Southampton Justice Court
Less than an hour from our East Hampton office, the Southampton Justice Court is one of Suffolk County’s busiest local courts and one of the courts we appear at most frequently.
This court tries all traffic offenses and misdemeanors that occur within the Town of Southampton, including DWIs, simple assaults, petit larceny, disturbances of the peace, etc., and also performs arraignments on those arrested on felony charges before they are transferred to the Suffolk County Court in Riverhead, NY.
The court is located at :
32 Jackson Ave.
Hampton Bays, NY 11946
Ph: 631-702-2990
Fx: 631-728-2954
For those familiar with Southampton, the courthouse is located behind Red Creek Park and is part of the last large group of buildings before the transfer station. There is an uncovered parking lot at the courthouse where you can park for free.
Click on the map below and enter your home address to get directions to the courthouse:
Hours:
The courthouse’s normal hours are from 8:30 am – 4:00 pm Monday through Friday. But because arraignment is supposed to occur within 24 hours of the crime, according to New York law, there are also special hours on Saturdays and Sundays for this purpose starting at 9:00 am. You will be given the time for your court date or arraignment in advance and should plan to arrive early so you can meet your lawyer and make your way to the courtroom by the proper time. Punctuality is crucial.
The Justices:
Four justices take turns presiding over Southampton Justice Court on a monthly rotation. Depending on this rotation and when you appear before you court your case may be heard by:
Hon. Edward D. Burke, Sr.
Hon. Deborah E. Kooperstein
Hon. Andrea H. Schiavoni
Hon. Barbara L. Wilson
The Process:
If you’ve been accused of a misdemeanor or have received a traffic ticket, your case will be handled entirely at the Southampton Justice Court. If you were arrested for a felony offense, your case will start here with your arraignment, which is a formal pronouncement of the charges against you and where you will plead “guilty” or “not guilty.” Regardless of how you plead, your felony case will be recorded by the court and will then be transferred to the County Court in Riverhead. Although your actual trial will not take place here, it is strongly advised that you retain an attorney before your arraignment, as you may have other options besides pleading guilty or not guilty (such as a plea of no-contest), and you may also want to consider a pleading guilty to a lesser crime as part of the plea deal. An attorney can help you determine what so-called “deals” are in your best interest and how to plead.
Contact a Southampton Attorney Before Your Court Date!
Whether you’re appearing before the court for a major felony or a traffic offense, it’s also strongly advisable to appear with an attorney, especially one who spends a lot of time in the Southampton Justice Court. Not only can an attorney speak on your behalf and present your case in the best possible light, but he can also advise you throughout the entire process to ensure your best case scenario.
If you’re looking for a Southampton Attorney, we’d like to speak with you. Our consultations carry no obligation and are always 100% free. Give us a call at (631) 472-3779.