Suffolk County Court Complex – Central Islip

The John P. Cohalan Jr. Court Complex in Central Islip serves as the primary courthouse for Suffolk County Supreme Court and County Court proceedings, including felony criminal cases, major civil litigation, jury trials, and other significant judicial matters within the New York State Unified Court System.

The John P. Cohalan Jr. Court Complex, located in Central Islip, serves as the primary courthouse for many of Suffolk County’s highest-level criminal and civil cases. Named in honor of former New York Supreme Court Justice John P. Cohalan Jr., the complex is one of the busiest judicial facilities on Long Island and houses several courts operating under the New York State Unified Court System.

The courthouse is home to the Suffolk County Supreme Court and County Court, where judges preside over felony criminal prosecutions, major civil lawsuits, matrimonial cases, commercial litigation, and numerous other legal proceedings. It is also the location for many jury trials and high-profile cases that receive regional media attention. Attorneys, jurors, litigants, witnesses, law enforcement officers, and members of the public visit the courthouse daily, making it one of the most important government institutions in Suffolk County.

Location & Contact

Address: 400 Carleton Avenue, Central Islip, NY 11722
Phone: (631) 740-3800
Official court information: Suffolk County Supreme and County Courts
Hours: Courtroom schedules, clerk offices, and administrative departments may operate on different calendars. Visitors should confirm their appearance time and courtroom before arriving.

Jurisdiction

The John P. Cohalan Jr. Court Complex is the primary venue for many of Suffolk County’s most significant legal proceedings, including:

Criminal Cases:
- Felony criminal prosecutions
- Grand jury proceedings
- Sentencing hearings
- Post-conviction proceedings and other County Court matters
Civil Cases:
- Major civil lawsuits exceeding lower court jurisdictional limits
- Commercial litigation
- Personal injury and negligence cases
- Contract and property disputes
Family & Matrimonial Matters:
- Divorce proceedings
- Equitable distribution and related matrimonial litigation
- Other Supreme Court matters authorized under New York law
Jury Service:
- Jury selection and trials for both criminal and civil proceedings
- Juror reporting and related administrative services

Community Role

The John P. Cohalan Jr. Court Complex serves as the judicial center of Suffolk County and regularly hosts some of Long Island’s most consequential legal proceedings. High-profile criminal prosecutions, major civil lawsuits, and significant judicial decisions affecting residents across the county are frequently heard within the complex. News organizations regularly report from the courthouse because of its role in handling cases involving the Suffolk County Police Department, county government, businesses, and residents.

Beyond headline-making cases, the courthouse handles thousands of routine proceedings each year involving civil litigation, jury trials, divorces, and felony prosecutions. For many Suffolk County residents, it represents an essential public institution where important legal matters are resolved through New York’s court system.

Visitor Information

Security: All visitors must pass through courthouse security screening. Weapons, prohibited items, and certain electronics may be restricted.
Before You Arrive: Bring your summons, court notice, jury information, or case number, and verify your assigned courtroom before entering the building.
Parking: Public parking is available throughout the courthouse complex, although lots may become busy during peak court hours.
Public Transit: The courthouse is located near the Long Island Rail Road’s Central Islip station and is also served by Suffolk County Transit bus routes.
Accessibility: ADA-accessible entrances, elevators, courtrooms, and interpreter services are available. Visitors requiring accommodations should contact the court before their scheduled appearance.

Nearby Amenities

Visitors will find restaurants, cafés, convenience stores, hotels, and professional offices throughout Central Islip and neighboring communities. The nearby Long Island Rail Road station and surrounding commercial district offer convenient options for those waiting between court appearances or traveling without a vehicle.

Area Snapshot

Community: Central Islip, NY
Setting: Suffolk County government and judicial complex along Carleton Avenue
Nearby Institutions: Federal Courthouse (Alfonse M. D’Amato U.S. Courthouse), Suffolk County Correctional Facility, Cohalan Court Complex offices, and Long Island Rail Road’s Central Islip station
Population (Central Islip): Approximately 37,000 residents

The John P. Cohalan Jr. Court Complex

Key Facts & Details

Official Name	John P. Cohalan Jr. Court Complex
Location	400 Carleton Avenue, Central Islip, NY 11722
Community	Central Islip
County	Suffolk County
Court System	New York State Unified Court System
Primary Courts	Suffolk County Court and Suffolk County Supreme Court
Known For	Felony criminal cases, Supreme Court civil litigation, matrimonial matters, and major judicial proceedings
Phone	(631) 740-3800
Nearby Transit	Central Islip LIRR station and Suffolk County Transit bus service
Visitor Note	Visitors should verify courtroom assignments, security requirements, and reporting locations before arriving.

The John P. Cohalan Jr. Court Complex serves as the centerpiece of Suffolk County’s judicial system, hearing many of the county’s most significant criminal and civil cases each year. Whether you are appearing for a court proceeding, serving as a juror, meeting with an attorney, or supporting a family member, visitors should verify their courtroom assignment in advance, allow extra time for courthouse security, and review the latest information provided by the New York State Unified Court System before arriving.