information to make a confident, informed choice.
A DUI or DWAI in New York comes with steep consequences, including potential incarceration, significant fines, and the loss of your driving privileges.
Why We’re Qualified to Recommend Nassau County DWI Lawyers
- Most of those “top lawyer” directories are just paid advertising wearing a trustworthy mask. The marketing companies running Justia, Expertise, Yelp, ThreeBest Rated, Avvo, Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers, FindLaw, and others have never sat at a defense table, never cross-examined an arresting officer, and never watched a client’s future hang in the balance on a single ruling. We have. That’s why our recommendations for the best DWI attorneys on Long Island carry more weight than an algorithm that ranks ads.
- Over our career, we’ve defended dozens and dozens of clients facing DWI charges, alongside nearly a thousand felony, misdemeanor, and violation matters throughout Nassau County, Suffolk County, and the five boroughs of New York City.
- Our private practice is focused squarely on defending the accused across Nassau County and the surrounding Long Island communities.
We’d love the chance to speak with you directly before you sign with anyone, but we also understand that choosing a lawyer is a personal decision, and you deserve options. Our only real goal is ensuring you have the information to choose wisely.
Each of the DWI attorneys below shares our belief that every client deserves a committed, thoughtful defense. That’s why we’re proud to call them some of the best DWI lawyers in Nassau County, Long Island.
Best DWI Lawyers in Nassau County, Long Island
- Gianni Karmily – Law Firm of Gianni Karmily, PLLC
- Andrew Karpf – Law Offices of Andrew Karpf
- Siara Ossa – Law Office of Siara Ossa
- Richard Hochhauser – Law Office of Richard Hochhauser
- David Adhami – Law Office of David A. Adhami
1. Gianni Karmily – Law Firm of Gianni Karmily, PLLC
Hempstead Listing on Google | Great Neck Listing on Google
Gianni Karmily has built a strong reputation as a go-to DWI defense attorney across Nassau County and the greater Long Island region.
After handling countless DWI cases throughout his career, attorney Karmily developed a deep familiarity with how the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office prosecutes these charges and, more importantly, where their cases tend to break down. His background as a trial lawyer means he’s prepared to take a case all the way when that’s what the client needs.
For six straight years, Super Lawyers named Gianni Karmily a Rising Star in Criminal Law for the New York Metro region, a distinction reserved for no more than 2.5% of emerging attorneys, before he naturally graduated from the category after more than a decade of practice. Defense attorney Karmily is also an active member of the New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NYSACDL) and the Criminal Courts Bar Association of Nassau County (CCBANC), organizations that keep the law firm closely connected to developments in New York criminal procedure.
The Law Firm of Gianni Karmily has produced strong results not just on DWI matters but across a wide range of criminal cases.
Gianni Karmily makes the same commitment to every client: direct access. When your freedom is on the line, your case shouldn’t be bounced around between whichever associate attorney is available at that time.
If you’ve been charged with a DWI in Nassau County, Long Island, reach out to the Law Firm of Gianni Karmily, PLLC.
2. Andrew Karpf – Law Offices of Andrew Karpf
Andrew Karpf has spent more than three decades defending clients in the trenches of Long Island’s criminal courts, handling cases throughout both Nassau and Suffolk Counties.
He began practicing in 1988 and has since stood beside thousands of clients charged with everything from low-level misdemeanors to the most serious felonies. His trial record speaks for itself: close to 100 jury trials taken to verdict, with wins in the vast majority.
Mr. Karpf earned his law degree from Touro, where he served as President of Delta Theta Phi and Vice President of the Student Bar Association. Professionally, he’s a member of the Suffolk County Criminal Defense Bar and previously held an executive leadership role in the New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
What sets Andrew apart is his combination of tenacity and empathy. He’s meticulous with evidence, aggressive with prosecutors, and genuinely invested in the people he represents. He digs into every piece of discovery, pushes back against weak cases, and stays on top of the details long after most attorneys would consider a matter closed.
