DUI Penalties

Hawaii DUI Penalties

Get Defense for your Hawaii DUI Today

Any type of criminal conviction can be life-changing. In situations involving DUIs and other drunk driving-related offenses, however, you could be facing repercussions on multiple levels. Unlike other criminal matters, DUI offenses will require two hearings: one in the criminal courts and another hearing with Hawaii's Administrative Driver's License Revocation Office.

If you have been arrested for DUI in Honolulu, your case will be time-sensitive. You could only have a limited amount of time to request a hearing with the ADLRO. I, Attorney Kevin O'Grady, have 25+ years of legal experience and am a member of the National College for DUI Defense. I know how to protect your rights, driving privileges, and freedoms.

Learn how I can help you beat your DUI charge in Hawaii by calling The Law Office of Kevin O'Grady, LLC at (808) 521-3367 now!

DUI Convictions in Hawaii Are Costly

Because the stakes can be incredibly high in DUI cases, it will be imperative that you work with a skilled Honolulu DUI attorney as soon as possible. Even first time-offenders could be faced with serious consequences, including a permanent criminal record. DUI convictions in Hawaii carry the following penalties:

Hawaii DUI First Offense

Maximum fines of $1,000 plus other mandatory court cost

Driver's license revocation for up to 1 year

Jail is authorized and the judge may impose it within his discretion

Installation of an Ignition Interlock Device to operate your vehicle during the license revocation period

Alcohol assessment and treatment

Community service

Second offense

  • Not less than 240 hours of community service work OR not less than 5 days but not more than 30 days of imprisonment, of which at least 48 hours shall be served consecutively
  • Revocation of license to operate a vehicle for no less than two years but no more than three years
  • A fine of no less than $1,000 but no more than $3,000

Third offense

  • Class C Felony!
  • Up to 5 years imprisonment

How Long Does a DUI Stay on Your Record in Hawaii?

In Hawaii, a DUI conviction will remain on your criminal record and driving record for 5 years. The five-year period starts on the date of the sentence, rather than the date of the incident.

Additionally, Hawaii does have a look-back period for DUI convictions. The look-back period is 5 years and any prior DUI convictions within the past 5 years will be considered in determining the sentence for subsequent DUI convictions. Therefore, if a prior conviction for a DUI is more than 5 years before the present offense, the present DUI will be treated like a first-time offense.

It's important to note that if you are convicted of a second or subsequent DUI offense, you may face more severe penalties than if it were your first conviction. Furthermore, if you are charged with an aggravated felony DUI, which is defined as a third or fourth DUI conviction within 5 years, the potential penalties can include significant jail time and fines.

Hawaii DUI Penalties for Real Estate Agents

Besides incarceration, fines, license revocation, and other serious penalties, Hawaii real estate professionals face extra consequences: Extra fines and serious embarrassment. Hawaii’s real estate commission not only penalizes agents who got a DUI conviction with added fines, but also includes their name in the commission’s bulletin for all colleagues to access.

You may never escape the burden associated with your DUI charge, as it remains online indefinitely.

This is a humiliating punishment because all Hawaii real estate agents can see their colleagues’ criminal activity, including DUI. Usually, the commission’s DUI fine is about $500 per offense, but can increase to $2,000 for multiple convictions and/or not truthfully disclosing the respective crime. Essentially, you won’t just suffer a DUI conviction. You’ll also face the stereotypes, shame and lack of credibility from your professional peers.

The public, including your colleagues, can see the following details in the “Administrative Actions” section of the bulletin:

  • name
  • case number
  • conviction date
  • statute violation
  • sanctions
  • crime description

I Don’t Take the Easy Way Out: Depend on Me to Fight

You owe it to yourself to defend your rights, reputation and career by entrusting The Law Office of Kevin O'Grady, LLC with your case. I don’t take short cuts by immediately seeking a plea deal. When you retain me, you can depend on my determination and diligence to benefit your DUI case because I tirelessly persist in court. I see you as a person and not just a case number. As such, I can aggressively advocate for your best interests from start to finish rather than cutting corners and negotiating a plea deal right away, like you see other law firms doing.

To avoid public embarrassment and extra fines, you must be extra cautious and prevent a DUI conviction at all costs, or you may permanently damage your professional and personal reputation. Thus, it is more important than ever to retain a Honolulu DUI attorney who obtains well-rounded experience and legal insight to develop an effective defense on your behalf. I look forward to championing your rights and peace of mind.

Former Prosecutor & Military Experience

Whether you are currently facing a Hawaii DUI first-time offense or have been arrested for multiple offenses, you deserve committed advocacy by a devoted legal professional. You need a Honolulu DUI lawyer who not only understands what is at stake in your case – but does everything possible to ensure the protection of your rights, interests, and freedoms.

Some of my former legal experience includes:

  • Deputy City Prosecutor and Chief Prosecutor
  • Special Assistant US Attorney
  • Trial Counsel and Senior Trial Counsel (military prosecutor)
  • Maricopa County Sherriff's Deputy
  • Legal Instructor in Criminal Law, Evidence, and Ethics
  • Paralegal Instructor in Criminal Law, Evidence and Ethics

My extensive military training has also instilled a very strong, innate, and primal sense of duty, loyalty, and morality. I apply this same discipline when defending the rights and freedoms of my clients. With every action I take, every decision I make, and every result I deliver, you can tell that I have qualified knowledge of both sides of the fence. My actions are calculated and planned – all for your benefit.

Call for a No-Obligation Case Review

Never failing to understand that a criminal arrest can change my clients' lives, I have a genuine compassion for my clients. I investigate meticulously to secure persuasive defense strategies and fight zealously to obtain favorable evidence. I litigate fiercely to ensure the best possible outcome. I do all of these things because my clients deserve it.

Facing Hawaii DUI penalties? Contact our DUI lawyer in Hawaii by calling (808) 521-3367 today and request your confidential case evaluation.