1. Law Office of Steve Cedillos
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, military criminal defense (courts-martial), federal criminal defense, DUI defense
Case Types Handled: Federal crimes, drug offenses, violent crimes, DUI/OVUII, theft, assault, domestic violence, sex crimes, military offenses, all felonies and misdemeanors
Legal Services: Trial defense in state and federal courts, military courts-martial representation (summary, special, and general), non-judicial punishment hearings, immigration-related criminal defense, appeals, federal grand jury representation
Background: Steve Cedillos has more than 25 years of experience in the criminal justice system as a defense lawyer in Hawaii. He represents service members in military criminal defense cases at all levels of courts-martial. The firm handles cases at the United States District Court for the District of Hawaii (Prince Kuhio Federal Building) and state courts throughout Oahu. The firm provides around-the-clock availability for federal investigations and arrests.
Location: Honolulu, Hawaii
Contact: (808) 201-0496 | https://www.stevecedilloslaw.com
Consultation: Free case evaluation available
2. Michael Fayard, Criminal Defense Attorney
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, DUI/OVUII defense, domestic violence, drug crimes, felony and misdemeanor defense
Case Types Handled: DUI/OVUII, drug offenses, domestic violence, assault, theft, sex crimes, traffic violations, all felonies and misdemeanors
Legal Services: Trial defense, motion practice, arraignment representation, pretrial negotiations, ADLRO (Administrative Driver’s License Revocation Office) hearings, jury trials
Background: Michael Fayard brings experience as both a former Assistant State Attorney in Florida and a former Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in Maui County, Hawaii. This prosecutorial background provides insight into how the State builds cases against defendants. He has achieved criminal charge dismissals and favorable jury verdicts in trials. He represents both Hawaii residents and visitors facing criminal charges on Oahu.
Location: 1050 Queen Street, Suite 100, Honolulu, HI 96814
Contact: (808) 445-6708 | https://808lawhelp.com
Consultation: Free initial consultation available; flat-fee representation offered
3. The Law Office of Kevin O’Grady, LLC
Practice Focus: DUI/OVUII defense, criminal defense, traffic violations
Case Types Handled: DUI/OVUII (Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence of an Intoxicant), felony DUI, drug-related DUI, traffic offenses, all criminal charges in Hawaii
Legal Services: Trial defense, ADLRO hearings (to save driver’s license), DMV proceedings, motion practice, pretrial negotiations, out-of-state visitor defense
Background: Kevin O’Grady has over 25 years of legal experience, with a focus on DUI/OVUII defense in Honolulu and throughout Hawaii. The firm handles both first-time DUI charges and subsequent offenses, including felony DUI charges. The practice emphasizes client communication and keeping clients informed throughout the case process.
Location: Honolulu, Hawaii
Contact: https://www.kevinogradylaw.com
Consultation: Free initial consultation available; available 24/7
4. Law Office of Brian S. Kim
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, DUI/OVUII defense, traffic violations
Case Types Handled: DUI/OVUII, traffic citations, reckless driving, drug offenses, all criminal matters
Legal Services: Trial defense, traffic court representation, pretrial negotiations, motion practice, defense for Hawaii residents and visitors
Background: Brian S. Kim is a former Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for the City and County of Honolulu, providing experience from the prosecution side of the Hawaii criminal justice system. This background offers insight into how prosecutors build their cases and what proof is needed for conviction. The firm serves clients throughout Oahu, including Honolulu, Windward Coast, Central Oahu, Leeward Coast, and the North Shore.
Location: Honolulu, Hawaii
Contact: (808) 796-5735 | https://www.oahulawfirm.com
Consultation: Free consultation available
5. Ganz and Bridges Law Office, LLLC (Military Criminal Defense)
Practice Focus: Military criminal defense exclusively (courts-martial, military investigations, adverse actions)
Case Types Handled: Military felony-level offenses including murder, rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment, child pornography, drug offenses, aggravated assault, larceny, desertion, all courts-martial offenses
Legal Services: Courts-martial representation, military investigation defense, adverse action defense, appeals before military appellate courts, representation of Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen
Background: Mark Bridges served as the U.S. Army’s Chief Trial Judge with a combined ten years of service as a trial judge presiding over court-martial trials. He also served as Staff Judge Advocate for the 25th Infantry Division and U.S. Army, Hawaii, supervising one of the Army’s largest legal offices. Previous assignments include Prosecutor, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney, Appellate Defense Counsel, Chief of Military Justice, and Senior Defense Counsel. The firm has over 40 years of combined military service as Criminal Law Litigators, Trial Judges, and Senior Legal Advisors in the Army. Natanyah Ganz also practices at the firm. The firm is Hawaii-based with worldwide reach for military cases.
Location: Honolulu, Hawaii
Contact: (808) 466-0225 | https://militarycriminaldefender.com
Consultation: Contact office for consultation
Criminal Defense Regulations in Hawaii
Hawaii attorneys must be admitted to the Hawaii State Bar Association, which regulates the practice of law in the state. Bar admission requires passing the Hawaii Bar Examination, passing the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination (MPRE), and meeting character and fitness requirements.
Hawaii does not currently offer board certification or specialty certification for criminal law attorneys through the state bar. Attorneys may indicate areas of practice focus but may not claim specialization without appropriate disclosure.
