Arrested for DWI in Nassau County?

Talk to the lawyer who used to prosecute DWI cases — before your arraignment or DMV hearing.

Free consultationIn person, by video or by phone
Former Nassau DWI prosecutorKnows how the DA builds these cases
Office across the street from the courthouse164 Jackson St, Hempstead
Flat feeQuoted after your free consultation
230+ client reviews

Call Richard Now(516) 201-2158

Text us

Request a case review

Request a free case review

Tell us what happened. We’ll go over your license, your court date and your options.

As seen in

What clients say

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 246 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
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   Guynley Jean-Pierre 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great lawyer & legal team helped me tremendously
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Dee P 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Wow! He took the stress right off! His staff, Caroline was Awesome!! She answered every call & reassured me that all was under control. Very sharp, Lawyer.  Attorney Hochhauser- got all charges dismissed & did a great job. I could not have done any better & so glad that I didn’t walk in to that court alone.  Hire Attorney Hochhauser & staff- you won’t be disappointed!!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Vincent Occhiogrosso 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Highly Recommend Richard and His Team!

I received a traffic ticket after unknowingly driving with an expired license, which resulted in a misdemeanor charge. I contacted Richard’s office and spent no more than five minutes on the phone explaining my situation. From that point forward, Richard and his team took care of absolutely everything.

I never once had to step foot inside a courthouse. In fact, I couldn’t even tell you where the courthouse was located! Richard and his team appeared on my behalf and successfully had my misdemeanor charge reduced to a minor traffic infraction with just a $100 fine.

Their professionalism, efficiency, and ability to get results were outstanding. They saved me an incredible amount of time, stress, and aggravation while handling the entire process from start to finish.

Richard and his team are worth every single dollar. If you’re looking for an attorney who delivers results and makes the entire process effortless, look no further. I couldn’t be happier with the outcome and highly recommend their services
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Emely Cruz 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had a wonderful experience. Very professional and had very satisfactory results no complaints!!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   alcides cruz 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I am very pleased with this service. It was a professional and we had very satisfactory results. I am very happy with these services. I will not think twice to work with this service again.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Paul Enrique Patiño Carchi 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Mi experiencia con este abogado fue excepcional. Desde el primer momento demostró un alto nivel de profesionalismo, conocimiento y compromiso. Su dedicación y la manera en que manejó mi caso me brindaron confianza y tranquilidad durante todo el proceso.

Gracias a su excelente representación, obtuve un resultado extraordinario que superó mis expectativas. Su capacidad, experiencia y determinación reflejan la calidad de profesional que es.

Sin duda, contar con un abogado de este nivel hace toda la diferencia. Estoy profundamente agradecido y lo recomiendo con total confianza. ¡Un profesional excepcional!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Naji Ahmed 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The best lawyer forever, thank you so much
He’s smart and he do excellent work
Honest and cooperative
He dismissed 10 ticket in one time no Point No bad Record 👍
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Claudia Hernández Saravia. 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The Hochhauser office are amazing group. Mr. Richard help me so much. He is remarkable and professional.
Everything is fine for me. Thank God and him my cases are favorable for me.
I high recommend him!

What happens on your first call

Tell us what happened

A free, confidential consultation — in person, by video call or by phone. Most people who call us have never been arrested before.

We check your deadlines

Your license can be suspended at arraignment. A refusal brings a separate DMV hearing, and Nassau County can try to take your car. We make sure nothing is missed.

You get a plan and a flat fee

We explain your options in plain English and quote a flat fee. No pressure and no obligation.

How a former DWI prosecutor defends your case

As a prosecutor, Richard served in a unit that handled only DWI and drugged-driving cases, and trained alongside police on the tests used to build them. He knows where these cases break down:

The stop

Did the officer have a lawful reason to pull you over? If not, the evidence that followed can be suppressed.

Field sobriety tests

Were they given and scored the way the standard training requires, on a safe, level surface?

Breath and blood tests

Was the instrument calibrated, the observation period followed, and the test given within two hours?

Your statements

Were you questioned in custody without Miranda warnings? Improper statements can be kept out.

Video

Dash-cam, body-cam and precinct video often contradict what is written in the police report.

Deadlines

New York’s discovery and speedy-trial rules put deadlines on the prosecution. Missed deadlines can end a case.

Recent Long Island DWI results

DISMISSED

Aggravated DWI, .18 BAC
All evidence suppressed after we showed the court the police had no lawful basis for the stop.

DISMISSED

DWI, BAC 0.23, hit a parked car
Despite a high BAC and an accident, the DWI charge was dismissed. (September 2025)

DWI DISMISSED · REDUCED TO DWAI

DWI, BAC 0.15, stopped by State Police
Hardship license won at arraignment; case resolved as a traffic infraction. Nassau County District Court, August 2026.

DISMISSED

DWI: prosecution missed its deadlines
We held the prosecution to its discovery obligations. When it missed the speedy-trial deadline, the case was dismissed. (October 2025)

Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case turns on its own facts and evidence.

Richard Hochhauser, Long Island DWI defense lawyer

Meet Richard Hochhauser

Richard is a former DWI prosecutor with more than a decade of courtroom experience. He has personally handled thousands of DWI and criminal cases and is trained in Standardized Field Sobriety Tests, so he can spot errors in police procedure that others miss.

His office is directly across from the Nassau County courthouse in Hempstead, with free parking and a no-pressure free consultation.

Call Richard Now(516) 201-2158

Text us

Nassau County DWI: common questions

Will I go to jail for a first DWI on Long Island?

A first DWI is a misdemeanor with a maximum of 1 year in jail. What actually happens depends on your BAC, your record, and whether there was an accident or anyone was hurt. Many first-offense cases can be resolved with a reduction to DWAI or a conditional discharge.

Will I lose my license right away?

If your chemical test showed 0.08% or higher, or you refused, the judge will generally suspend your license at arraignment. You may be able to get a hardship license right away, or a conditional license later.

What’s the difference between DWI and DWAI?

DWI means a BAC of 0.08% or higher, or being intoxicated. It’s a criminal misdemeanor. DWAI (alcohol) means your ability to drive was impaired to any extent. A first DWAI is a traffic infraction, not a crime, which is why a reduction to DWAI is a common goal.

Can Nassau County take my car after a DWI arrest?

Nassau County can try to seize the vehicle you were driving through a separate civil process with its own deadlines. Tell us about the car at your first consultation so we can respond on time.

Do I have to go to every court date?

Not always. For many DWI cases, the court will let your lawyer appear for routine dates. You’ll still need to be there for some dates, such as arraignment, pleas and sentencing.

How much does a Long Island DWI lawyer cost?

It depends on the charge and whether the case goes to hearings or trial. We charge a flat fee, quoted after your free consultation.

Talk to a former DWI prosecutor today

Free consultation. The earlier we start, the more options you have — especially before your arraignment or DMV hearing.

Call Richard Now(516) 201-2158

Text us