When police ask you to show your identification, what do you do? Do you have to comply? The answer depends on why you are interacting with the police. Consensual police encounters If a police officer casually approaches you and engages with you in a consensual...
Criminal Defense
Why you shouldn’t talk to the police in your white-collar case
A white-collar crime charge can threaten your future in more ways than one. If convicted, you could face extensive incarceration, irreparable harm to your career and reputation, and penalties that leave on the precipice of financial ruin. To avoid those outcomes, you...
Know the facts when facing allegations of money laundering
A key part of fighting any criminal charge or knowing when to consider a plea agreement is knowing the crime itself and its potential penalties. For those who have been charged with money laundering, it is imperative to know the law from the outset. What is money...
Addressing an accusation of mortgage fraud
Recently, many potential homeowners are finding that there is a limited inventory of houses and those that are available may not fit within their budget. Even with these obstacles, it is important to be honest on a mortgage application. If a buyer commits mortgage...
Should I take a plea deal?
If you face criminal charges in Hawaii, you may wonder whether you should take a plea deal or go to trial. A plea deal is an agreement between a defendant and a prosecutor, win which the defendant pleads guilty to a lesser charge for a reduced sentence in exchange for...
Should you have a bench trial or a jury trial?
When you’re charged with a criminal offense, you’ll likely have the ability to resolve your case through a plea bargain. But if you want your day in court to force the prosecution to present its case against you, you need to be prepared for trial. While this certainly...
Can Hawaiians refuse a breathalyzer test?
If you are pulled over by a police officer here and suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you may wonder if you have to take a breathalyzer test. The answer is not simple in Hawaii. Breathalyzer tests Breathalyzer test results are used to...
Does expungement actually help?
If you have ever been arrested or charged with a crime in Hawaii, at some point, you will wonder how it affects your future. Hawaii law allows some people to expunge their arrest records, which means removing them from public view and access. Expungement can help you...
Sextortion committed using artificial intelligence on the rise
Some people, especially minors, do not always practice Internet safety and are easily manipulated. They do not know who to trust, and they might be inclined to give in to pressure brought upon them by others. These people can find themselves the victims of sextortion...
Creating a strong defense against sex crime allegations
Allegations of any crime could impact your life personally and professionally. This is especially true when faced with charges for a sex crime. Whether you are a resident of Hawaii or a tourist, it is important to understand your defense options. Because the penalties...