Honolulu Criminal Defense Lawyer Dedicated Personal Advocacy on Your Side

Honolulu Criminal Defense Lawyer

Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney in Hawaii

Person getting arrested

Being arrested for a crime may be one of the most stressful experiences you will ever have to face. Suddenly, you find yourself in handcuffs and being led into the backseat of a police car, on your way to the station to be booked and possibly held in jail. How has this happened to you?

Maybe you were in the wrong place at the wrong time. Perhaps you have been falsely accused. Maybe you made a serious mistake in the heat of the moment. It could even be that you have been the subject of an ongoing investigation. However it happened, there is one thing you must now do: hire a Hawaii criminal defense lawyer.

Contact us online or call (808) 201-0496 now to schedule a consultation with a Honolulu criminal defense attorney!

Hawaii Defense Attorney with 30 Years of Experience

Come to the Law Office of Steve Cedillos now for a confidential consultation. With more than 25 years of experience working in the criminal justice system as a defense lawyer in Hawaii, our team is prepared to guide you through this situation and fight to defend your rights. You cannot safely discuss the case with anyone but your lawyer - statements you make to law enforcement could be later held against you as evidence - but anything you tell our Hawaii defense attormey will be held in confidence under the attorney-client privilege.

You can tell me your side of the story, you can explain why you are innocent, or you can even confess to me if you so choose. Based on the information you provide, I will then go about developing a strategy to clear your name and help you avoid the serious consequences you face.

How Our Hawaii Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help

Our Hawaii defense attorney is prepared to assist you with any of a wide variety of different types of charges, including:

When our Hawaii defense attorney accepts a new client, they take into account all of the issues that may be involved in the case, such as if the charges against you may expose you to the risk of being selected for deportation. Furthermore, our defense attorney represents service members in military criminal defense cases at summary, special or general courts martial.

Frequently Asked Questions - Hawaii Criminal Law

What is the Difference Between a Misdemeanor and a Felony?

Depending on many factors, including the severity of your offense and the state in which you are accused, you can be charged with either a felony or a misdemeanor. Misdemeanor charges carry less-severe penalties than felonies. There are also three different degrees of charges depending on the severity of the offense. The simplest crime will be charged as a third-degree misdemeanor and the most severe offense will be charged as a first-degree felony.

How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

The costs associated with hiring a criminal defense lawyer will vary depending on the issues at hand. Generally, there are three types of fees you may be responsible for:
Retainers – An initial retainer may be requested up-front as an advancement
Flat Fees - Depending on the charge, there may be a fixed flat fee
Trial and Court Fees – There may be fees associated with filing, expert witness, investigators, etc.

What is the Responsibility of the Prosecutor?

The grand jury has specific responsibilities and duties. They will decide whether there is enough satisfactory evidence to suspect the defendant and file the charges. They will review the evidence and hear testimony to determine whether the accused should be indicted. It is not, however, the grand jury's responsibility to decide whether the defendant is guilty or innocent. The grand jury system is used in all states.

What is the Role of the Grand Jury?

The prosecutor is the lawyer who will represent the government, whether federal, state, or local. The prosecutor will place accusations and evidence against the criminal defendant. Generally, there is a district attorney who will be the primary law enforcement representative against the individual who allegedly commits a crime in that region. Prosecutors have significant power, so it is essential to have a hard-hitting defense attorney.

Do I Need a Lawyer to Represent my Case if it is Minor?

If you are charged, it is essential to obtain a lawyer, no matter how minor the offense. Even the most minor offenses can have significant consequences for the accused. A conviction of any type of offense, including a DUI or drug crime, can have significant bearing on your life. You can lose your eligibility to receive federal aid and other benefits. Any non-traffic-related offense can result in being denied acceptance into an educational program.

Put an Experienced Honolulu Criminal Defense Lawyer on Your Side

If you are facing criminal charges in Honolulu, I understand that you likely have many questions, and my firm is prepared to answer them. If you have any more questions regarding the charges against you, it is important to speak with my firm. You should not have to go through this legal battle on your own, and I can help you obtain the necessary answers to get you through this situation.

Don't wait to put a skilled Honolulu criminal defense lawyer on your side. Contact us now at (808) 201-0496

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Practice Areas

Why Choose Law Offices of Steve Cedillos?

  • Tireless Representation
    Mr. Cedillos works tirelessly on behalf of his clients, understanding the importance of achieving the best possible outcome in their legal matters.
  • Compassionate Advocacy
    Whether negotiating an uncontested divorce or representing clients in court, Steve Cedillos advocates vigorously for his clients' interests to ensure they receive the outcome they deserve.
  • Specialized Military Defense
    Attorney Cedillos specializes in military criminal defense, assisting clients with various proceedings from non-judicial punishment hearings to general courts-martial.
  • Client-Centered Approach
    Mr. Cedillos takes a sincere interest in the success of his clients, prioritizing their needs and goals throughout the legal process.
  • Comprehensive Legal Expertise
    With over 30 years of experience, Steve Cedillos offers expertise in both criminal defense and family law, handling a wide range of cases from DUIs to complex divorce proceedings.
  • Dedication to Clients
    Steve Cedillos is committed to being a dedicated personal advocate for his clients, recognizing the significance of their cases and the impact on their futures.

Contact Us Today!

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    This guy was awesome, he spoke to me for about thirty minutes and told me that I probably didn’t need his services. He could have charged me anyway so I appreciate that.
    Jordon A.
  • "I wholeheartedly recommend him"
    I am extremely thankful for all the assistance provided by Steve Cedillos. He supported me through some of the most challenging times in my life. He is one of the most ethical lawyers I have ever encountered, and I wholeheartedly recommend him.
    Mike O.
  • "I am extremely thankful for all the assistance provided by Steve Cedillos"
    I am extremely thankful for all the assistance provided by Steve Cedillos. He supported me through some of the most challenging times in my life. He is one of the most ethical lawyers I have ever encountered, and I wholeheartedly recommend him.
    Mike O.
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    Steve is sharp and understands exactly what you want to do after 1 discussion. He has a very cool personality but, most importantly gets the job done. Highly recommend him.
    Kathleen V.
  • "I highly recommend Steve"
    Steve Cedillos Esq was experienced, professional, helpful, and knew what to expect in the courtroom, so I was able to stay calm and prepare after the free consultation. I highly recommend Steve for your traffic offenses.
    Rexford S.
  • "Would I hire him again? Absolutely."
    I hired Steve for a child custody case in 2021. I see all the reviews that say he is "mean" or "rude" - I would say that he is just blunt and straightforward. He isn't going to get your hopes up just to preserve your feelings. Great guy. he is willing to answer your questions before you even hire him and you can bet that he's honest. Do I think that a 5k retainer was a lot for my case? Yes, but it IS Hawaii and I did hire him 2 months before my actual trial date after going pro-se for a while. Would I hire him again? Absolutely.
    Mica T.
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    With a ten minute conversation Steve provided me with a potentially painless solution and more importantly - Hope.
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    Steve Cedillos is definitely worth it. He’s very straightforward and gets the job done! Helped me get a TRO I probably wouldn’t have been able to do alone. Navigating the justice system isn’t easy, but his help made it so much easier along with a great outcome!! Thankful and grateful I came across him on Google. He was very responsive anytime I needed to reach him. Highly recommended.
    Delaney R.