Nassau County is located on western Long Island in New York, immediately east of Queens and west of Suffolk County. As one of the most densely populated suburban counties in the United States, Nassau County is home to communities such as Hempstead, Garden City, Mineola, Long Beach, Freeport, Hicksville, Great Neck, and Glen Cove. With its large residential population, active commercial districts, and proximity to New York City, both family law disputes and criminal cases are regularly handled throughout the county. Family law matters involving divorce, child custody, child support, spousal maintenance, and property division can have a significant impact on the lives of individuals and families.
Family law proceedings in Nassau County can become particularly complicated when disputes involve children, substantial marital assets, or allegations of domestic violence. Whether you are involved in a contested divorce, seeking custody of your children, or attempting to modify an existing child support order, understanding your rights and legal options is essential. These cases may involve proceedings in Nassau County Supreme Court or Family Court, depending on the nature of the dispute. Without knowledgeable legal representation, navigating the county’s family court system can be challenging.
Nassau County also has an extensive criminal justice system, with arrests and prosecutions arising throughout its towns, cities, and incorporated villages. Individuals may face charges ranging from misdemeanors such as harassment, disorderly conduct, and shoplifting to serious felony offenses involving assault, robbery, drug crimes, and weapons. Even relatively minor criminal allegations can result in significant penalties, including fines, probation, incarceration, and the potential consequences of a criminal record.
Criminal cases in Nassau County may be handled in District Court, County Court, or local city and village courts, depending on the circumstances and location of the alleged offense. The criminal process often begins with an arraignment and may involve additional hearings, negotiations, and potentially a trial. Prosecutors and law enforcement agencies throughout Nassau County investigate and pursue criminal cases, making it important to understand your legal rights and seek appropriate representation as early as possible.
Nassau County Family Law & Criminal Defense Attorney | Robert S. Gershon, P.C., Attorney at Law
If you are facing a family law matter, criminal charges, or both in Nassau County, it is important to have an experienced attorney who can guide you through the legal process and protect your rights. These cases can be highly stressful and often involve important decisions that affect your finances, family relationships, reputation, and future.
Robert S. Gershon, P.C., Attorney at Law is committed to helping individuals and families navigate complex legal matters with professionalism and dedication. Whether you are dealing with a divorce, custody dispute, financial support issue, or criminal allegations, Attorney Robert S. Gershon works closely with clients to explain their options, develop effective legal strategies, and pursue favorable outcomes.
To schedule a consultation, call (718) 625-3977, fill out an online contact form, or email robgershon@gmail.com to get started. Individuals throughout Nassau County, including Hempstead, Mineola, Garden City, Freeport, Long Beach, Hicksville, Levittown, Great Neck, and surrounding communities, can contact the firm to discuss their legal concerns.
Overview of Family Law and Criminal Defense in Nassau County, New York
- Common Family Law Matters in Nassau County
- Common Criminal Charges in Nassau County
- Where Arrests and Investigations Commonly Occur in Nassau Countys
- Nassau County Court Resources
- Nassau County Law Enforcement Resources
Common Family Law Matters in Nassau County
Divorce – Divorce cases in Nassau County are handled through the New York State Supreme Court and may involve contested or uncontested proceedings. Couples seeking a divorce often need to resolve matters involving property division, spousal maintenance, child custody, and financial support. Disagreements over the marital residence, retirement accounts, business interests, or other valuable assets can make these proceedings particularly complicated. Nassau County divorce cases may also involve disputes over parenting schedules and financial obligations when spouses have children together.
Child Custody and Visitation – Child custody disputes determine parental responsibilities, where a child will primarily reside, and how parenting time will be divided. New York courts evaluate custody arrangements according to the best interests of the child, considering factors such as the child’s needs, each parent’s caregiving history, and the stability of the proposed living arrangements. Disagreements can arise when parents seek different parenting schedules, relocate to another community, or disagree about major decisions affecting their children. These cases are frequently addressed in Nassau County Family Court or as part of Supreme Court divorce proceedings.
Child Support – Child support obligations in New York are generally determined under statutory guidelines that consider parental income and other relevant financial circumstances. Parents may disagree about support amounts, responsibility for childcare and medical expenses, or whether changes in employment justify modifying an existing order. Nassau County Family Court handles proceedings involving the establishment, modification, and enforcement of child support obligations. Failure to comply with a support order may result in enforcement proceedings and additional legal consequences.
