First District Court – Hempstead, NY

The Nassau County First District Court, located in Hempstead, is the central courthouse for initial criminal proceedings and lower-level offenses in Nassau County. It is part of the New York State Unified Court System and plays a critical role in the local justice process. This court is where most defendants in Nassau are arraigned after an arrest and where misdemeanor and violation cases are handled from start to finish.
The First District Court also oversees civil matters such as landlord-tenant disputes, small claims, and traffic violations. As the busiest court in Nassau, it serves as the first point of entry for thousands of criminal cases each year.
Location & Contact
Address: 99 Main Street, Hempstead, NY 11550
Phone: (516) 493-4200
Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (closed weekends and holidays)
Jurisdiction
The First District Court’s jurisdiction includes:
- Criminal Cases:
- Arraignments for all defendants arrested in Nassau County
- Misdemeanors (Class A and B)
- Violations and infractions
- Pre-indictment felony proceedings (before cases move to County or Supreme Court)
- Civil Cases:
- Landlord-tenant disputes
- Small claims (up to $5,000)
- Civil matters involving amounts up to $15,000
- Traffic & Vehicle Cases:
- Vehicle and traffic violations
- DWI-related arraignments
Community Role
The First District Court is often the first stop in Nassau County’s justice system. High-profile arraignments for crimes reported by the Nassau County Police Department frequently take place here, making it a focal point for legal proceedings covered in local news.
In addition to criminal matters, the court provides a venue for everyday residents dealing with housing issues, traffic tickets, or small civil disputes, making it an important institution for Nassau County residents.
Visitor Information
- Security: All visitors must pass through a security checkpoint. Valid photo ID is recommended.
- Parking: Municipal parking lots and metered street parking are available nearby.
- Public Transit: The court is located near the Hempstead LIRR station and is accessible by NICE bus routes.
- Accessibility: The courthouse is ADA-compliant and provides accommodations for individuals with disabilities.
Nearby Amenities
Visitors to the court will find dining, retail, and service options in downtown Hempstead, including local restaurants and cafes. The Hempstead Village area also provides access to banking, legal offices, and other services frequently needed by court visitors.
Area Snapshot
- Town: Hempstead, NY
- Nearby Institutions: Nassau County Police Department headquarters, Hofstra University, Hempstead Village Hall
- Population (Hempstead Village): ~60,000