Criminal Law

Mental health problems can greatly affect how someone behaves and deals with the legal system. Issues like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder can make it hard for a person to understand the charges against them or help in their own defense, which is their basic right....

Not all confessions are actual admissions of guilt. Some can be confessions made under duress or in hopes that one can get leniency or shorter release if they admit to a crime they did not do. Here are some key points about false confessions that may lead to a...

A criminal conviction, regardless of its nature, can be an overwhelming experience. You might believe the legal process is over, but that may not always be true. U.S. law, including Hawaii's, offers options for defendants even after a conviction. Your attorney can...

Expungement is a legal process in which an individual convicted of a crime can seek the removal of their criminal record from state databases. Basically, this means that the criminal record will no longer exist, so to speak. The public will not be able to access or...

Forensic accounting reviews financial records to find fraud, embezzlement, or other crimes. In embezzlement cases, forensic accountants uncover and make sense of the financial issues in question. How forensic accounting helps in embezzlement cases Forensic accountants...

Self-defense is a legal defense used by individuals accused of violent crimes to justify their actions. In Hawaii, claiming self-defense means that the accused admits to committing the act but argues that it was necessary to protect themselves from imminent harm. This...

Facing a felony conviction is overwhelming, and the prospect of appealing the decision can add to the stress. However, the emergence of new evidence can offer a lifeline. This type of evidence could potentially overturn a conviction if it significantly impacts the...

Having a criminal record can limit your opportunities in life, from employment to housing to education. Fortunately, Hawaii offers options for clearing your criminal record. Sealing and expunging criminal records The first step in clearing your criminal record is...

Entrapment is a complex and often misunderstood concept in the legal system of Hawaii. Understanding entrapment can help individuals grasp the legal defense and recognize the balance the law strives to maintain between deterring crime and protecting individual rights....

Arson, the act of intentionally setting fire to property, is a serious offense that can result in severe consequences. In Hawaii, the laws surrounding arson are strict and designed to protect both property and lives. Knowing when the police can charge you with arson...