Honolulu Felony Dui Lawyer

While a DUI is commonly charged as a misdemeanor in Honolulu, certain circumstances can leave defendants facing serious felony charges. Felony DUI charges in Honolulu come with life-altering consequences, including the possibility of prison time, steep fines, and permanent damage to your criminal record. Given the high stakes of these types of offenses, many defendants seek representation from a Honolulu felony DUI lawyer to fight the charges.

Strategic Legal Representation in Honolulu Felony DUI Cases

Facing a felony charge can be an unsettling and stressful ordeal. When your future seems uncertain, The Law Office of R. Patrick McPherson can provide effective legal representation to achieve a favorable outcome. Our work begins when we meet with you to review your case. Any misstep by the police can provide grounds for dismissing your charges.

Our firm has earned a strong reputation for fighting aggressively on behalf of our clients while thinking creatively and strategically about our approach. Since we focus on traffic law violations and crimes that involve driving, we are well-versed in the law and what it takes to see that our clients have the strongest chance possible of fighting and beating their charges.

Understanding Felony DUI Crimes in Honolulu

In Hawaii, a DUI becomes a felony when it involves three or more prior convictions within ten years, serious injury or death, or the driver being classified as a habitual offender under HRS §291E-61.5.

These charges carry harsher penalties, including longer prison terms, higher fines, and mandatory license revocation. For example, in June 2020, Ricardo Newcomb Jr. of Honolulu was sentenced to 10 years in prison for felony DUI after his sixth conviction, making his third as a habitual offender. The court imposed an extended term due to his persistent offender status.

Between November 2024 and January 2025, Honolulu police made 49 impaired driving arrests, underscoring the island’s aggressive DUI enforcement. From January to November 2024, there were approximately 22,390 traffic collisions on Oahu, including 41 critical injuries and 35 fatalities, many involving impaired drivers.

Alarmingly, from 2022 to 2023, nearly 300 drivers were arrested for DUI despite registering below the legal limit, with 69 recording a 0.00 BAC. These numbers show how quickly DUI charges can escalate and how seriously they’re pursued.

Long-Term Consequences of a Felony DUI Conviction

A felony DUI conviction can follow you long after your initial sentence is served out. While a misdemeanor offense could lead to minimal time in the Oahu Community Correction Center, a felony conviction could result in serious prison time.

The fallout of a conviction could also lead to the loss of your job and any professional license you have, along with newfound difficulty securing housing and new gainful employment. Whether your initial arrest happened along Kapiolani Boulevard or Pali Highway, the consequences of a conviction can be life-altering.

Why Legal Representation Matters

Criminal defense strategies in felony DUI cases are often grounded in challenging the legality of the traffic stop, questioning the reliability of chemical tests, and identifying procedural errors that may lead to suppression of evidence. In Honolulu, where enforcement is aggressive and cases often proceed quickly through the District Court on Alakea Street, a strong defense strategy can enable your attorney to attain a positive outcome to your felony case.

An experienced DUI lawyer can evaluate every detail of your arrest, from your conduct on streets like Keeaumoku or Dillingham Boulevard to the evidence used against you. An attorney can be a tireless advocate who protects your rights throughout the court case while making sure you are well-informed about your options.

FAQs

When Is a DUI Considered a Felony in Honolulu?

A DUI becomes a felony in Honolulu if it’s a third or subsequent offense within 10 years, according to Hawaii law. This is charged as a Class C felony under HRS § 291E–61.5. Felony DUI charges may also apply if the driver caused serious bodily injury or death while under the influence. These cases carry prison time, high fines, and license revocation.

What Are the Penalties for a Felony DUI in Honolulu?

A felony DUI in Honolulu carries up to five years in prison, a $2,000–$5,000 fine, three to five years of license revocation, and mandatory substance abuse treatment. Offenders may also be placed on probation and required to use an ignition interlock device. These penalties apply to third DUI convictions within 10 years, cases involving serious injury, or individuals with prior felony DUI convictions.

Can a DUI With Injury Be Charged as a Felony in Hawaii?

Yes, causing serious bodily injury or death while driving under the influence qualifies as a felony DUI in Hawaii, even for first-time offenders. These charges are separate from prior offense counts and may be charged under different felony classifications. Penalties increase sharply, with longer prison terms, higher fines, and permanent consequences for a criminal record and driving privileges.

How Does a Felony DUI Affect Your License in Honolulu?

A felony DUI conviction in Honolulu results in a license revocation of three to five years. After revocation, the driver may need to install an ignition interlock device, complete a driver’s education program, and provide proof of substance abuse counseling. Failure to comply with these requirements can delay reinstatement or lead to further restrictions on future driving eligibility.

Contact The Law Office of R. Patrick McPherson After a Honolulu Felony DUI Arrest

A felony DUI charge in Honolulu brings the threat of prison time, long-term license revocation, and a permanent mark on your criminal record. These cases often involve repeat offenses or serious aggravating factors. The penalties are severe, and the consequences can affect your freedom, employment, and future.

The Law Office of R. Patrick McPherson defends individuals charged with felony DUI across Honolulu and the Big Island. With decades of courtroom experience, we know how to confront these high-stakes cases and push for the most favorable possible outcome. Contact our office today. We offer support in Spanish and Ilocano, along with discounts to military members.