![5 of the Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Nassau County, Long Island [2026]](https://giannicriminallaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/inner-banner.jpg)
I’m Attorney Gianni Karmily. If you’ve been arrested or believe you’re being investigated for a crime, the Law Firm of Gianni Karmily is here to help.
If you’ve recently searched Google for “Nassau County criminal defense lawyer,” you’ve likely found many directory sites that promise “impartial reviews” and “verified rankings” of local criminal law firms. To help establish some clarity, we have put together an honest list of those we consider the top criminal lawyers in Nassau County, Long Island.
Make no mistake: New York’s criminal laws carry some of the most serious consequences in the country.
If you’re reading this, it’s likely that you or someone you love has been arrested or is facing a criminal charge on Long Island or in New York State.
Below is our list of the best Long Island criminal lawyers in our experience. These are the professionals whom we personally trust to handle the most serious and complex criminal charges.
Criminal Defense Attorney – Trusted by Legal Advocates and Trusted by Residents Across Long Island
Throughout my professional career, I’ve defended numerous clients facing charges in Nassau County. One endorsement I’m particularly proud of comes from a fellow criminal defense attorney, Chad Piotrowski, a Miami-based lawyer who regularly refers clients with Long Island criminal cases to our law firm because of our experience handling cases in the local courts.
“As a criminal defense attorney in Miami, I often get calls from people facing charges in Nassau County and always refer them to Attorney Gianni Karmily. He’s a top-tier Nassau County criminal defense lawyer who knows how to navigate the local courts, judges, and prosecutors to get the best possible outcome for his clients. Whether it’s a DUI, drug charges, violent crimes, or white-collar offenses, Attorney Karmily brings experience, strategy, and a strong defense to every case. If you or a loved one has been arrested in Long Island or Nassau County, I highly recommend reaching out to his firm.”
— Chad Piotrowski
Related Read: Do you have to answer police questions in New York?
I’m Gianni Karmily, founder of the Law Firm of Gianni Karmily, PLLC. Over a decade spent in local courtrooms has taught me one thing above all else: the lawyer defendants pick in the first 48 hours after an arrest can decide the outcome. A good defense attorney can turn a felony indictment into reduced charges or better. A bad one, or worse, no lawyer at all, can turn a single mistake into a lifetime problem. That’s why this page exists: to point you toward five of the best Nassau criminal lawyers that I’d trust with a case that mattered to me personally.
Every name below is someone my law firm competes against for clients. So why share a list of the best defense attorneys on Long Island? Because I’ve observed them during negotiations, watched them cross-examine witnesses, and seen how they treat a scared client sitting in their waiting room. That’s worth more to me than a five-star badge on a directory site.
Here’s why this list matters: getting arrested in New York is not a paperwork problem. Depending on the charge, you could be looking at jail time, a felony on your record, probation, losing your professional license, immigration consequences, or all of the above. Picking the right advocate is the single biggest lever you have over how this goes.
Qualifications for Recommending Nassau County Criminal Defense Lawyers
Here’s an uncomfortable truth about most “best lawyer” lists online: they’re built by marketing firms, not by anyone who has ever stood next to a client while a judge read a verdict. Sites like Avvo, SuperLawyers, Best Lawyers, FindLaw, Justia, ThreeBest Rated, Yelp, and Expertise are running ad platforms dressed up as rankings. None of that staff has cross-examined an arresting officer or watched a jury walk back into a courtroom. We have, many times over, across Nassau County, Suffolk County, and the boroughs of NYC.
Our own docket alone has run close to a thousand matters: felonies, misdemeanors, violations, mostly right here in Nassau County and the surrounding communities. I’m not asking you to hire our law firm. What I do want is for you to walk into that decision with real information instead of a rigged directory.
I would appreciate the opportunity to speak with you directly before you sign anything. However, I understand that choosing a legal advocate is a deeply personal decision. Our honest goal is to ensure you are able to make an informed decision.
The five attorneys on this list all share one trait: they treat a criminal case like it’s the most important thing happening in that client’s life, because for that person, it is.
Best Criminal 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
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Gianni Karmily has built a strong reputation as a go-to criminal defense attorney on Long Island. Nassau County prosecutors know his name, and he knows how their cases are built. This means he knows exactly where they tend to fall apart. With an extensive background as a pre-litigation and litigation lawyer, he’s prepared to defend cases at every stage of a case.
