Criminal Defense in Hawaii

What Is a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

Because a criminal conviction can have serious consequences, you want an experienced Hawaii attorney on your side. A criminal defense lawyer is an advocate for justice. These attorneys research the facts of your case so you can have peace of mind. By performing their own investigation, criminal defense attorneys put you in a better position to negotiate a deal with the prosecutors, possibly resulting in reduced charges, a lower bail amount, less sentencing time and even possibly dismissed charges. Put simply, hiring a defense lawyer in Hawaii is the most effective way to protect your rights.

Without an attorney, the options for defense narrow. Unfortunately, the Hawaii criminal process more than likely leads to costly fines, jail time and possible incarceration for those who do not have competent legal counsel. As jails become increasingly overcrowded, criminal defense attorneys work with prosecutors to reduce the time that you may spend in jail. They do this by formulating a plea, reviewing the procedure of the search and seizure, questioning witnesses, gathering evidence, assessing the potential sentence and investigating the prosecutor’s case. Furthermore, your Hawaii criminal defense lawyer helps you understand the complex criminal justice system.

Hiring a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Hawaii

Hiring a criminal defense lawyer gives you access to a professional who defends you aggressively. This means you have someone standing beside you when you face the judge. If you are looking to hire a compassionate and committed criminal defense lawyer in Hawaii who is ready to help represent you in court, we have lawyers that are standing by in all areas of law throughout multiple locations in the United States. Get in contact with us today.

What is the Difference Between Parole and Probation?

If you are facing criminal charges in Hawaii, you may have an option for either parole or probation. While their names are similar, these two concepts are vastly different. Your criminal defense attorney can help you understand these alternatives to incarceration.

Probation

Probation is typically an alternative to jail or prison. There are times where a judge may order a defendant to serve probation. If you are on probation, you will be under a certain set of guidelines. Furthermore, there will also likely be strict supervision rules.

Because of this, Hawaii laws are in place to force you to submit to warrantless searches without any probable cause.

When you receive probation, a judge usually will give you an opportunity to show that you have an interest in receiving rehabilitation. Probation in place of an incarceration sentence may not be an option without expert defense, though. Accordingly, to avoid a direct prison sentence you should immediately seek legal advice.

Even though probation does not send you to jail, it usually requires you to follow many of the same conditions that come with serving time in prison. Some of these conditions include participating in rehabilitating programs, following a curfew, and receiving frequent drug testing.

In Hawaii you may be also required to pay restitution, court costs, a fine and any other fees. The length of time you are on.

While there is no mandatory minimum sentence for probation in Hawaii, 18 months is a typical probationary period. However, if a judge hands down a maximum sentence you will serve a 10-year probationary period.

Probation Revoked

If you do not follow the precise instructions a judge gives you, the judge may revoke your probation. This typically results in incarceration. Furthermore, depending on the nature of your violation, you may receive an additional sentence beyond your initial one.

Hawaii has certain conditions you must abide by in order for you to maintain your probation. These include, but aren’t limited to, refraining from committing other crimes, keeping all regular meetings with your probation officer, and notifying the court if you have a change of address. The Hawaii State Legislature has also stated that violating your probation can result in the court revoking it. If this happens the court can impose the original sentence that was handed down before opting for probation. If you violate any part of your probation you may have to come before a judge at The District Court of Hawaii.

Typically, a probation officer manages your probation. This officer monitors your progress and compliance. He or she also files periodic reports with the court. Accordingly, if you do not comply with the terms of your probation, the judge is apt to know. Then he or she may then revoke your probation and send you to jail. A Hawaii criminal defense attorney can help you with probation violations.

Parole

Instead of interacting with a probation officer, parole requires you to report to a parole officer. A parole officer outlines the expectations you are required to meet, as well as the rules of your parole. He or she also monitors your progress and reports back to the court and the parole board.

Parole is the term used to refer to the period of time that comes after a person has been released from incarceration. Just as with probation, there are usually many conditions and safeguards that you must follow during your parole. 

The Hawaii State Paroling Authority instructs each person on parole to submit to certain conditions. These conditions include not committing any new crimes, and not leaving the state without express permission of the court. As well as allowing a parole officer to search or visit your residence at any time without a warrant. Violating these expectations through either action or inaction can lead to more jail time. You will most likely set up meetings with your parole officer at The Parole Authority of Honolulu.

If you violate the terms of your parole, the parole board may require you to finish the remaining time of your sentence. Certain violations, though, may result in additional charges and a longer incarceration time resulting in the need for a Hawaii criminal defense attorney.

Work With an Experienced Local Hawaii Criminal Defense Lawyer

A Hawaii criminal defense attorney works with the prosecuting attorney to determine a beneficial outcome in your criminal case. You may not want to go through the criminal justice process alone. By working together to negotiate an affordable bond or a later plea deal, an experienced criminal defense lawyer uses all available resources and relationships with prosecutors to negotiate the best possible outcome for your criminal defense case. He or she may also help you seek a dismissal of your criminal complaint.

If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges in any state, contact our team to learn how we can connect you with a reputable criminal defense attorney near you. We can even help you connect with an attorney across Hawaii state lines.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!