Hawaii’s Public Defender system operates through the Office of the Public Defender, which provides representation for indigent defendants in criminal cases statewide. Eligibility is determined based on financial need at arraignment or initial appearance.
Hawaii classifies crimes as felonies (Class A, B, or C), misdemeanors, and petty misdemeanors. Class A felonies carry up to 20 years imprisonment without possibility of parole (or an indeterminate term with parole possibility). Class B felonies carry up to 10 years imprisonment. Class C felonies carry up to 5 years imprisonment. Misdemeanors carry up to 1 year in jail. Petty misdemeanors carry up to 30 days in jail. Murder carries mandatory life imprisonment with or without possibility of parole.
Hawaii does not have the death penalty. It was abolished in 1957 before Hawaii became a state.
Hawaii’s speedy trial rule requires that trial commence within 6 months (180 days) of arrest or service of summons for felonies and misdemeanors. The time may be extended for good cause or upon defendant’s request or waiver.
Hawaii’s expungement laws (Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 831) allow expungement of arrest records under limited circumstances. Expungement is available when: charges were not filed, charges were dismissed, the case resulted in acquittal, or a pardon was granted. Conviction records generally cannot be expunged in Hawaii, though the governor may grant pardons. First-time drug offenders who successfully complete a deferred acceptance of guilty plea program may have their cases dismissed and records sealed.
Hawaii attorneys must complete 3 hours of Continuing Legal Education annually (9 hours over 3 years). Attorney advertising is regulated by Hawaii Rules of Professional Conduct Rules 7.1-7.5.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does the Hawaii criminal court process work in Honolulu?
A: After arrest in Honolulu, you will have an initial appearance before a judge within 48 hours (or by the next court day), where bail is set and charges explained. Formal charges are filed by the Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney through Complaint or Grand Jury Indictment. Arraignment follows, where you enter a plea. For felonies, a preliminary hearing may be held to determine probable cause (unless waived or the case was indicted by grand jury). Pretrial conferences address discovery, motions, and potential plea negotiations. Cases are heard at the Circuit Court of the First Circuit (Kaahumanu Hale) for felonies or District Court for misdemeanors and petty misdemeanors. If no resolution is reached, the case proceeds to trial.
Q: What are the penalties for DUI (OVUII) in Hawaii?
A: Hawaii calls DUI “Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence of an Intoxicant” (OVUII). A first OVUII conviction carries: a $250 to $1,000 fine, 72 hours of community service or 48 hours to 5 days in jail, 1-year driver’s license revocation, mandatory substance abuse assessment and treatment, and installation of an ignition interlock device. Second OVUII within 10 years includes: $500 to $1,500 fine, mandatory minimum 5-14 days in jail (or 240 hours of community service), 2-year license revocation, and 1-2 years ignition interlock. Third OVUII within 10 years carries: $500 to $2,500 fine, mandatory minimum 10-30 days in jail, 2-year license revocation, vehicle forfeiture, and 2-3 years ignition interlock. Fourth or subsequent OVUII within 10 years is a Class C felony with up to 5 years imprisonment.
Q: What happens if I am arrested while visiting Hawaii on vacation?
A: If arrested while visiting Hawaii as a tourist, you should: exercise your right to remain silent and request an attorney before police questioning; contact a local Honolulu criminal defense attorney immediately (many handle visitor cases); attend your initial appearance as required (typically within 48 hours); provide your mainland contact information to your attorney and the court; discuss with your attorney whether bail can be posted and what conditions may allow you to return home pending resolution. For many misdemeanor cases, especially first-time offenses like disorderly conduct or petty theft, experienced attorneys may be able to resolve cases relatively quickly or arrange for you to address the matter without multiple return trips. Failure to appear at scheduled court dates will result in a bench warrant. Do not leave Hawaii without understanding your court obligations.
Q: Does Hawaii have pretrial diversion or deferred sentencing programs?
A: Yes. Hawaii offers Deferred Acceptance of Guilty Plea (DAGP) and Deferred Acceptance of No Contest Plea (DANC) under Hawaii Revised Statutes Section 853-1. Under these programs, eligible first-time offenders plead guilty or no contest, but the court defers acceptance of the plea and places the defendant on probation for up to one year (longer for some offenses). If probation is successfully completed, the case is dismissed without a conviction on the record. Eligibility is limited to first-time offenders and excludes certain offenses including violent crimes, sex offenses, and DUI. Hawaii also has specialty courts including Drug Court, Mental Health Court, and Veterans Treatment Court that provide treatment-based alternatives for eligible defendants.
Q: How does the military court-martial process differ from civilian criminal court in Hawaii?
A: Courts-martial are military proceedings governed by the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) and conducted under different procedures than civilian courts. Key differences include: courts-martial do not use civilian juries (instead, panels of military officers and/or enlisted members serve); there are three types of courts-martial (summary, special, and general) with different maximum penalties and procedural protections; military accused have the right to military defense counsel at no cost or may hire civilian defense counsel; offenses may include military-specific crimes (desertion, insubordination, conduct unbecoming) not found in civilian law; and appeals go through the military appellate system rather than state courts. If charged with a civilian offense off-base in Hawaii, you may face both civilian prosecution and potential military administrative or disciplinary action. Service members stationed at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Schofield Barracks, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, or other installations in Hawaii may face court-martial proceedings in the military justice system with its own procedural rules and sentencing guidelines.