Long Island criminal practice has a structure the boroughs do not. Most towns and incorporated villages in Nassau and Suffolk operate their own justice courts, and a case can begin in one of them before any county-level court sees it. Where a matter starts affects arraignment timing, bail practice, discovery schedules, and who the assigned prosecutor is.
Nassau and Suffolk Are Separate Systems
Nassau County District Court sits in Hempstead and handles misdemeanor matters county-wide; felonies proceed to Nassau County Supreme Court in Mineola. Suffolk County is larger and more decentralized: town justice courts across the county handle the front end, and felony matters move to Suffolk County Court or Supreme Court in Riverhead. The Eastern District of New York courthouse in Central Islip handles federal matters arising on the Island.
Justice Courts Are Not Informal
A town or village justice court is a court of record for these purposes. What happens there — an arraignment statement, a bail application, an early adjournment — carries into the county case. Treating the first appearance as a formality is a mistake that is difficult to undo later.
Pages in This Section
The pages below address specific Nassau and Suffolk communities and the courts that serve them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which court will hear my Long Island case first?
It depends on where the conduct is alleged. Many Nassau and Suffolk matters begin in a town or village justice court. Nassau misdemeanors are handled in Nassau County District Court in Hempstead, and felony matters move to county-level court in Mineola or Riverhead.
Does a justice court appearance matter if the case moves?
Yes. Statements, bail determinations and scheduling decisions made at the first appearance carry into the county case. The early appearance is not a formality.
Where are federal cases on Long Island heard?
The Eastern District of New York courthouse in Central Islip handles federal matters arising in Nassau and Suffolk.
About Mr. Sris
Mr. Sris is the founding attorney of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., a firm practicing since 1997. He is a former prosecutor and is admitted in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey and New York. Of Counsel attorneys contract directly with the firm and handle matters alongside him.
Speak With Mr. Sris
Nassau and Suffolk run differently from the five boroughs, and the difference shows up on day one. Request a consultation. Reach our location at (888) 437-7747. Consultations are by appointment.
Last reviewed: August 24, 2026.
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The information on this page is general and is not legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is created by reading it or by contacting the firm. Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case. Results may vary.
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