If you're facing felony charges in Hawaii, the outcome depends on more than just the charge itself. The court may add "enhancement" factors that increase your sentence after a conviction. These factors make the penalties tougher and affect everything from prison time...
Paving The Way To Justice
Paving The Way To Justice
Felonies
How does Hawaii sentence felony offenders?
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...
Is it possible to reduce a felony to a misdemeanor?
In most cases, prosecutors classify crimes as a felony or misdemeanor. However, there are certain types of offenses that can be charged as either a felony or misdemeanor, depending on the circumstances of the crime. These are wobbler offenses, also known as...
Should you take a polygraph exam when facing felony charges?
When police accuse someone of a crime, it can create a whirlwind of confusion and fear. Among the daunting decisions during this stressful time is whether to take a lie detector test. The idea behind a polygraph is simple: it measures physiological responses like...
How do you know when to accept a plea deal?
When you face criminal allegations, you must consider how you want to defend yourself against the accusations. The outcomes may be more unpredictable once the case moves to trial, mainly if the prosecution makes a strong case. Typically, before trial, the prosecution...
What is a felony?
When it comes to breaking the law, not all offenses are equal. In the United States, a felony is the most serious crime felonies. Committing a felony not only implies prison time, but it can also affect other aspects of a convict's life. For example, in 2020, close to...
Can you get a job with a felony conviction on your record?
Few things in life have the potential to cause you more consternation than a criminal prosecution. After all, depending on the severity of the charges you are facing, you eventually might lose your freedom, pay stiff fines and encounter other consequences. If your...
What happens if Hawaii sex offenders fail to register?
When you receive a criminal conviction in Hawaii for a sexually based offense, you have an obligation to register with the state as a sex offender. Chapter 846E-1 outlines exactly who the state considers to be a sex offender and the types of offenses that might land...
What do the terms with and without prejudice mean?
Terminology used in the courtrooms can and does often confuse most average people. For example, a judge can dismiss a case with or without prejudice. But what do these terms mean? Do either have any particular advantages for you? Dismissal without prejudice According...
What makes drug possession a felony?
Getting hit with a drug charge may send you to jail or prison. One factor in how the court proceeds is whether or not the crime elevates to a felony charge. Felony drug charges may come with much stiffer penalties. However, not all drug crimes are equal, and not all...