Nassau County Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you've been arrested or charged with a crime in Nassau County, the decisions you make in the next 24 to 48 hours can shape everything that follows. I'm Glenn F. Hardy, and I've spent more than 30 years defending people against serious criminal charges across New York — including in Nassau County courts. You'll speak with me directly, not a paralegal, not an associate.

TROPHY

LAW FIRM

What a Nassau County Criminal Charge Actually Means for You

Nassau County prosecutions move through the Nassau County District Court and the Nassau County Supreme Court, depending on the severity of the charge. The Nassau County District Attorney's Office is aggressive, well-resourced, and experienced at building cases quickly. If you're waiting to "see how things develop," you're already behind. Arraignment happens fast, bail decisions happen fast, and the window for early intervention — the kind that can change outcomes — closes fast.

The Courts I Work In

Nassau County also falls within the jurisdiction of the Eastern District of New York. If your charges have been filed federally — or if a state investigation is trending toward federal involvement — I handle EDNY cases out of both the Brooklyn and Central Islip federal courthouses. Federal charges carry mandatory minimums and sentencing guidelines that make experienced federal defense counsel essential from the earliest stage.

Criminal Charges I Defend in Nassau County

I handle the full range of serious criminal matters in Nassau County. Whether you're facing a first arrest or a complex multi-count indictment, I bring the same depth of preparation and courtroom experience to your case.

 

  • Violent crimes: assault, robbery, burglary, manslaughter, murder, and attempted murder
  • Drug crimes: criminal possession and sale of controlled substances at any weight or schedule
  • Gun and weapons charges: unlawful possession, criminal use, and related offenses
  • Sex crimes: rape, sexual assault, child pornography, and indecent exposure
  • DWI defense: first offense through felony DWI
  • White collar crime: fraud, embezzlement, money laundering, and financial offenses
  • Grand jury representation: before you testify or become a target
  • Appeals and post-conviction: challenging convictions and seeking relief after sentencing

Why Clients in Nassau County Choose Me

Hiring a criminal defense attorney is not a decision to make based on a website alone — but here's what sets my practice apart from the firms you'll find advertising across Long Island.

 

  • 30+ years defending criminal cases, exclusively. I don't handle divorces or personal injury. Every case I take is a criminal case.
  • You speak with me. Every call, every meeting, every court appearance is handled by me personally. No handoffs.
  • Trial-tested. I have acquittals on serious charges, including violent felonies. I am prepared to take your case to trial if that's what it requires.
  • Academic credentials with real-world weight. I teach criminal law as an adjunct professor at New York University and St. John's University.
  • Published in the New York Law Journal. My legal analysis has appeared in one of the most respected legal publications in the state.
  • Spanish-language support. Maria provides interpretation across every stage of representation for Spanish-speaking clients and their families.
  • Payment plans available. I offer payment arrangements through LawPay for clients who need flexibility.

The Arrest Process in Nassau County — What Happens and When

  • Do I need a lawyer for a misdemeanor charge in Nassau County?
    Yes. Misdemeanor convictions in New York carry real consequences — up to a year in jail, fines, probation, and a permanent criminal record that affects employment, housing, and professional licensing. The charge being a misdemeanor doesn't make it minor.
  • How quickly do I need to hire a defense attorney after an arrest in Nassau County?
    As quickly as possible. Arraignment typically occurs within 24 hours of arrest, and bail arguments are made at that hearing. An attorney who is present at arraignment can argue for your release and begin shaping how the prosecution views your case from the start.
  • Can you represent me in Nassau County if I was charged with a federal crime?
    Yes. Nassau County is within the Eastern District of New York. I handle federal cases at both the Brooklyn and Central Islip EDNY courthouses and am admitted to practice in any U.S. federal court.
  • What if I can't afford a retainer upfront?
    I offer payment plans through LawPay. Contact me directly to discuss your situation — I'd rather have that conversation than see someone go unrepresented because of financial pressure.
  • Will I have to go to court in Mineola?
    Most Nassau County criminal cases are heard at the Nassau County Courthouse in Mineola. The specific court — District Court or Supreme Court — depends on the nature and severity of your charges. I'll explain exactly what to expect and appear with you at every required proceeding.

Speak With Glenn Hardy Today

Every day that passes after an arrest is a day the prosecution is building its case. I've spent more than 30 years fighting criminal charges across New York, and I know how quickly the landscape shifts once charges are filed. If you or someone you know is facing criminal charges in Nassau County, call me now. I answer personally.