A Former Prosecutor Defending You From Honolulu Drunk Driving Charges
If the state of Hawaii has charged you with driving under the influence (DUI), your situation is urgent – but not hopeless. At the Law Office of Brian S. Kim, we offer effective criminal defense representation, giving you a stronger chance of avoiding the harsh consequences of a drunk driving conviction.
We are a trusted legal team for people accused of drunk driving and other offenses in Honolulu and throughout Oahu. Founding attorney Brian S. Kim is the former deputy prosecutor for Honolulu County. Having handled drunk driving cases from both sides, he uses his knowledge to achieve positive results for clients facing DUIs.
The Experience To Handle All Types Of DUI Cases In Oahu
Our DUI lawyers in Honolulu can defend you, whether it is your first DUI charge or whether you have previous DUIs on your record. We will tenaciously seek out the facts that cast doubt on the state’s case against you, scrutinizing evidence from police reports, chemical tests, field sobriety tests and other sources.
We can also help you handle any interactions with the Hawaii ADLRO (Administrative Driver’s License Revocation Office). While the ADLRO in Hawaii is responsible for the administration of state driving penalties, it also provides the documents required for you to drive on a limited basis after a license revocation. Whether you need to attend a hearing related to your driving privileges or obtain a permit needed to drive, our Honolulu DUI accident lawyers will stand by your side.
We have more than 15 collective years of experience successfully defending clients from DUI charges of all levels of severity. Let us help you.
We Know How To Mitigate The Penalties
In Hawaii, judges have considerable discretion in imposing punishments for drunk driving cases. Many judges are willing to work with defense attorneys and district attorneys to offer lighter sentences or diversionary programs to offenders.
You can benefit significantly from having a Hawaii DUI attorney like Brian S. Kim on your side who knows how to present your case in the most compelling light. No matter the strength of the state’s case against you, we will work tenaciously to help mitigate or outright eliminate the lasting damage this serious charge has on your life.
Get The Answers You Need About Hawaii DUIs
The Law Office of Brian S. Kim is a reputable criminal defense law firm serving the people of Honolulu and Oahu. Our Hawaii DUI attorneys bring more than 15 combined years of experience to the firm. As a former prosecutor, our founder, attorney Brian S. Kim, has in-depth knowledge of the law from the other side.
If you have questions about the drunk driving charges you face, you can come to us.
What can I expect to face with a first-time DUI in Oahu?
The sentences for a DUI conviction, even your first DUI, are harsh. They can include:
- At least $500 in fines and up to $1,000 in fines
- Up to five days in jail
- Three days (72 hours) of community service
- A 14-day rehabilitation program
You may also experience unexpected de facto consequences, such as loss of educational opportunities, losing out on jobs and limited housing options.
Do I really need a lawyer for my DUI charge in Hawaii?
You have the right to represent yourself in court. However, this is not always wise and hiring a DUI lawyer in Hawaii is your best bet. Judges in Hawaii have a lot of discretion when it comes to assigning sentences. Your best chance of receiving a light sentence – or even of getting your charge dismissed – is to have a drunk driving defense lawyer who understands how to work with judges and the DA, or prosecutor.
A drunk driving defense lawyer can also assist with matters involving the Administrative Driver’s License Revocation Office, usually called the ADLRO in Hawaii. Issues the Hawaii ADLRO is responsible for in drunk driving cases include:
- Reviews and hearings regarding people’s driving privileges (and the subsequent decisions)
- Issuing special permits to people who need to drive while their license is revoked
- Keeping records related to license revocation
With a DUI attorney from Honolulu by your side, these administrative processes will likely be easier to handle.
What are the penalties associated with a second DUI offense in Oahu?
The sentence for each consecutive DUI is more severe than the one prior. For instance, the punishment for a second DUI conviction may include:
- Fines between $1,000 and $3,000
- Community service of up to 240 hours
- License revocation between two and three years
- Jail time of five to 30 days
A subsequent offense will include even higher fines, greater community service hours and longer incarceration periods.
What happens if I refuse to take a blood alcohol content test in Hawaii?
By operating a vehicle, you give your implied consent to take a blood alcohol content (BAC) test. If you refuse to take such a test, the state can revoke your driver’s license for two to four years.
Do I need to install an ignition interlock device on my vehicle for my DUI?
If you are convicted of a DUI in Hawaii, you may be required to install an ignition interlock device (IID) on your vehicle. An IID may be ordered by a judge as part of your sentence, especially if you refuse a breath or blood test. It might also be ordered as a condition of obtaining restricted driving privileges during your period of license suspension (often called a hardship license).
This device is essentially a breathalyzer test connected to your vehicle, and it doesn’t allow the vehicle to start unless the driver can pass. The IID must be installed at your own expense, and you will need to use it for a specified period determined by the court.
Can I refuse a field sobriety test if I am pulled over for suspected drunk driving in Hawaii?
In Hawaii, you have the right to refuse field sobriety testing if you are pulled over for suspected drunk driving, and your refusal cannot be used against you in court. However, you might still be arrested for drunk driving based on other evidence the officer observes.
Get Legal Help For Your DUI – Contact Our Oahu Office For A Free Consultation
You don’t have to accept a potentially damaging outcome from your DUI arrest without a fight. To learn how a DUI attorney in Honolulu can help you fight drunk driving charges, contact our office by sending us an email or by calling 808-796-5735. We provide free consultations.