William S. Petrillo

William S. Petrillo, a member of the New York Bar since 1995, limits his practice exclusively to the defense of criminal cases. He defends cases in state and federal Court, ranging from minor crimes to the most serious and complex offenses. Many of Mr. Petrillo’s cases have been publicized by every major television network and newspaper, including several that received national recognition. He has procured acquittals in many difficult cases, including high profile trials.

After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from St. John’s University, Mr. Petrillo joined the New York City Police Department where he gained valuable experience as a police officer for six years. He then left the NYPD to attend the City University of New York School of Law at Queens College.

Upon graduating from law school in 1994, Mr. Petrillo became an assistant district attorney at the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office where his career in litigation began. He immediately distinguished himself as a trial attorney and was quickly promoted to the felony trial bureau. Here he was assigned a wide variety of very serious cases and acquired extensive trial experience.

After obtaining invaluable courtroom experience, Mr. Petrillo entered private practice in 1998 when he joined a criminal defense firm. Here, he continued on his path as an active trial lawyer and established himself as the firm’s in house trial counsel. For the next four years Mr. Petrillo continually and successfully tried a wide range of cases in multiple jurisdictions ranging from the most serious and complex cases to minor crimes. In 2002, Mr. Petrillo founded The Law Offices of William S. Petrillo, P.C. He continues to regularly try cases and concentrates exclusively in all aspects of criminal defense in state and federal court.

Mr. Petrillo is often referred cases that are trial ready from other attorneys. He is routinely consulted by members of the legal community to advise on trial issues and issues of criminal law, and has been retained by law firms as a consultant to assist their attorneys. Mr. Petrillo is a sought after lecturer who has taught large groups of lawyers and law students on many occasions.

1995 – New York

B.S. – St. John’s University

J.D. – City University of New York School of Law at Queens College

• Principal at Law Offices Of William Petrillo, P.C. , 2002–present
• Of Counsel And In House Trial Counsel at a Criminal Defense Firm, 1998–2002
• Assistant District Attorney at Nassau County District Attorney’s Office, 1994–1998
• Police Officer at New York City Police Department, 1984–1990

•  The Perfect Closing

Marino Legal Institute – NYC (2015)

• Correcting The Injustice

Hofstra Law School (2015)

• Cross Examination

The Nassau Lawyers’ Association (2015)

• From Arrest To Arraignment

The Nassau Lawyers’ Association (2014)

• Courtroom Testimony

Nassau County Police Academy  (2014)

• Defense Cross Examination & Summation

Nassau Academy Of Law (2014)

• From Jury Selection To Summation

Hofstra Law School  (2014)

• Attacking The Prosecution’s Case

Hofstra Law School (2013)

• Winning The Case Before The Trial

Hofstra Law School (2012)

• The Anatomy Of A Criminal Trial

Hofstra Law School (2011)

• Cross Examination

City University Of New York School Of Law (2010)

• Closing Argument

City University Of New York School Of Law (2009)

• Prosecuting & Defending Fraud Cases

City University Of New York School Of Law (2008)

• Defense Cross Examination & Summation

Nassau Academy Of Law (2007)

• Defense Closing Argument

Nassau County District Attorney’s Office (2006)

• Opening Statement & Closing Argument

Nassau County District Attorney’s Office (2005)

• Trial Preparation & Jury Selection

Molloy College (2005)

• Defense Closing Argument

Nassau County District Attorney’s Office (2004)

• An Analysis Of A Murder Trial

Molloy College (2003)