Felony DUI in Honolulu: A quick overview

DUI charges in Hawaii are misdemeanors, but the consequences are often severe for convicted drivers. For instance, a first-time offender may have to spend up to five days in jail and pay up to $1,000 in fines. Subsequent DUI or OVUII charges can have harsher penalties. 

The basics

So, what’s a felony DUI in Honolulu? If this is your third or subsequent DUI offense, you could face a Class C felony charge, for which consequences include up to $10,000 in fines and up to five years in prison. It is also possible for a DUI charge to become a felony if someone was injured or killed in the accident. In such cases, consequences could include up to 10 years in prison and a $25,000 fine. 

Multiple convictions can impact your life

While people often fear the criminal penalties of DUI charges, multiple convictions could damage your reputation and life in many ways. Habitual offenders often find it hard to find good jobs or may have a hard time finding properties to rent. Employers are also wary of hiring people who have been charged with a felony DUI. Not to forget, you may become uninsurable, and even if you are lucky enough to find an insurance company, they will charge excessive interest rates. It could be impossible to make ends meet. That said, fighting your DUI charges, even if you are being charged for a second or third time, is necessary. 

Finding the right lawyer

First things first, make sure that you have a criminal defense attorney with experience in working on DUI cases. Many lawyers have experience as prosecutors, which can give them an edge over others. Before anything else, check if the concerned attorney is available. Many times, law firms will assign a lawyer immediately to get things done. You should also check how you can communicate with the attorney, especially because you may want to talk to them or get updates. The success rate of an attorney is as important, and the best way to judge a law firm’s expertise is to check online reviews. While you can always ask for references, it is best to check what other clients have to say about a DUI lawyer. As for the fee, most lawyers usually charge by the hour. 

Fighting felony DUI charges is not easy, and you need expertise on your side. Ask the attorney about their strategy and how they plan to defend your case. 

Ulani Uriah

Umar Nisar was born and raised in the busy city of Abbottabad. As a journalist, Umar Nisar has contributed to many online publications including PAK Today and the Huffing Post. In regards to academics, Umar Nisar earned a degree in business from the Abbottabad UST, Havelian. Umar Nisar follows the money and covers all aspects of emerging tech here at The Hear Up.

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