Being accused of a crime can be a daunting experience, and understanding the criminal justice process is crucial for anyone facing legal challenges. At Hicks Law, one of the first questions our clients often need answered is simply: Where am I in the process and what can I expect for the road ahead?

This blog post aims to provide clarity on the various stages of the criminal justice system in Hawaiʻi by featuring a visual roadmap of the general process.  We often sit down with our clients during an initial meeting and go over this roadmap. It is important to us that our clients understand this process because it empowers them to actively participate in their defense.

The criminal justice process is basically the same throughout the United States, but each jurisdiction's processes and local procedures vary slightly but significantly.  Hawaiʻi's process is notably unique from other jurisdictions due to the variety of ways in which a criminal case can be charged - written Complaint, Felony Information Complaint, Preliminary Hearing, and Grand Jury.  Our roadmap diagram outlines the potential route a case may take from the point of police contact, charging, arraignment/plea, pretrial phase, trial, all the way through appeal.  The roadmap diagram also illustrates where there are opportunities for case dismissal (see the red colored blocks).  In order to achieve the best possible results, we explore every strategic avenue with our clients as we walk beside them through this journey.     

It is critical that your criminal defense attorney understands this process because nearly every phase of a criminal case provides potential opportunities for case dismissal or mitigation.  As an experienced ex-prosecutor who has charged and litigated hundreds of criminal cases during her career, Joanne has intimate insight into where potential opportunities may occur. 

While this roadmap provides a general overview, each case is unique and the roadmap does not constitute legal authority or advice.  If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to contact us so we can help point you in the right direction.