Nassau County First District Court – Hempstead, NY
The Nassau County First District Court, located in Hempstead, is a major courthouse for initial criminal proceedings and a range of lower-level civil matters in Nassau County. It operates within the New York State Unified Court System as part of Nassau County District Court, and it is commonly the first courthouse many defendants, families, attorneys, and witnesses encounter after an arrest or summons.
In addition to arraignments, the court handles misdemeanor cases, violations, landlord-tenant matters, small claims, and other proceedings within District Court jurisdiction. Because calendars, clerk functions, and hearing locations can vary, visitors should confirm the correct part, courtroom, or agency before heading downtown.
Location & Contact
Address: 99 Main Street, Hempstead, NY 11550
Phone: (516) 493-4200
Official court information: Nassau County District Court
Hours: Courtroom and clerk-counter hours may vary by department, calendar, season, and holiday schedule. Check ahead before visiting.
Jurisdiction
The First District Court typically handles matters such as:
- Criminal Cases:
- Arraignments for many defendants arrested in Nassau County
- Misdemeanors and violations
- Early-stage felony proceedings before transfer to a higher court when required
- Civil Cases:
- Landlord-tenant disputes
- Small claims matters, generally subject to the court’s current monetary limit
- Other civil matters within Nassau County District Court jurisdiction, generally including claims up to $15,000; filing rules and limits should be verified in advance
- Traffic & Vehicle Matters:
- Criminal driving cases, including many DWI-related arraignments
- Some vehicle-related matters heard in District Court
- Many routine traffic tickets in Nassau County are handled by the Nassau County Traffic and Parking Violations Agency or by local courts, depending on where the ticket was issued
Community Role
The First District Court is one of the county’s busiest courthouses and an important civic institution in downtown Hempstead. It is regularly associated with cases reported by the Nassau County Police Department, especially at the arraignment stage, and it remains a central venue for legal proceedings that affect residents across Nassau.
Beyond criminal calendars, the court also serves everyday residents dealing with housing disputes, civil claims, and other practical legal matters. For many people, it is less a landmark attraction than an essential public-service destination.
Visitor Information
- Security: All visitors should expect courthouse screening. Bring a valid photo ID if possible, and allow extra time for entry.
- Before You Arrive: Have your case number, appearance notice, or ticket information ready. Court parts, reporting rooms, and agency assignments can change.
- Parking: Municipal lots and metered street parking may be available in downtown Hempstead. Time limits, fees, and enforcement can vary.
- Public Transit: The courthouse is within walking distance of the Hempstead LIRR station and nearby NICE Bus service, making it accessible without a car.
- Accessibility: ADA-accessible features and accommodations are generally available through the court system. Visitors needing specific assistance or interpreter services should contact the court ahead of time.
Nearby Amenities
Visitors will find restaurants, takeout spots, convenience stores, banking services, and professional offices in downtown Hempstead. The surrounding village center is a practical place to wait, grab coffee, or take care of errands before or after a court appearance.
Area Snapshot
- Village: Hempstead, NY
- Setting: Downtown Hempstead civic and commercial district near Main Street and the Hempstead transit hub
- Nearby Institutions: Hempstead Village Hall, Hempstead Public Library, Hofstra University, and Nassau University Medical Center
- Population (Hempstead Village): Roughly 55,000 to 60,000, depending on the source and estimate year
Nassau County First District Court – Hempstead, NY
Key Facts & Details
| Official Name | Nassau County First District Court |
| Location | 99 Main Street, Hempstead, NY 11550 |
| County | Nassau County |
| Court System | New York State Unified Court System |
| Court Type | District Court courthouse handling criminal, civil, landlord-tenant, small claims, and related matters |
| Known For | Arraignments, misdemeanor cases, violations, landlord-tenant proceedings, and lower-level civil matters |
| Phone | (516) 493-4200 |
| Nearby Transit | Hempstead LIRR station and NICE Bus service |
| Visitor Note | Visitors should confirm courtroom, calendar, agency, and clerk-counter details before arrival |
Whether you are appearing for an arraignment, filing a civil claim, attending a landlord-tenant hearing, or supporting a family member, the Nassau County First District Court serves as an important part of the county’s judicial system. Because court schedules, courtroom assignments, and filing procedures can change, visitors are encouraged to verify their appearance information and arrive early to allow time for security screening and check-in.