I’ve seen Andrew in action, and I can tell you without hesitation that he’s one of the lawyers I’d trust with a serious DWI case in either Nassau or Suffolk County.
3. Siara Ossa – Law Office of Siara Ossa
Siara Ossa runs her own solo criminal and traffic defense practice, serving clients across Long Island with a level of personal attention that’s increasingly rare in today’s legal landscape.
Brooklyn-born and raised, Siara carries the no-nonsense intensity of the city into every courtroom she enters. Her legal foundation was shaped at the Suffolk County Legal Aid Society, where she cut her teeth on thousands of criminal matters, everything from low-level misdemeanors to serious felony prosecutions, before launching her own firm to bring that same fight to private clients.
What clients consistently highlight about Siara is how accessible and clear she is. Legal jargon gets translated into plain English. Phone calls get returned. Questions get answered. Clients walk out of her office feeling like they actually understand what’s happening in their case, which is a remarkable thing in criminal defense.
She takes on a full range of criminal matters, including DWI and DWAI charges, and her down-to-earth communication style is a real asset for clients trying to stay calm through a terrifying process.
Siara is one of the rising voices in Long Island criminal defense, and I’m pleased to put my name behind her work.
4. Richard Hochhauser – Law Office of Richard Hochhauser
Richard Hochhauser founded the Law Office of Richard Hochhauser and has earned recognition as one of Long Island’s most effective criminal defense lawyers.
Over the course of his career, Richard has handled numerous legal matters, including a substantial number of DWI/DUI cases in Nassau County. He is deeply familiar with the strategies, evidence, and legal issues that commonly arise in impaired-driving cases, and he brings that experience to every client he represents.
Richard knows how to identify weaknesses in the state’s evidence, develop persuasive legal arguments, and navigate the Nassau County court system effectively. He has taken numerous cases to trial and has built a strong record of successful outcomes for his clients.
I’ve had the chance to work alongside Richard on multiple matters, and his preparation and in-court judgment are both top-tier. For a Nassau County DWI charge, Richard is exactly who you want reviewing the state’s evidence against you.
5. David Adhami – Law Office of David A. Adhami
David Adhami operates out of Great Neck and represents clients across a wide geographic footprint – Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, Sullivan, and Dutchess Counties, plus all five boroughs of New York City.
A lifelong New Yorker, David earned his undergraduate degree at Stony Brook before heading to Touro College Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center for his J.D. During law school, he worked with the school’s Public Advocacy Center Mortgage Foreclosure Assistance program, where he early on discovered that he wanted to spend his career fighting for people in tough situations.
His practice blends criminal defense and civil litigation, with criminal matters spanning everything from low-level misdemeanors to serious felonies. He also maintains an active traffic-law practice and has handled thousands of moving violations statewide.
Super Lawyers has included David on its selective list, a recognition based on peer respect and demonstrated professional achievement. He’s a member of the New York State Bar and actively involved with the Nassau County Bar Association.
What comes through consistently in conversations with David is his commitment to being genuinely available to his clients and his refusal to settle for anything less than the best possible outcome. I’ve watched him go the extra mile for people in stressful moments, and I’m glad to include him here.
FAQs About DWI Lawyers in Nassau County, Long Island
When should you hire a Nassau County DWI Lawyer?
Hire a Nassau County DWI lawyer immediately after your arrest. New York’s DWI penalties are among the toughest in the country. A skilled DWI attorney can identify procedural errors, push back on questionable evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, and work toward a reduction or outright dismissal of your charges.
Do you need to hire a DWI lawyer “near me”?
Proximity isn’t everything, but the lawyer you hire must be licensed to practice in New York. That said, there are real advantages to hiring locally. A Nassau County DWI attorney already knows the prosecutors, the judges, the local court procedures, and the unwritten rules that shape how cases get resolved. That local knowledge often translates directly into better results.
How much does a DUI lawyer cost on Long Island?
