Hawaii · Criminal & Records
The Hawaii Criminal Law Guide
Understanding Hawaii criminal charges, the court process from arraignment to sentencing, and unique state laws like the DAG plea.
2026-2027 Edition · Cited to Hawaii law · Plain language
Paperback · $19.99
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Cited to the statute · Legal information, not legal advice
How a Hawaii criminal case moves from arrest to sentencing
Offense classes, bail and pretrial release, indictments and preliminary hearings, DAG pleas, and sentencing under the Hawaii Penal Code.
ABOUT THIS BOOK
An arrest in Hawaii sets off a process with its own rules, deadlines, and vocabulary. For the person charged and for the family waiting for news, it can be hard to see what comes next.
The Hawaii Criminal Law Guide explains criminal cases under the Hawaii Penal Code, Title 37 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes. It covers how offenses are graded, from violations and petty misdemeanors to Class A, B, and C felonies, and why felony cases go to Circuit Court while lesser cases are heard in District Court.
The guide walks through each stage of a case:
• Arrest, booking, the initial appearance, and arraignment
• How bail is set and when it can be denied under HRS § 804-3
• Grand jury indictment, preliminary hearing, and written information
• Deferred Acceptance of Guilty and No Contest Pleas (DAG and DANC)
• Sentencing, probation eligibility, and extended terms under HRS § 706-662
• Appeals and expungement of arrest records
Separate chapters follow the case from two viewpoints: the accused person and the family member or supporter. The Toolkit adds checklists, comparison tables, a glossary, common mistakes, and questions to ask an attorney.
This guide is for anyone who wants to understand how Hawaii criminal cases move through the courts. Legal information, not legal advice.
WHAT’S INSIDE
- The Foundation: The Hawaii Penal Code and State Constitution
- Grades and Classes of Offenses: From Violations to Felonies
- The Start of a Case: Complaints, Indictments, and Arraignments
- Freedom Before Trial: Bail and Pretrial Release
- Exceptions and Defenses to Criminal Liability
- The Role and Rights of a Family Member or Supporter
- Step-by-step procedures from each side, with deadlines at a glance
- 24 real-world questions and answers
- Statute index, key court decisions and official forms
- Toolkit: checklists, comparison tables, glossary and common mistakes to avoid
WHY READERS TRUST THIS GUIDE
Plain language. Cited to the statute. Dated so you know it is current.
Every rule is cited to Hawaii law so you can verify it.
Cited, so you can check it
Every rule names the section of Hawaii law it comes from, so you can read the source yourself.
Plain language, no filler
Written to be read start to finish by someone with no legal training, with worked examples.
Dated and updated
Each guide carries a law-current date and new editions ship when the law changes.
Bonus toolkit
Register your book for this topic’s checklists, worksheets and starter template, as soon as they are ready.
QUESTIONS BEFORE YOU BUY
Hawaii criminal charges: what to know before you order.
Straight answers about what the guide is, what it covers and how it reaches you.
How is bail decided in a Hawaii criminal case?
Most offenses are bailable, but for serious crimes a judge can deny bail if there is a serious risk of flight, obstruction, danger, or further illegal activity (HRS § 804-3). The guide explains the factors a judge weighs.
What is a DAG plea in Hawaii?
A Deferred Acceptance of Guilty Plea lets the court defer proceedings without accepting the plea. If the deferral period is completed, the charge is dismissed and is not a conviction (HRS § 853-1). Eligibility is limited.
Is this legal advice?
No. It is legal information in plain language, cited to the law, so you understand your options and know what to ask. Reading it creates no attorney-client relationship.
Is it written for Hawaii?
Yes. This guide is written for Hawaii law and cites the Hawaii statutes and rules it relies on. If your case is in another state, choose that state's edition.
KEEP GOING
More guides for Hawaii.
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BOUGHT THIS BOOK?
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PLEASE READ
Legal information, not legal advice. STACKED LEGAL® is a publisher, not a law firm. Buying or reading this book creates no attorney-client relationship and promises no outcome. Laws change; verify current law and talk to a licensed attorney in Hawaii about your situation.
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