Spousal Maintenance (Alimony) – Spousal maintenance may be awarded to provide financial assistance to a lower-earning spouse during or following a divorce. New York law establishes guidelines for calculating maintenance, although courts may consider additional circumstances when determining an appropriate award. Factors such as the duration of the marriage, differences in earning capacity, and each spouse’s financial resources can become important in contested proceedings. Nassau County matrimonial cases may involve disagreements over the amount, duration, or modification of maintenance obligations.
Asset Division – New York follows the principle of equitable distribution when dividing marital property, meaning assets are distributed fairly rather than necessarily equally. Marital property may include real estate, vehicles, retirement savings, investment accounts, business interests, and other assets acquired during the marriage. In Nassau County, disputes may involve valuable residential property, particularly when spouses disagree about whether to sell the marital home or allow one party to retain ownership. Complex financial cases may require property appraisals, business valuations, or investigations into disputed assets.
Orders of Protection – Family law disputes may involve allegations of domestic violence, threats, harassment, or other conduct that results in a request for an order of protection. These orders may prohibit contact between individuals, establish restrictions on entering certain locations, or impose other conditions intended to protect a family or household member. Nassau County Family Court handles family offense petitions involving qualifying relationships, while criminal courts may issue protective orders in connection with criminal proceedings. Violating an order of protection can result in additional legal consequences, including criminal contempt charges.
Emancipation of a Minor – Emancipation issues arise when a child is considered financially independent from their parents or is otherwise no longer entitled to parental support under applicable New York law. Unlike some states, New York does not provide a general court proceeding through which minors can obtain a formal declaration of emancipation. Instead, emancipation is evaluated according to the particular facts, including employment, marriage, military service, and financial independence. These disputes frequently arise during child support proceedings when a parent argues that an existing financial obligation should be terminated.
Common Criminal Charges in Nassau County
Domestic Violence – Domestic violence cases may involve allegations of physical abuse, threats, intimidation, or other criminal conduct between family members or intimate partners. Police responding to domestic disturbances in Nassau County may make arrests when the circumstances establish probable cause to believe a criminal offense occurred. These cases can result in criminal prosecution, orders of protection, and separate proceedings involving custody or visitation. A conviction may have significant consequences for an individual’s freedom, employment, parental rights, and personal relationships.
Child Abuse / Endangering the Welfare of a Child – Child abuse and child endangerment charges may arise when someone is accused of harming a child or engaging in conduct that places a minor at risk of injury or other harm. Investigations may involve the Nassau County Police Department, local law enforcement agencies, and Child Protective Services. Depending on the allegations, criminal charges may be accompanied by separate Family Court proceedings involving parental rights or child protective matters. Convictions can result in incarceration, court supervision, and other serious consequences.
Assault – Assault charges may arise from physical altercations, domestic disputes, confrontations at businesses, or other incidents involving alleged injuries. Under New York law, assault offenses can range from misdemeanors to serious felonies depending on the nature of the injuries, the defendant’s alleged intent, and other circumstances. Nassau County law enforcement agencies investigate assault allegations occurring in residential neighborhoods, commercial establishments, and public locations. A conviction may result in jail or prison time, probation, fines, and a criminal record.
Criminal Contempt / Violating a Protective Order – Criminal contempt charges may arise when someone intentionally violates a valid court order, including an order of protection issued during a criminal or family law proceeding. Alleged violations may involve prohibited communication, entering restricted locations, or approaching someone protected by the order. In Nassau County, these charges frequently arise in connection with domestic violence investigations and ongoing disputes between former partners or family members. Depending on the circumstances, violations may result in misdemeanor or felony charges.
Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) – DWI charges involve allegations that a person operated a motor vehicle while intoxicated or impaired by alcohol or drugs. Nassau County contains major transportation corridors such as the Northern State Parkway, Southern State Parkway, Meadowbrook State Parkway, and Sunrise Highway, where police conduct traffic enforcement. DWI investigations may involve roadside observations, field sobriety tests, chemical testing, and other evidence gathered during a traffic stop. Convictions can result in fines, license suspension or revocation, ignition interlock requirements, and possible incarceration.
