Those who are charged with a drug crime in Honolulu face a very frightening situation. Some individuals are wrongly accused of a drug crime and are left to face the government on their own, not knowing how to defend themselves. In Honolulu, many individuals will be faced with an arrest for a drug crime involving all types of illegal narcotics, including crystal meth, cocaine and marijuana. There are many federal and state laws against the manufacturing, distribution and possession of any controlled substance. There are also laws against the illegal use of prescription drugs.

If you are accused of driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol in Honolulu, it is imperative to obtain an aggressive Honolulu criminal defense attorney from my firm. I can challenge your DUI charges and attempt to either minimize or eliminate said penalties that were brought against you. There are many ways to challenge a DUI, such as:

• Challenge the blood sample collection process
• Challenge the storage of a blood sample
• Challenge how the blood was tested
• Challenge why you were stopped
• Challenge the behavior of the arresting officer
• Challenge the results of the breathalyzer test

At the Law Offices of Steve Cedillos, I have more than 20 years of experience of helping clients navigate their DUI charges. I am dedicated to my clients and can do everything in my power to ensure that they receive successful outcomes for their DUI cases. Drunk driving in Honolulu is a very serious offense, and if you would like to avoid the penalties you may face if convicted, it is vital to secure my legal services as soon as possible. If you have been arrested for DUI, please contact the Honolulu criminal defense lawyer at the Law Offices of Steve Cedillos as soon as possible.

In Honolulu, a plea bargain is not generally offered for a DUI charge. For a first-offense DUI, there is no minimum required jail time, but if there are additional aggravating factors, however, jail can be imposed. Such aggravating factors can include:

• Vehicular manslaughter
• Driving with children in the car
• An incredibly high BAC
• Zero tolerance
• Driving while under the influence of drugs and alcohol
• Out-of-state DUI convictions
• Reckless driving/accident

Offenders may be required to pay a fine that ranges anywhere from $150 - $1,000 and have their license suspended for one year. The courts may also assign the driver up to 72 hours of community service and require them to enroll in an alcohol abuse program. For a second offense, a convicted individual might face fines of up to $1,500 and 14 days in jail, as well as a two year license suspension. In some cases, 240 hours of community service might be exchanged for jail time. A third offense may incur penalties of a month in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. Depending on the severity of the situation, a judge could revoke an offender's license for up to 5 years. As you can see, for every repeat offense, the DUI penalties greatly increase.

In the State of Hawaii, a driver who is 21 years of age or older, can be charged with a DUI if their blood alcohol content (BAC) level is found to be 0.08% or higher. Those who are younger than 21 years old and found with any amount of alcohol in their system can be instantly charged with DUI. Hawaii is a zero tolerance state, and penalties for underage drivers charged with DUI include a 180 day license suspension for their first offense, a one year suspension if it is their second offense, and a two year license suspension if it is there third offense. For commercial truck drivers, an arrest can be made if his or her BAC level is 0.04% or higher.

Prior DUI convictions stay on your record and can be counted against you if you are sentenced for another DUI offense for five years. Unlike other states, a person charged of DUI cannot plead down to a wet reckless charge in the State of Hawaii, and ignition interlock devices are required for all convicted DUI offenders who want to drive. The ignition interlock device must be installed for as long as a person's license is revoked or suspended if they continue to operate their vehicle. Many people who are convicted of DUI can face extortionate car insurance rates, or their insurance may drop them from their policy altogether. If a person's rates increase, it can negatively affect their family members that are on the policy.

Do not face your DUI charges alone. It can severely alter your case results and you may face fines and jail time that you could have avoided or minimized with an experienced Honolulu DUI attorney's assistance. Please call my office as soon as you can to make an appointment with the Honolulu law firm that has been in practice for more than two decades! I understand Hawaii DUI law and how to defend my clients who are facing DUI charges, so speak to a DUI lawyer at the Law Office of Steve Cedillos before it is too late! Dial 808-536-5242 now!