A white-collar crime accusation or charge can impact your life in many ways. Because white-collar crime is different from many everyday violent crimes we often hear about, you may not believe a white-collar crime charge should be taken as seriously, but that is not...
Year: 2023
Federal sex abuse laws and sexual assault laws in Hawaii
Whether it is in a news story or the plot of a movie, society is well acquainted with the severity and frequency of sex crimes occurring across all demographics. In Hawaii, like all states, sex crimes are treated seriously not only because of the crime itself but...
How speaking with law enforcement can shape your case
We have all heard the line “you have the right to remain silent.” As many of our readers in Hawaii might know, this is supposed to be stated by law enforcement officers to criminal suspects as part of the “Miranda Rights” – a warning that, if suspects do not remain...
Sealing your criminal records with an expungement
Your past, good or bad, has the tendency to impact your present and future. While your past accomplishments could help you with your career and advancements in life, a prior criminal record could impede or prevent your professional and educational objectives. Because...
Do I have to show my ID to the police in Hawaii?
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...
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...