DUI Defense Built on Real Courtroom Experience

Serving Oahu, HI Since 2011

Sex Crime Defense in Oahu

A Former Honolulu Prosecutor Defends You at Every Stage

Sex crime allegations often depend on disputed accounts, electronic communications, forensic material, or evidence collected during an online investigation. At Law Office of Brian S. Kim, I defend Oahu residents and visitors who are under investigation or have been charged with a sex offense.

My approach is informed by my prior work as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for the City and County of Honolulu. I have more than 20 years of legal experience and have been licensed to practice in Hawaii since 2009. That background helps me assess how prosecutors may view the evidence, where legal challenges may arise, and which options fit the case’s current posture.

Call (808) 207-7192 for a free initial case review and to discuss the next step in your defense.

What to Do When an Oahu Sex Crime Investigation Begins

You don’t have to wait for prosecutors to file charges before speaking with a defense attorney. I represent people after an allegation, police contact, arrest, summons, or notice that an investigation is underway.

An early review can address the accusation, the available evidence, and communications with law enforcement before a charging decision or court appearance. It can also identify digital evidence that requires close examination and legal issues that may affect how the case proceeds.

Office and virtual consultations are available. During the initial review, I can explain the known allegations and immediate legal considerations without assuming the investigation will lead to a particular charge or outcome.

How can we help you?

“Thanks to his hard work, we had a great outcome.”
“We’re incredibly thankful to Lawyer Brian Kim for the amazing job he did representing our son.”

- Satisfied Client
“Communication was clear and professional, and I’m very happy with the outcome.”
“I had a great experience working with Mr. Kim after receiving a speeding ticket while visiting Honolulu.”

- Logan S.
“Brian is Awesome.”
“Very easy-going and handled everything like a true professional.”

- Tory W.
“10/10, Thank you for your help, Brian-J.S”
“Brian was quick to respond, professional and got the ticket taken care of.”

- Inaha M.
“Hiring Brian was the best decision I made.”
“I could not be happier that I trusted Brian for my case in Maui County.”

- Ryan T.
“100% recommend.”
“I was able to get my case dismissed without having to be in court.”

- Satisfied Customer
“I was satisfied with the outcome of my case!”
“Highly recommend him to friends and family!”

- JD
“They will help you with your problems and make them go away.”
“This was an amazing relief and amazing work by the Brian Kim Office, I highly recommend anyone dealing with traffic or speeding lawsuits.”

- Jalen Y.

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Hawaii Sex Offenses & Potential Sentences

Hawaii law divides sexual assault into four degrees. The alleged conduct and offense degree determine whether the charge is classified as a felony or misdemeanor and the potential period of incarceration.

Sexual Assault Charges & Sentencing Exposure

Potential sentencing exposure includes:

First degree: A Class A felony punishable by a 20-year indeterminate prison term, without suspension of sentence or probation.
Second degree: A Class B felony carrying a court-imposed maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment.
Third degree: A Class C felony carrying a maximum sentence of five years’ imprisonment.
Fourth degree: A misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail.

Conduct commonly described as statutory rape is prosecuted under Hawaii’s sexual assault laws rather than as a separately named offense. The applicable degree depends on the allegations and the statutory elements prosecutors claim are present.

Other Sex-Related Offenses in Hawaii

Sex-related allegations can also lead to charges outside the sexual assault statutes.

Related Hawaii offenses include:

Electronic enticement
Computer exploitation crimes
Prostitution-related offenses
Sex trafficking
Public lewdness
Indecent exposure

Each offense has distinct elements and potential consequences. The exact exposure depends on the charge, alleged facts, criminal history, and sentencing considerations permitted by Hawaii law.

Defense of Digital Evidence, Sting Allegations & Criminal Charges

I examine how investigators obtained, preserved, and interpreted digital evidence. If electronic material was obtained unlawfully, I can ask the court to suppress it or pursue dismissal when the legal and factual circumstances support that approach.

Online sting allegations require careful review of the complete communications and the conduct attributed to law enforcement. I assess whether entrapment may apply, including whether the government improperly induced conduct that a person wasn’t otherwise predisposed to commit.

Charge negotiations are another part of my sex crime defense work. When supported by the evidence and legal posture, I negotiate to reduce mandatory-prison felony charges to non-registrable offenses or minor misdemeanors. Any negotiated resolution depends on the allegations, available defenses, prosecution’s position, and procedural history.

If a case proceeds to trial, I focus my preparation on the prosecution’s burden of proof, the admissibility and reliability of its evidence, witness testimony, and defenses supported by the facts.

Discuss Your Case in a Free Initial Review

A free initial case review allows you to discuss an allegation, investigation, or filed charge directly with me. Contact me at Law Office of Brian S. Kim to arrange an office or virtual consultation.

Call (808) 207-7192 to discuss your sex crime defense in Oahu.

Covered-Offender Registration Under Hawaii Law

A conviction for nearly any felony-grade sex offense in Hawaii triggers registration under Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 846E. Registration periods can range from 10 years to life, depending on the conviction and assigned tier.

Tier 3 covered offenders generally must register for life. This tier generally includes people convicted of certain forms of sexual assault in the first, second, or third degree. Because registration consequences can extend far beyond incarceration or probation, they must be considered when assessing charges and possible negotiated resolutions.

Information in a searchable public database can include:

Identifying information
Residential information
Employment information
Vehicle information

Covered offenders must comply with applicable reporting and verification requirements. Failure to comply with Hawaii’s covered-offender registration requirements is itself a Class C felony.

On Oahu, in-person covered-offender registration is handled through the Honolulu Police Department Records Division or by appointment with the State of Hawaii Attorney General’s Investigative Division. The requirements in a particular case depend on the qualifying conviction and registration classification.

How Oahu Sex Crime Cases Move Through Court

A sex crime case may begin with an investigation before an arrest, summons, or formal charge. After charges are filed, the process can include court appearances, negotiations, evidentiary motions, trial, and sentencing or another resolution.

Misdemeanor criminal cases are heard in Honolulu District Court, while felony cases proceed in the First Circuit Court. The path varies because the charge level, custody status, disputed evidence, and pretrial motions can affect the sequence and timing.

Hawaii eliminated the statute of limitations for sexual assault in the first or second degree and continuous sexual assault of a minor when the alleged offense was committed after 2014. A statute of limitations is the period within which prosecutors ordinarily must begin a criminal case. Different rules may apply to other alleged offenses or conduct from an earlier period.

The allegations, evidence, legal issues, and procedural history shape whether a case ends in dismissal, a reduced charge, a negotiated resolution, trial, or sentencing.

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Why Choose Law Office of Brian S. Kim?

Free Initial Consultation
Get clear answers about your legal options at no cost. Speak directly with an experienced defense attorney and learn how we can help protect your future.
Former Prosecutor Advantage
Benefit from the unique insight of attorney Brian S. Kim, a former Honolulu deputy prosecuting attorney who understands how prosecutors build cases and how to challenge them effectively.
Dedicated Criminal & DUI Defense
Whether you're facing DUI, drug charges, assault allegations, theft accusations, or other criminal offenses, we fight aggressively to protect your rights and future.
Traffic Ticket & License Protection
From speeding and reckless driving citations to serious traffic violations, we work to minimize penalties and help you keep your driving privileges.

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