Felony charges in Hawaii can flip your entire life upside down. You’re not just facing time behind bars; you’re dealing with fines, parole, and a record that follows you around. What happens after a felony arrest isn’t simple, and prosecutors aim to make things even harder.
Felony classes and their penalties
Hawaii divides felonies into Class A, B, and C. Class A felonies bring up to 20 years in prison, Class B can mean up to 10, and Class C carries up to 5. On top of that, fines can reach $50,000, depending on the charge. Some offenses, like first-degree murder, result in life without parole.
What does this mean for you? Even the lowest-level felony puts your freedom at risk, and if you have a prior conviction, the penalties can increase fast. That’s why sentencing in Hawaii hits harder than many expect.
How prosecutors build their case
Prosecutors in Hawaii work to secure the maximum penalty. They stack charges, push for mandatory minimums, and argue against probation. If you’re charged with more than one felony, you can expect the state to try combining them to increase your exposure to prison time.
Prosecutors also use plea deals to their advantage. You might be pressured into pleading to something harsher than necessary just to avoid trial risk. Without someone fighting back, those tactics can land you with the harshest outcome.
How parole and probation work
Hawaii uses indeterminate sentencing, meaning that the judge sets a max sentence, but the Hawaii Paroling Authority decides the minimum. That means your actual prison time can vary, but it depends on how the board sees your case. Probation is possible for lower-level felonies, but it comes with strict conditions—and any violation can send you straight to prison.
Why sentencing outcomes matter
A felony conviction follows you; it affects jobs, housing, and more. Prosecutors aim to leave a mark that’s hard to erase. You need to know what’s at stake and understand how the system works.
The system isn’t built to give you the benefit of the doubt; prosecutors want convictions, and sentencing laws work in their favor. That’s why having a skilled criminal defense attorney by your side can make all the difference. Someone who understands the law can challenge unfair charges and protect your future.