Theft / Shoplifting – Theft-related offenses involve unlawfully taking property belonging to another person or business. Shoplifting allegations frequently arise in shopping malls, retail stores, and commercial districts throughout Nassau County. Depending on the value of the property and the circumstances of the alleged offense, individuals may face charges ranging from petit larceny to felony grand larceny. Even misdemeanor theft convictions can create difficulties involving employment, professional licensing, and future background checks.
Stalking – Stalking allegations involve repeated conduct directed toward another person that meets the elements of a stalking offense under New York law. Examples may include unwanted communications, following another individual, monitoring their activities, or engaging in conduct that causes legally recognized fear or harm. Nassau County stalking investigations may arise from domestic disputes, former relationships, workplace conflicts, or online activity. The severity of the charge depends on the alleged behavior, the circumstances surrounding the conduct, and any applicable aggravating factors.
Harassment – Harassment charges may involve threats, unwanted physical contact, or other conduct intended to alarm or seriously annoy another person. These cases can arise from disagreements between neighbors, former partners, coworkers, or family members. Depending on the allegations, harassment may be classified as a violation or misdemeanor under New York law. Some harassment cases also involve requests for orders of protection or related proceedings in Nassau County Family Court.
Disorderly Conduct – Disorderly conduct involves certain disruptive behavior committed with the intent to cause public inconvenience, annoyance, or alarm, or recklessly creating a risk of such consequences. Allegations may involve public fighting, unreasonable noise, obstructing traffic, or other conduct prohibited under the statute. Nassau County disorderly conduct charges may arise from disturbances in commercial areas, public parks, beaches, entertainment venues, or other gathering places. Although disorderly conduct is generally classified as a violation rather than a crime, it can still result in fines or other penalties.
Drug Possession – Drug possession charges involve allegations that a person unlawfully possessed a controlled substance. The severity of the offense depends on factors such as the type and quantity of the substance, as well as the circumstances surrounding possession. Nassau County police and other law enforcement agencies may investigate suspected drug offenses during traffic stops, searches, or other criminal investigations. Convictions can lead to probation, treatment requirements, incarceration, and other consequences depending on the charge.
Criminal Possession of a Weapon – New York has strict laws governing firearms and other weapons, and violations can result in serious criminal charges. Allegations may involve possessing an unlicensed firearm, carrying a prohibited weapon, or possessing a firearm under circumstances prohibited by state law. Nassau County weapon investigations may arise during traffic stops, domestic violence responses, or other law enforcement encounters. Certain felony weapon convictions carry mandatory prison sentences and can result in lasting restrictions on firearm possession.
Robbery – Robbery involves forcibly stealing property through the use or threatened immediate use of physical force. New York classifies robbery as a felony, with different degrees depending on circumstances such as the use of weapons, injuries, and involvement of multiple individuals. Nassau County robbery investigations may involve incidents at retail businesses, residences, parking areas, or other public locations. Convictions can result in substantial prison sentences and other serious consequences.
Where Arrests and Investigations Commonly Occur in Nassau County
Criminal enforcement activity takes place throughout Nassau County due to its large population, extensive road networks, commercial centers, and residential communities. Arrests and investigations may arise from traffic stops, police responses to disturbances, retail theft complaints, and incidents occurring at public transportation facilities or entertainment venues.
Major Highways and Traffic Corridors – Major roads such as the Southern State Parkway, Northern State Parkway, Meadowbrook State Parkway, Wantagh State Parkway, and Sunrise Highway carry substantial traffic throughout Nassau County. Police patrol these roads and investigate accidents, impaired driving complaints, and suspected traffic violations. Traffic stops may lead to arrests involving DWI, drug possession, suspended licenses, or other alleged offenses. The Nassau County Police Department and New York State Police both conduct enforcement activities on roadways within their respective jurisdictions.
Nightlife and Entertainment Areas – Communities such as Rockville Centre, Long Beach, Garden City, and Freeport contain restaurants, bars, and entertainment establishments that attract residents and visitors. Police may respond to disturbances, physical altercations, impaired driving complaints, and other incidents occurring near nightlife destinations. Arrests involving assault, harassment, disorderly conduct, and DWI can arise from these encounters. Seasonal activity near beaches and waterfront entertainment districts may also result in an increased demand for law enforcement services.
Commercial and Retail Districts – Nassau County contains numerous shopping centers and retail destinations, including Roosevelt Field Mall in Garden City, Broadway Commons in Hicksville, and the Americana Manhasset shopping district. Retail theft investigations may begin after store employees or security personnel report suspected shoplifting or other property offenses. Police may investigate allegations of larceny, fraud, trespassing, or disorderly conduct involving businesses and commercial establishments. Depending on the circumstances, these incidents may lead to misdemeanor or felony charges.
