DUI offenders in Hawaii will lose their driver’s license for a minimum of 90 days. The amount of time for the suspension will increase with each offense, particularly in a short period of time. However, you can make choices to ensure you get it back as quickly as possible. What are the suspension penalties? The immediate suspension sentence for a DUI conviction is 90 days for a first-time offender. If the same person commits a second offense within five years of the first DUI, they will lose their license for at least one year. After a third offense within five years of the two previous convic ..read more

As a parent, it is natural for you to worry about your child’s choices, especially regarding underage drinking and driving. Hawaii’s BAC limit for underage drivers is 0.02%, which means the state, essentially, has a zero-tolerance rule for underage drinking and driving. DUI charges can have far-reaching impacts outside of the courtroom, as well. Here are some potential consequences your child could face after a DUI conviction. 1. College admission DUI charges can significantly limit your child’s ability to attend the university of their choice. Depending on the institution’s rules, they may fa ..read more

Drunk driving charges are serious enough for any driver in Hawaii. They can mean harsh penalties and a stained criminal record. However, aggravating factors could make the situation even worse for anyone facing these allegations. What are aggravating factors? A drunk driving charge means a person is accused of operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at or above 0.08 percent. Aggravating factors increase the severity of a criminal charge and the potential penalties if a person is convicted. In other words, they are circumstances that make an alleged DUI even worse. State la ..read more

You likely already know that if you choose to drive after having even just one or two drinks, it is probable that you will face possible DUI charges. However, there are some circumstances that can lead to a DUI arrest even if you are not driving a car. Law enforcement officers are within their rights to charge you with DUI if they have reason to believe that you are about to drive under the influence. By understanding more about these unusual circumstances, you can take steps to avoid a DUI conviction. When can you receive a DUI charge without driving? Sleeping in the driver’s seat with the AC ..read more

Driving under the influence (DUI) offenses can carry serious legal and personal consequences. After the police charge you with a DUI, one of the most common questions is how long it will affect your life. Hawaii takes DUI offenses very seriously and imposes strict penalties on those convicted. If you have a DUI charge in Hawaii, you may wonder how long it will remain on your record. Length of DUI on driving record In Hawaii, a DUI conviction will remain on your driving record for five years. Any time you apply for a new driver’s license or renew your existing one, the DUI conviction will show ..read more

As a parent of a new driver, you hope your teen will drive safely and make good choices every time he or she gets behind the wheel. Many teenagers under 21 partake in the consumption of alcohol in social situations, and while underage drinking is illegal in itself, driving under the influence can have devastating consequences. Zero tolerance Hawaii’s DUI conviction penalties are severe for all drivers, and for underage drinkers operating a motor vehicle or moped, there is zero tolerance. First-time offenders face mandatory alcohol abuse counseling, license revocation, community service and fin ..read more

The DUI court process can be confusing, especially if you have never faced criminal charges before. Unfortunately, a lack of knowledge leads many people to plead guilty without fully understanding their options or the consequences of a guilty plea. Arraignment During the arraignment, you enter a plea of guilty, not guilty or no contest. If you plead guilty or no contest, you will have a DUI charge on your record for five years; this comes with financial and professional costs. If the state has strong evidence against you, you may see no option but to plead guilty. However, you may have options ..read more

During a traffic stop, law enforcement officers can administer breath and field sobriety tests to a driver if they suspect intoxication. These tests can provide evidence that could lead to a DUI arrest. In addition, refusing to take a test could lead to serious legal consequences, including a suspended license. Drivers in Hawaii should be aware of the state’s rules regarding field sobriety and breath tests. Field sobriety testing Police officers assess drivers’ intoxication levels by administering various field sobriety tests. There are three standardized tests that officials typically employ ..read more

It can be a nerve-wracking experience when a police officer pulls you over for a traffic stop. You might worry about receiving a punishment you do not deserve, or conducting yourself inappropriately toward an officer of the law. You can alleviate these concerns by knowing your rights and the overall rules surrounding traffic stops in Hawaii. By understanding these rights, you can respond fittingly to a traffic stop or take action against an officer who infringes upon your rights. Officers must have a reason for the traffic stop An officer of the law cannot pull you over, write a ticket, or con ..read more

A stop for driving under the influence of alcohol is not only likely to ruin your night, but it may also expose you to a variety of legal penalties and life consequences. If you have a blood alcohol concentration at or above 0.08% or refuse a breath test, you typically must surrender your driver’s license. Obviously, you need your driver’s license to get to work, the grocery store, your house of worship or other places. While it is not usually easy, you may be able to get your license back after a DUI stop. Request a hearing If you lose your driver’s license, you may want to request a hea ..read more