Harrison Law Center, A Law Corporation

Call For A Consultation     808-501-0408

Harrison Law Center, A Law Corporation

Call For A Consultation     808-501-0408

Harrison Law Center, A Law Corporation

Looking To Avoid An Endless Trial? Schedule A Free Consultation Today.

A Honolulu Criminal Defense Lawyer Serving All Of Hawai‘i

A criminal conviction can affect not only your current status in life but your future as well. Depending on the severity of the crime you are charged with, you could lose your job, your freedom for a significant period of time, and future opportunities.

I am attorney Bill Harrison. For over 40 years, I have zealously defended clients in state, federal, military and appellate courts. I have also earned multiple forms of national recognition for my skills and results. When you trust Harrison Law Center, A Law Corporation, with your legal representation, I will be your advocate through each stage of the legal process, working tirelessly to protect your constitutional rights and look out for your best interests.

If you are on O’ahu, Mau’i, Kaua’i, Moloka’i, or any island of the state, and you are in need of criminal defense representation, contact my Honolulu office today to schedule a free consultation: 808-501-0408.

Challenging Misdemeanor And Felony Charges

If you are convicted of a crime in Hawai‘i, you may face fines, probation, community service and imprisonment. To preserve your freedom and future, it is crucial to get help to defend your case in the strongest possible manner. I have extensive experience defending individuals facing a broad range of criminal charges in state and federal court, including:

Depending on the crime, you can face substantial consequences if convicted. The penalties for being convicted on criminal charges (for both misdemeanors and felonies) can include a combination of heavy fines and varying lengths of jail time. If you have been arrested or indicted and charged with a crime, it is important to seek help from an experienced criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible.

Other Criminal Defense Services

In addition to defending clients in criminal trials and negotiating with prosecutors, I also help clients address other aspects of their interactions with the criminal justice system, including:

  • Seeking early termination of probation
  • Requesting a supervised release from jail
  • Expunging (sealing) a criminal record
  • Sealing electronic criminal records
  • Removing fingerprints
  • Filing an appeal

Some defense lawyers don’t care what happens to their clients when the case is finished. I care a great deal, and I try to do everything I can to help you repair what was damaged as a result of your charges, whether that’s your community reputation or your ability to pass an employment background check.

Experience Handling High-Profile Cases

Throughout my career, I have appeared on numerous local media outlets in connection with my representation of clients in high-profile cases. I know how to use media attention to my clients’ advantage. Through public statements, I can often counteract some of the negative publicity surrounding cases. Additionally, as a result of the publicity, I have been able to convince local bail bondsmen to discount their rates in high-profile cases. These are just a few of the ways I work to help clients maintain some control over the media limelight.

Why Do You Need A Criminal Defense Attorney?

Experience and preparation are essential elements of a criminal defense case. Facing the justice system or your criminal charges by yourself is ill-advised and will leave you open to the most severe penalties associated with your crime. Instead, you should work with a skilled criminal defense attorney to pursue a more favorable outcome.

When you are brought in for questioning, I can help you filter the information you disclose to the police. Remember, anything you say can and will be used against you in court. If you are charged with a crime, I will work to seek pretrial resolutions to the case, such as motions to dismiss.

If your matter proceeds to trial, I will call on my network of investigative experts and their litigation support team to prepare a solid defense strategy. At trial, I will strive to minimize your exposure, eliminate counts of charges and reduce any potential jail time as much as possible.

When Do You Need A Honolulu Criminal Lawyer?

Many people make the mistake of waiting to seek representation until well after charges have been filed. The truth is that an experienced attorney can start protecting your rights and building your defense from the moment they are hired. Ideally, you will contact a skilled attorney at the first sign of trouble, whether that’s right after being arrested or even while you are under investigation. Put simply: The sooner you call me, the more defense options you may preserve.

Know Your Rights Following An Arrest

Police and prosecutors will work hard to see that you are convicted. When you or a loved one is charged with a crime, know your rights, and find an attorney who will aggressively protect your interests.

Your rights when placed under arrest are as follows:

  • You have the right to remain silent.
  • You have the right to an attorney present during police questioning.
  • You have the right to be protected against improper search and seizure.
  • You have the right to a trial before a judge and jury.

Law enforcement is required to inform you of these rights in what’s called a “Miranda warning.” If they didn’t, you may have strong grounds for challenging the charges.

What Are The Risks Of Accepting A Plea Deal Without An Attorney?

You might think that the evidence against you is too strong and that you have no choice but to plead guilty. If that’s the case, you reason, why would you spend money on a criminal defense lawyer?

First of all, you should never assume you are out of options before an attorney who works for you has examined the details of your case. It may not be nearly as “airtight” as prosecutors would like you to believe. Additionally, working with a skilled defense lawyer is beneficial even if you do plan to plead guilty. Your attorney can almost certainly negotiate a more favorable plea deal than the one being offered by prosecutors. I also take the time to counsel my clients on what it would mean for them to accept any plea deal. The potential sentence may not seem bad, but there are likely to be downsides you haven’t considered. This is one of many reasons why you need an attorney.

What Should You Look For In A Hawai‘i Criminal Defense Attorney?

The first quality you want in a lawyer is experience – including years in practice and time spent in court. I have more than four decades of legal experience, as well as a strong track record of success in and out of the courtroom. Next, look for honesty and transparency. Many attorneys make extravagant promises about the results they can deliver. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. When you work with my firm, I set expectations upfront about what is possible in your case and what isn’t.

Finally, I urge potential clients not to be distracted by lawyers who claim to be “aggressive.” It’s important for your attorney to be committed to you and your case, but aggressiveness often does more harm than good. It alienates judges, juries and prosecutors. Instead, look for an attorney who is calm and professional, and who understands that these traits are far more likely to produce positive results.

Don’t Delay Getting Started With A Strong Defense

In order to understand your legal options, it is imperative that you contact a knowledgeable criminal defense firm as soon as possible. Get started today with a free and confidential consultation: Call 808-501-0408 or contact my firm online.