Residential Neighborhoods and Domestic Disputes – Many criminal investigations in Nassau County begin when police respond to calls involving disagreements or disturbances in homes and residential buildings. These incidents may lead to allegations involving domestic violence, assault, harassment, stalking, or violations of orders of protection. Police may make arrests based on evidence collected during the response, even when the individuals involved are married, related, or living together. Some cases may also result in separate proceedings before Nassau County Family Court involving custody, visitation, or protective orders.
Public Transportation Hubs – Nassau County is served by the Long Island Rail Road, with major stations in communities such as Mineola, Hicksville, Freeport, Rockville Centre, and Great Neck. These stations experience regular commuter traffic and are monitored by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority Police Department and other agencies. Criminal investigations may involve theft, assault, harassment, disorderly conduct, or other incidents occurring aboard trains or at transportation facilities. Individuals arrested in connection with these incidents may face criminal proceedings in Nassau County courts.
Nassau County Court Resources
Nassau County District Court – Nassau County District Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, violations, infractions, and initial proceedings involving felony allegations. Individuals arrested in areas within the District Court’s jurisdiction may appear here for arraignment and subsequent criminal proceedings. The court also handles certain civil matters, small claims, and landlord-tenant disputes. Located in Hempstead, the District Court is an important part of the county’s criminal justice system and processes numerous criminal cases each year.
99 Main Street
Hempstead, NY 11550
Phone: (516) 493-4200
Nassau County Court – Criminal Court – Nassau County Court handles felony criminal prosecutions and other criminal matters within its jurisdiction. Serious offenses such as robbery, felony assault, drug trafficking, and weapons charges may proceed before this court. The court oversees felony arraignments, pretrial hearings, motions, plea proceedings, and criminal trials. Individuals facing felony indictments in Nassau County may have their cases heard at the courthouse in Mineola.
262 Old Country Road
Mineola, NY 11501
Phone: (516) 493-3710
Nassau County Supreme Court – Nassau County Supreme Court handles significant civil matters, including cases involving substantial financial disputes, property claims, and other litigation outside the authority of lower courts. The Supreme Court also has jurisdiction over divorce, legal separation, annulment, and the equitable distribution of marital assets. Matrimonial matters are heard in the county’s specialized Matrimonial Center, while other civil proceedings take place at the main Supreme Court courthouse. Individuals involved in complex divorce or property disputes may encounter Supreme Court proceedings as part of their cases.
100 Supreme Court Drive
Mineola, NY 11501
Phone: (516) 493-3400
Nassau County Matrimonial Center – The Nassau County Matrimonial Center is a specialized part of the Supreme Court dedicated to divorce and other matrimonial proceedings. The court handles contested and uncontested divorce cases, disputes over marital property, spousal maintenance, and related parenting issues. Its specialized courtrooms and judicial personnel focus on resolving matrimonial litigation, including complicated disputes involving custody and financial matters. The center is located within the Family and Matrimonial Court Complex in Mineola.
101 County Seat Drive, 3rd Floor
Mineola, NY 11501
Phone: (516) 493-3444
Nassau County Family Court – Nassau County Family Court handles proceedings involving child custody, visitation, child support, family offense petitions, juvenile delinquency, and allegations of child abuse or neglect. The court also addresses certain matters involving adoption, guardianship, and other family-related legal issues. Family Court judges may issue orders concerning parenting arrangements, financial support obligations, and protection from domestic violence. The court is located in the Family and Matrimonial Court Complex in Mineola and does not have jurisdiction to grant divorces.
101 County Seat Drive, 1st and 2nd Floors
Mineola, NY 11501
Phone: (516) 493-4000
Nassau County Clerk’s Office – The Nassau County Clerk’s Office maintains important public records and serves as the clerk for the Supreme Court and County Court. Its responsibilities include maintaining court filings, recording real estate transactions, and preserving documents involving deeds, mortgages, and other property interests. Individuals involved in divorce or other civil litigation may need access to records maintained by the office. These records can be useful when investigating marital property, obtaining copies of filings, or researching real estate ownership.
