The ramifications of a white-collar crime conviction, such as one pertaining to fraud or embezzlement, can be devastating. If prosecutors have their way, your conviction will hit you with a lengthy prison sentence, financially devastating fines and restitution, and...
Criminal Defense
Common rights violations in criminal investigations
When you’re under investigation for criminal wrongdoing, it can feel like law enforcement is bearing down on you to the point that you don’t have any rights. But regardless of how the police act during a criminal investigation, you have legal protections meant to...
Common defenses to fraud charges
Fraud is a common white-collar crime. For a Hawaii businessperson, along with the significant penalties that come with a fraud conviction, a fraud charge can end your career. The general definition of fraud is deceiving or lying to someone for financial or personal...
Seeking an expungement for an arrest or conviction
No one wants a criminal record; however, residents in Hawaii may find themselves faced with an arrest and conviction record that continues to follow them and impact different areas of their life. Removing your criminal history from the equation could aid in employment...
Criminal penalties for involvement with a Ponzi scheme
If you are accused of participating in or leading a Ponzi scheme, you could face significant penalties. This type of offense is known as a white-collar crime and can result in criminal charges. Ponzi scheme overview A Ponzi scheme attracts investors with a promise of...
Common white-collar crimes in Hawaii
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...
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...
