If you have heard of someone getting in trouble with the law or have been there yourself, you might have heard about felonies and misdemeanors. But what exactly are they? How are they different in Hawaii? Let’s break it down. The big stuff: felonies Felonies are the...
An arrest can upend life as you know it. You could find yourself behind bars, even if only temporarily, and the news of the event can negatively impact your employment and your relationships with your loved ones. But at the time of your arrest and the minutes, hours,...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...