240 Old Country Road
Mineola, NY 11501
Phone: (516) 571-2660
New York State Unified Court System – Criminal Case Search (WebCrims) – The New York State Unified Court System provides online criminal case search tools that allow individuals to locate certain publicly available information about pending criminal cases. Users may search for scheduled appearances and available case details in participating criminal courts. This resource can be useful for individuals attempting to confirm court dates, identify pending proceedings, or monitor the status of a criminal case. Certain records, including sealed cases and other restricted information, may not be publicly accessible.
New York State Courts Electronic Filing System (NYSCEF) – The New York State Courts Electronic Filing System allows individuals to search for publicly accessible electronically filed documents in participating court cases. Users may locate case information, index numbers, and certain filings associated with civil litigation. Individuals involved in Nassau County divorce proceedings or other civil matters may use this system to review available case information and track filings. Access to confidential matrimonial and family-related records is restricted, and not every case document is available for public viewing.
Nassau County Law Enforcement Resources
Nassau County District Attorney’s Office – The Nassau County District Attorney’s Office is responsible for investigating and prosecuting criminal offenses throughout Nassau County. Prosecutors handle a broad range of cases, including misdemeanors, violent felonies, drug crimes, financial offenses, domestic violence, and other violations of New York criminal law. The office works with local and state law enforcement agencies to investigate alleged criminal activity and pursue prosecutions when appropriate. Individuals facing criminal charges may encounter assistant district attorneys during arraignments, pretrial hearings, plea negotiations, and trials.
262 Old Country Road
Mineola, NY 11501
Phone: (516) 571-3800
Nassau County Sheriff’s Department – The Nassau County Sheriff’s Department performs important correctional and civil enforcement functions throughout the county. Its responsibilities include operating county correctional facilities, executing certain warrants, enforcing court orders, and carrying out civil judgments. The department’s Enforcement Division may become involved in property seizures, evictions, and other court-ordered actions. Its responsibilities can intersect with both criminal proceedings and family law matters, particularly when judicial orders require enforcement.
100 Carman Avenue
East Meadow, NY 11554
Phone: (516) 572-4100
Nassau County Police Department – The Nassau County Police Department is the primary law enforcement agency serving many communities throughout Nassau County. Officers conduct patrols, investigate criminal complaints, respond to emergencies, and enforce traffic laws across the department’s jurisdiction. The department includes specialized investigative units responsible for handling serious offenses such as homicide, robbery, domestic violence, and narcotics crimes. Individuals arrested by Nassau County Police may face proceedings in District Court, County Court, or another court with jurisdiction over the alleged offense.
1490 Franklin Avenue
Mineola, NY 11501
Phone: (516) 573-8800
New York State Police – The New York State Police conducts criminal investigations and traffic enforcement throughout New York, including Nassau County. State troopers patrol major highways and may investigate suspected DWI offenses, drug crimes, traffic violations, and other alleged criminal activity. The agency also provides investigative assistance to local police departments and participates in certain coordinated law enforcement operations. Individuals arrested by state troopers in Nassau County may face charges in the appropriate local criminal court.
Metropolitan Transportation Authority Police Department (MTA Police) – The MTA Police Department provides law enforcement services throughout the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s transportation network, including Long Island Rail Road facilities in Nassau County. Officers investigate criminal incidents involving passengers, employees, railroad property, and other transit-related matters. Allegations may involve theft, assault, harassment, trespassing, or disorderly conduct occurring at stations or aboard trains. Individuals arrested for incidents within Nassau County may face prosecution in the appropriate county court system.
Nassau County Family Law & Criminal Defense Attorney | Robert S. Gershon, P.C., Attorney at Law
If you are facing a family law matter, criminal charges, or both in Nassau County, it is important to have experienced legal representation protecting your rights and interests. These cases can have lasting effects on your finances, family relationships, employment, reputation, and future. Whether you are seeking a divorce, attempting to resolve a child custody dispute, or defending yourself against criminal allegations, an attorney can help you understand the legal process and available options.
Robert S. Gershon, P.C., Attorney at Law is committed to helping clients navigate complex legal challenges with professionalism and dedication. Attorney Robert S. Gershon works closely with clients to explain their legal options, develop appropriate legal strategies, and advocate for favorable outcomes. The firm understands the importance of protecting clients’ rights and interests when they are dealing with difficult family or criminal matters.
Call (718) 625-3977 today to schedule a consultation or fill out an online contact form to get started.
