Honolulu Criminal Defense Law Blog

Hawaii's bail system is broken: Here's why

On behalf of Myles S. Breiner - Attorney At Law - A Law Corporation, Inc. on Wednesday, April 3, 2019.

Hawaii has a criminal justice system that is similar to the other states. However, it's been discussed for some time that the bail system is not working for many.

Inequality in a criminal justice system is a problem that must be addressed. In this case, it's inequality in how much people have to pay for bail. For example, one man was told he'd have to pay $2,000 if he wanted to get out of jail while waiting for trial. Unfortunately, it wasn't affordable for him, and he was trapped behind bars. Of course, in cases of wealthier defendants, they could be free in a matter of hours.

Businesses in Hawaii can fight charges related to gambling

On behalf of Myles S. Breiner - Attorney At Law - A Law Corporation, Inc. on Friday, January 4, 2019.

Gambling is a popular pastime that can generate a lot of civic revenue in places that have legalized some form of gambling. In some states, revenue from gambling and lottery systems can help pay for the schools. Almost anywhere you go, there is some form of gambling.

In fact, gambling is so popular that the behavior persists even in places where gambling is in no way legalized. Hawaii is one such place. Hawaii is one of only two states that has no form of legalized gambling at this time, but that doesn't stop people from wanting to gamble.

Drug courts aim to help those accused of drug crimes in Hawaii

On behalf of Myles S. Breiner - Attorney At Law - A Law Corporation, Inc. on Friday, October 5, 2018.

There is some good news in Hawaii. Crime in this state has reached a record low as of a 2017 report. The report from August 2017 states that Hawaii's crime levels reached a record low in 2016. Based on the Uniform Crime Report, Crime in Hawaii 2016, there were 45,805 index crimes within the state. That equals around 3,206 offenses per 100,000 residents.

In 2016, Hawaii's crime rate dropped by 6.2 percent compared to 2015 and by 27.1 percent compared to the last decade.

Hawaii: Drugs and overcoming abuse

On behalf of Myles S. Breiner - Attorney At Law - A Law Corporation, Inc. on Wednesday, July 11, 2018.

When you think of Hawaii, you imagine beautiful beaches, clean air and sunshine. You think about the waves and surfing, not about the potential to end up in the hospital for an overdose. Yet, Hawaiians have a crisis on their hands with drug abuse on the Islands.

Hawaii is diverse when it comes to its wealth, ranging from people of great wealth to those in poverty. Tourism defines how much many people can earn in a year. Diversity shows through the range of ethnic groups. One thing everyone has in common is that they live in the methamphetamine capital.

Heroin: Impacting the citizens of Hawaii

On behalf of Myles S. Breiner - Attorney At Law - A Law Corporation, Inc. posted in blog on Tuesday, April 10, 2018.

Heroin has become a growing problem in Hawaii, much like in the rest of the United States. Residents here are 2,000 miles away from the mainland, but that hasn't stopped opioid abuse from taking over the islands.

In Kauai, officials reported that black tar heroin seizures were on the rise and have increased significantly since the last report in 2015. With it harder to get prescription opioids, it's believed that more people in Hawaii are turning to heroin to support their addictions. Heroin is the best alternative they can find, but it's extremely dangerous. Many street drugs end up mixed with others, potentially leading to overdoses.

Drug possession penalties: Things you need to know

On behalf of Myles S. Breiner - Attorney At Law - A Law Corporation, Inc. posted in blog on Thursday, January 11, 2018.

Everyone makes mistakes in their life, with some carrying bigger consequences than others.

A charge of drug possession is every bit as serious as it sounds. A conviction could change your life forever, as the penalties can be stiff. With this in mind, you need to understand what you're up against as your case moves through the legal system.

Marijuana is still illegal in Hawaii despite widespread use

On behalf of Myles S. Breiner - Attorney At Law - A Law Corporation, Inc. posted in Drug Crimes on Tuesday, October 10, 2017.

Living in Hawaii, you probably are aware that medical marijuana was legalized in 2000. Despite that, recreational use was never actually decriminalized, which can lead to issues with the law. Additionally, you're only allowed to grow up to seven plants if you have a medical condition that qualifies you for marijuana's use. It was only in 2015 that a new law passed to allow medical marijuana dispensaries.

Today, you might notice lots of people smoking marijuana in public, but despite that, it's still illegal. It's not unusual to see marijuana plants, and it's not hard to obtain the drug in the state.

Attacking protected species can result in a jail sentence

On behalf of Myles S. Breiner - Attorney At Law - A Law Corporation, Inc. posted in blog on Monday, July 17, 2017.

Imagine going to the beautiful Hawaiian Islands to see your favorite species of bird. A few friends want to hunt or chase after them. You go along with it, but several die in the act. Not long after, you find yourself facing serious penalties and are arrested.

This is what happened in a recent case involving a young man and his friends who attacked seabirds at a local nature reserve in Oahu. The teen, then 18, and two younger friends had been camping in 2015 when they attacked and killed at least 15 Laysan Albatrosses that were nesting near the Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve.

Hawaii: Drug crimes abound on the islands

On behalf of Myles S. Breiner - Attorney At Law - A Law Corporation, Inc. posted in blog on Thursday, April 13, 2017.

Hawaii is a state with over 1.2 million people. It may not be a surprise that drug crimes, and others, take place on the Islands, especially since only 3,429 law enforcement officers are present on all eight islands in total.

One interesting fact about Hawaii is that all the normal mainland drugs can be found there. The most common drugs on the islands include crystal methamphetamine, marijuana, heroin, cocaine HCL, crack cocaine and predatory drugs.

Your arrest may ruin your vacation, but it doesn't have to ruin your life.

On behalf of Myles S. Breiner - Attorney At Law - A Law Corporation, Inc. posted in Civil Rights on Thursday, January 26, 2017.

Your dream vacation turned into a nightmare the moment you saw those flashing lights. Getting arrested was not part of your plan.

Your mind races and you head fills with possible scenarios. You are ready to shout your defense to the officer. Your panic and fear is normal, but don't forget your rights.