Our Criminal Defense Representation in Violent Crime Cases

Law Office of Brian S. Kim engages in a systematic defense process, recognizing that these cases are often built on chaotic event timelines, unreliable eyewitness testimony, and highly emotional statements.

Looking for immediate vulnerabilities: Our priority is to review the state’s file to identify fatal flaws that could justify an immediate dismissal or drop in charges. We independently interview witnesses, request raw police bodycam footage, and audit physical or digital evidence. 

If the evidence shows a lack of intent or fails to meet the statutory definition of the charge, we present these defects directly to the prosecutor or the judge.

Establishing self-defense and mutual combat: Violent encounters are rarely one-sided. We meticulously reconstruct the incident to determine if you acted in lawful self-defense or defense of others. 

In assault cases, we look for evidence of "mutual affray,” proving the encounter was a mutually consensual scuffle, which legally downgrades a full misdemeanor to a minor petty misdemeanor. 

Negotiation based on investigative results: If no dismissal, we negotiate using the data uncovered during our investigation. We fight to negotiate high-tier felonies down to non-violent misdemeanors or secure alternative resolutions to protect your record.

Trial execution: Courtroom litigation is our strongest asset. If the prosecution acts unreasonably and refuses to offer a fair reduction, our trial preparation takes over. As a former Honolulu Deputy Prosecutor, Attorney Kim spent years building complex felony and violent crime cases for the state. He understands how to cross-examine witnesses, expose inconsistencies in forensic testimony, and aggressively advocate for your innocence before a jury.

Understanding Violent Crimes & Penalties Under Hawaii Law

The Hawaii Penal Code classifies offenses against the person solely based on the severity of the alleged harm, the presence of a weapon, and the relationship between the parties. These charges carry severe statutory boundaries and are typically tried in the First Circuit Court (Kaʻahumanu Hale).