Under the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, you are entitled to personal privacy and protected from government intrusion, but there are certain circumstances when police officers are allowed to search you, your car, premises, or other property. This article explores what makes a police stop illegal and the limitations police have when it comes to stopping, search, and seizure. […]
When Police Stops/Seizures Are Illegal
How to Legally Defend Yourself Against an Attacker
The law entitles you to defend yourself, others, and your property from attack. However, you should be aware of when you are legally permitted to use force and how much force you are allowed to use so you don’t find yourself facing criminal charges. When is force justified in Hawaii? A person is allowed to use self-defense when they believe that such […]
Hawaii’s Prison System
Hawaii is a tropical paradise, consistently ranked as one of the happiest, healthiest states to live. Despite this, there is still crime, and crime leads to punishment, sometimes in the form of a prison cell. The Hawaii prison system includes four prisons and four jails, plus a contract private prison in Arizona. The state prisons include Halawa Correctional Facility, Waiawa […]
Temporary Restraining Order
A temporary restraining order can be issued against you either by a District Court Judge or a Family Court Judge. In either case the Judge is permitted to temporarily restrain you from contacting certain people and/or going to certain places. Due to the restrictive nature of this temporary order a hearing must be conducted within a certain time period to […]
Public Defender Vs. Criminal Defense Attorney
According to the Sixth Amendment, a defendant has a constitutional right to be represented by an attorney during trial. It also means that if the defendant cannot afford an attorney, a public defender will be paid by the government to handle the case. For anyone facing criminal charges who can afford an attorney, the question, “Is it worth it to […]
Hawaii Prisons and Jails Are Bursting
Hawaii’s prisons and jails have been overcrowded for years. The situation is especially dire at neighbor island correctional facilities, where jails are at least 50 percent over capacity and can have up to four people in a room. Hawaii Community Correctional Center is more than 85 percent over capacity. Built 43 years ago with only 22 beds, HCCC added 200 […]
The Administrative Driver’s License Revocation Office (ADLRO)
The ADLRO is responsible for: Nestled in the heart of the Pacific, ADLRO Hawaii beckons with its pristine landscapes, vibrant culture, and an enchanting blend of tradition and modernity. As we delve into the secrets of this tropical haven, let’s explore why ADLRO Hawaii stands out and why it’s a must-visit destination for those seeking an unforgettable experience. Unveiling the […]
Know Your Legal Rights: DUI Checkpoints
Are DUI Checkpoints Legal in Hawaii? In a DUI checkpoint, also referred to as a sobriety checkpoint or DUI roadblock, police officers stop vehicles, often using a sequence such as every fourth vehicle, to investigate whether the driver shows signs of alcohol or drug impairment. Normally, law enforcement must have probable cause to stop a vehicle, and because these roadblocks […]
Resource Listing for Hawaii Paroling Authority
The parole system was adopted to protect the community and help reintegrate an inmate back into society by establishing appropriate minimum terms of imprisonment, granting, denying, and revoking parole, as well as supervising the person on parole. The Hawaii Paroling Authority makes formal parole decisions for Hawaii inmates. What is Hawaii Paroling Authority? Parole is when a convicted felon is […]