Criminal Law

Eyewitness accounts often play a big role in criminal trials. However, studies show that human memory can be flawed and easily influenced. Factors such as stress, the presence of weapons or cross-racial identification can affect how accurate these accounts are. In...

If you've been convicted of a crime, you know how the conviction can affect every aspect of your life - from getting a job to renting an apartment and even applying for a loan. But what if you could erase that criminal record and get another chance to have a clean...

A criminal conviction does not necessarily mean the end of the road. Individuals sentenced for felony crimes in Hawaii may have a chance to challenge their verdict by seeking post-conviction relief. However, it is crucial to understand that time is of the essence when...

Mental health problems can greatly affect how someone behaves and deals with the legal system. Issues like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder can make it hard for a person to understand the charges against them or help in their own defense, which is their basic right....

Not all confessions are actual admissions of guilt. Some can be confessions made under duress or in hopes that one can get leniency or shorter release if they admit to a crime they did not do. Here are some key points about false confessions that may lead to a...

A criminal conviction, regardless of its nature, can be an overwhelming experience. You might believe the legal process is over, but that may not always be true. U.S. law, including Hawaii's, offers options for defendants even after a conviction. Your attorney can...

Expungement is a legal process in which an individual convicted of a crime can seek the removal of their criminal record from state databases. Basically, this means that the criminal record will no longer exist, so to speak. The public will not be able to access or...

Forensic accounting reviews financial records to find fraud, embezzlement, or other crimes. In embezzlement cases, forensic accountants uncover and make sense of the financial issues in question. How forensic accounting helps in embezzlement cases Forensic accountants...

Self-defense is a legal defense used by individuals accused of violent crimes to justify their actions. In Hawaii, claiming self-defense means that the accused admits to committing the act but argues that it was necessary to protect themselves from imminent harm. This...

Facing a felony conviction is overwhelming, and the prospect of appealing the decision can add to the stress. However, the emergence of new evidence can offer a lifeline. This type of evidence could potentially overturn a conviction if it significantly impacts the...