Super Lawyers named Karmily a Rising Star in Criminal Law for the New York Metro region for six years running, a tier that includes no more than 2.5% of younger attorneys statewide, before the honor naturally aged out after over a decade of practicing. Gianni Karmily is an active member of the New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NYSACDL) and the Criminal Courts Bar Association of Nassau County (CCBANC), keeping him in the loop when local criminal procedure shifts.
When clients hire the Law Firm of Gianni Karmily, they get the lead attorney, not whatever associate happens to be free that week. When someone’s freedom is what’s on the table, this matters more than it sounds like it should.
Attorney Karmily has secured strong results for defendants across a range of criminal cases.
If you’ve been charged with a Crime 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 been trying cases in Nassau and Suffolk counties since 1988.
He has since stood beside thousands of clients charged with everything from simple misdemeanors to life-altering felonies. His trial record speaks for itself: close to 100 jury trials taken to verdict, with wins in the vast majority.
Defense attorney Karpf got his law degree at Touro, where he ran Delta Theta Phi as President and served as Vice President of the Student Bar Association. He’s a longtime member of the Suffolk County Criminal Defense Bar and once held a leadership seat with the New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
What I’d tell a client about Andrew is this: he reads every page of discovery himself. Not a paralegal, not an associate – him. That’s rare thirty-plus years into a career, and it’s exactly why prosecutors know not to hand him a weak case and expect him to fold.
Nassau or Suffolk, felony or misdemeanor, Andrew is on my short list without hesitation.
3. Siara Ossa – Law Office of Siara Ossa
Siara Ossa built her own solo practice from the ground up, and what stands out about her isn’t a courtroom highlight reel; it’s how she treats people who’ve never sat across from a criminal lawyer before.
She grew up in Brooklyn and started her career grinding through cases at the Suffolk County Legal Aid Society, taking on everything a public defender’s office sees: misdemeanors, violent felonies, and everything in between. That’s where most defense attorneys either burn out or get sharp. Siara got sharp, then went out on her own.
The same perspective shows up again and again: she is clear and accessible. She explains what’s actually happening in a case without the jargon, returns calls, and answers the questions clients are usually too scared to ask out loud. For someone staring down an arraignment for the first time, that alone can be the difference between panic and a plan.
I’m glad to have her on this list; she’s earned it.
4. Richard Hochhauser – Law Office of Richard Hochhauser
Richard Hochhauser is the founder of the Law Office of Richard Hochhauser. He’s earned recognition as one of Long Island’s most effective criminal defense lawyers.
Over the course of his career, Richard has handled a range of criminal cases in Nassau County, building a deep understanding of how local prosecutors build their cases and where those cases often break down. He brings extensive knowledge of criminal law to every client he defends, regardless of the criminal charge they face.
Criminal defense attorney Richard Hochhauser is skilled at identifying weaknesses in the state’s evidence, whether that means a procedural misstep in an arrest, a gap in the chain-of-custody, or an inconsistency in police body cam footage. He’s experienced in developing persuasive legal arguments and navigates the Nassau County court system effectively. He’s taken many criminal cases to trial and has built a strong record of successful outcomes.
I’ve sat on the same side of a courtroom as Richard more than once, and his preparation and in-court judgment are both top-tier. If you’re facing criminal charges in Nassau County, criminal defense lawyer Richard Hochhauser is who you want reviewing it.
5. David Adhami – Law Office of David A. Adhami
David Adhami covers more ground than most solo practitioners in this region: Nassau, Suffolk, Westchester, Sullivan, Dutchess, and all five boroughs.
He’s a Stony Brook graduate who went on to Touro Law, and his path into this work started early: as a law student, he worked the Public Advocacy Center’s Mortgage Foreclosure Assistance program, representing people who had nowhere else to turn. That instinct, showing up for people mid-crisis, carried straight into his criminal practice.
Today, Adhami’s caseload spans misdemeanors up through serious felonies, plus a heavy traffic-law docket that’s put him in front of thousands of moving-violation cases across the state. Super Lawyers has recognized him. He’s active with the Nassau County Bar Association, and he holds a license with the New York State Bar.
The thing clients mention most about David is that he actually picks up the phone. In a business where people often feel like a file number, that’s something.
FAQs About Criminal Defense Lawyers in Nassau County, Long Island
What should you do after an arrest in New York?
