Nassau County Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer

Trusted Domestic Violence Defense Attorney in Nassau County

Domestic violence allegations are some of the most severe accusations you can face. These cases can lead to social stigma, career impacts, and harsh criminal penalties that make it difficult to move forward after facing charges. If you have been arrested or are under investigation for domestic violence, one of the most impactful steps you can take to protect yourself is to reach out to a Nassau County domestic violence defense lawyer.

Learn How a Skilled Nassau County Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help

At Greco Neyland, PC, our team builds powerful domestic violence defense strategies that pursue outcomes such as not guilty verdicts and dismissed charges. Attorney Jeff Greco leads the New York office. He brings experience as a New York prosecutor, which gives him insight into how the state builds domestic violence cases and how to find weaknesses in the prosecution’s arguments.

Greco Neyland is also a member of several associations and organizations, including the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the New York State Defenders’ Association. He has also been named as a top 100 trial lawyer in America and has been a Super Lawyer from 2020-2023. However, awards and recognition are not guarantees of future results. Selection criteria vary by organization.

An Overview of Domestic Violence Charges in Nassau County

Domestic violence includes many different offenses that are committed against a family or household member. Victims may be a spouse, former spouse, intimate partner, child, or other individuals with whom you have a close personal relationship. Some examples of crimes that may result in domestic violence charges when committed against one of these individuals include:

• Simple assault
• Assault
• Stalking
• Rape

Domestic violence is a significant issue throughout Nassau County. In 2024, domestic violence resulted in two fatalities in Nassau County, with many more victims suffering from injuries and emotional trauma. Data also shows that there were 55,314 intimate partner and family violence victims in non-NYC counties, including Nassau County, during 2024. Additionally, Nassau County recorded 4,341 domestic violence cases involving offenses such as assaults, protection order violations, and sex crimes.

Why You Should Hire a Domestic Violence Defense Lawyer

It is difficult to face domestic violence charges alone, both due to the emotional challenges and the complexity of New York’s domestic violence laws. A Nassau County domestic violence defense lawyer can help you by:

• Protecting your rights during the investigation: A lawyer can advise you on what to say and do during the investigation, preventing unlawful evidence from being used against you and identifying any instances where law enforcement fails to follow proper procedures.
• Investigating your case: A lawyer can conduct an independent investigation to identify errors in the prosecution’s case and identify evidence that can prove your innocence.
• Negotiating with prosecutors: A lawyer is often able to use negotiation to seek reduced charges, alternative sentencing options, or even case dismissal.
• Representing you in court: Court hearings can be stressful, but a lawyer can speak on your behalf, present evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and advocate aggressively for your case. Most misdemeanor domestic violence cases are heard by the Nassau County District Court at 99 Main Street, Hempstead.

Types of Domestic Violence Defense Strategies

Domestic violence allegations can be complex, often involving complicated family disputes, misunderstandings, an over-reliance on victim testimony, or situations where both parties accuse each other of wrongdoing. Because these cases rely so much on case-by-case details, it is important to work with a Nassau County criminal defense lawyer who can build a customized defense strategy. Some common defense strategies involve:

• Claiming that you acted in self-defense or in defense of another
• Arguing that the prosecution does not have sufficient evidence to prove the case
• Proving that you were mistakenly identified as the offender
• Proving that you lacked the intent to commit the crime or cause harm
• Challenging the credibility of witness and victim statements
• Identifying constitutional violations during the investigation or court case

FAQs

What Is the Burden of Proof in Domestic Violence Cases?

In a criminal domestic violence case, the prosecutors have the burden of proof to prove the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. This is a high standard of proof, requiring detailed evidence to support every element of the offense. Often, prosecutors use evidence such as victims’ statements, witness statements, surveillance camera footage, and medical records to build a strong case.

How Long Do You Go to Jail for Domestic Violence in New York?

How long you go to jail for in a domestic violence case varies depending on the circumstances of the case, what type of misdemeanor or felony you are convicted of, and the aggravating and mitigating factors in your case. Jail sentences can be up to three months for a Class B misdemeanor, while a Class B felony can be up to 25 years. If you hire a domestic violence defense lawyer, they can explain the penalties you may face.

Why Do Most Domestic Violence Cases Get Dismissed?

One of the most common reasons for domestic violence cases to get dismissed is if the prosecution lacks sufficient evidence to prove the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. Insufficient evidence can happen because there was limited proof revealed during the investigation, but it can also happen through domestic violence defense strategies.

A lawyer can help you challenge the validity of a piece of evidence, such as the reliability of a witness statement, which can weaken the prosecution’s case.

Can a Victim Drop Domestic Violence Charges?

No, a victim cannot drop domestic violence charges after a case has begun. The prosecutor and judge have the authority to drop charges. Even if a victim does not wish to pursue criminal charges, the case may continue if the prosecutor believes that there is enough evidence to prove that a crime has occurred. Rather than relying on a victim to end a case, you should work with a Nassau County domestic violence defense attorney to avoid a conviction.

Speak With a Skilled Nassau County Domestic Violence Defense Attorney

A domestic violence conviction can be devastating for your future. Contact Greco Neyland, PC, to learn how working with a lawyer who understands the domestic violence laws and potential defense strategies can help you move forward after criminal charges.