One of the first questions that may cross your mind is, “How much will a criminal defense lawyer cost?” The answer to this question can vary depending on a number of factors, including the complexity of the case, the severity of the criminal charges, and the attorney’s experience in criminal law. More complex cases involving serious crimes will require more of your attorney’s time, which means these cases will typically cost more than less serious offenses. Criminal defense attorneys usually charge flat fees for their legal services. Most attorneys charge a flat fee to handle pre-litigation matters and another flat fee if the case goes to hearings or trial.
Can DWIs be dismissed in New York?
In New York, having a DWI dismissed is possible, but it’s not easy. Whether a DWI can be thrown out depends heavily on the specific facts and how strong your defense is. Common dismissal arguments include a lack of probable cause for the traffic stop, improperly administered field sobriety or breath tests, violations of constitutional rights during and after the arrest, and a breakdown in the chain of custody for blood or breath samples. An experienced DWI lawyer knows how to spot these weaknesses and press them hard.
Can a DWI charge be reduced in New York?
Yes, DWI charges can be reduced to lesser offenses in New York. The most common reduction is from a DWI misdemeanor down to a DWAI (traffic infraction), which avoids a permanent criminal record. Whether a reduction is on the table depends on factors like the BAC reading, driving history, and the quality of the prosecution’s evidence. A skilled DWI attorney will negotiate directly with the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office to pursue this outcome.
How did we select the “Best” DWI lawyers in Nassau County, Long Island?
Choosing the best DWI lawyers in Nassau County, Long Island, came down to several honest measures of quality. We looked at each attorney’s experience and background, how they’re regarded by other lawyers, what their clients have said about working with them, and the actual results they’ve produced in past cases. The goal was a list we’d feel comfortable handing to a friend.
Ready to Speak to a DWI Defense Attorney?
If you or a loved one is facing a DWI charge, time matters. The Law Firm of Gianni Karmily, PLLC, defends clients throughout Nassau County and the broader Long Island region, handling DWI charges in Hempstead, Great Neck, Albertson, Atlantic Beach, Baldwin, Bayville, Bellmore, Bethpage, Carle Place, East Meadow, East Rockaway, East Williston, Elmont, Farmingdale, Floral Park, Franklin Square, Freeport, Garden City, Garden City Park, Glen Cove, Glen Head, Greenvale, Hicksville, Island Park, Jericho, Levittown, Locust Valley, Long Beach, Lynbrook, Malverne, Manhasset, Massapequa, Merrick, Mill Neck, Mineola, New Cassel, New Hyde Park, North Hills, Oceanside, Old Bethpage, Old Brookville, Old Westbury, Oyster Bay, Plainview, Port Washington, Rockville Centre, Roosevelt, Salisbury, Roslyn, Seaford, Sea Cliff, Syosset, The Five Towns, Uniondale, Valley Stream, Wantagh, Westbury, West Hempstead, Williston Park, and Woodbury.
Gianni Karmily has built his practice around defending people accused of DWI and other criminal charges. He knows how to pick apart the prosecution’s evidence and construct a defense that fits the facts of your case. Call the Law Firm of Gianni Karmily today or reach out online to schedule a confidential case evaluation.
About Gianni Karmily
Gianni Karmily leads the Law Firm of Gianni Karmily, PLLC, a Nassau County criminal defense practice with offices in Great Neck and Hempstead. His work centers on defending people charged with DWI, domestic violence offenses, assault, drug crimes, sex crimes, theft, hit and runs, traffic violations, and a range of other criminal matters across Long Island and New York City. Gianni is a native of Italy. He holds a B.B.A. from Hofstra University and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, where he served as President of the International Law Society.
While in law school, he started getting involved as a summer intern for the Legal Aid and Defender Association in Detroit, Michigan, where he gained a greater understanding of the different aspects of the criminal justice system.
Super Lawyers has recognized him as a Rising Star in Criminal Law within the New York Metro region every year from 2019 through 2024.