After an arrest in New York, say as little as possible to police beyond identifying yourself. Don’t try to explain your way out of the situation. Anything said can end up in the case against you. Call a criminal defense lawyer before your arraignment, not after. Getting counsel involved before that first court appearance gives them a real chance to argue for reasonable bail conditions and start pulling records before evidence goes stale.
What’s the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony charge in New York?
The difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in New York lies in the severity of the accusation and the punishment if found guilty.
- A misdemeanor charge in New York carries a criminal record and a maximum sentence of up to 364 days in jail, plus possible probation and fines.
- A felony charge in New York carries a criminal record and the possibility of years in state prison, plus possible probation and fines. Felonies are further classified by severity, with violent felonies generally carrying the harshest sentences.
Some offenses, like criminal mischief and drug crimes, can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the circumstances. Because penalties for either charge can be severe, working with a Nassau County, Long Island criminal defense attorney is critical.
Will I go to jail for a first-time charge on Long Island?
It depends heavily on the charge and the facts. However, a “first offense” doesn’t mean automatic leniency, particularly for more serious charges or those involving aggravating circumstances. This is exactly the kind of question worth asking a lawyer directly about your specific charge rather than guessing from general odds.
When should you hire a Nassau County defense attorney?
You should hire a Nassau County defense attorney as soon as you learn that you are under investigation, have been arrested, or have been charged with a crime. Early legal representation can help protect your constitutional rights, prevent mistakes, gather and preserve evidence, and ensure you don’t jeopardize your case.
Even if you have only been contacted by law enforcement or believe charges may be forthcoming, speaking with a criminal defense lawyer quickly can help you understand your legal options and prepare a defense before your case progresses through the court system.
Do you need to hire a criminal defense lawyer “near me”?
Not necessarily. However, the attorney you hire must be licensed to practice in the state of New York. What matters most is hiring a criminal defense lawyer who regularly handles cases in Nassau County court or other Long Island courts. An attorney who is familiar with the local judges, prosecutors, court procedures, and legal community may be better positioned to develop an effective defense strategy.
If you have been arrested in Nassau County or elsewhere on Long Island, choosing a lawyer with experience in those local courts can be more important than selecting the closest office to your home. An experienced criminal defense attorney can explain your options, protect your rights, and represent you throughout every stage of the criminal process.
How much does a criminal defense lawyer cost on Long Island?
The cost of hiring a criminal defense lawyer on Long Island varies depending on the complexity of the case, the severity of the charges, and the attorney’s experience. More serious charges demand more of the attorney’s time and resources, which generally means hiring the attorney will cost more than if you’re charged with a less serious offense.
Most criminal defense attorneys charge flat fees rather than hourly rates, usually one fee for pre-litigation work and a separate fee if the case goes to hearings and trial.
However, Nassau County, Long Island, isn’t the place to cut corners on legal representation. This is a highly sophisticated legal market, and prioritizing cost over capability is a major risk. It will cost you far more in the long run.
How did we select the “Best” criminal defense attorneys in Nassau County, Long Island?
The “best” criminal defense attorneys weren’t selected using paid placements or directory algorithms, but rather by several honest measures of quality. We looked at each attorney’s experience and background, how each attorney is regarded by other defense lawyers and by prosecutors who’ve faced them, what past clients say about working with them, and outcomes we’ve personally seen or heard about secondhand from people whose judgment we trust.
Ready to Talk to a Criminal Defense Attorney?
A criminal charge doesn’t wait for a convenient time, and neither should your call. The Law Firm of Gianni Karmily, PLLC represents clients throughout Nassau County and the surrounding Long Island communities, handling criminal 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.
Whether it’s Gianni Karmily or one of the four attorneys above, get someone in your corner before your next court date. Reach out online or call the office to set up a confidential case evaluation.
About Gianni Karmily
Gianni Karmily runs the Law Firm of Gianni Karmily, PLLC, out of offices in Great Neck and Hempstead, representing clients throughout Nassau County and Long Island on criminal charges ranging from domestic violence, assault, and drug crimes to sex offenses, theft, hit-and-runs, and traffic violations. Born in Italy, he holds a B.B.A. Hofstra University and a J.D. from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, where he served as President of the International Law Society.
His interest in criminal defense took root during law school, when he interned with 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 named him a Rising Star in Criminal Law for the New York Metro region every year from 2019 through 2024.
