{"id":372860,"date":"2017-02-27T17:34:59","date_gmt":"2017-02-27T22:34:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/hawaii-law\/hawaii-criminal-laws.html"},"modified":"2025-03-26T08:24:07","modified_gmt":"2025-03-26T13:24:07","slug":"hawaii-criminal-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/hawaii-law\/hawaii-criminal-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Hawaii Criminal Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n \n
\n \n
\n \n Hawaii Criminal Laws\n <\/h1>\n \n Learn about your state’s laws by using the links below.\n <\/p>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
\n
\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

Each state sets its own criminal laws and statutes<\/a>. The Hawaii penal code resembles most other U.S. states but has some unique aspects. Because of Hawaii’s isolated position in the Pacific Ocean, the state has some of the toughest gun laws in the nation (Hawaii Revised Statutes \u00a7134-1 et seq.). When it’s time for parole<\/a>, Hawaii’s parole authority determines eligibility rather than the sentencing judge.<\/p>\r\n

In general, the Hawaii court system functions like those on the mainland. State laws cover crimes against people, families, and property.<\/p>\r\n

Hawaii Criminal Laws<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

Hawaiian law divides felony crimes (\u00a7 701-107<\/a>) into three classes based on the sentence length. A few of the most serious felonies, such as first-degree murder, get life without parole or life with parole. Other felony sentences descend in severity.<\/p>\r\n

Class A felonies<\/b> get up to 20 years in prison. They include crimes like kidnapping, robbery, sexual offenses, and manslaughter.<\/p>\r\n

Class B felonies<\/b> get up to 10 years in prison. Crimes include first-degree theft, burglary, and forgery.<\/p>\r\n

Class C felonies<\/b> get up to five years in prison. Second-degree assault, third-degree arson, and third-degree sexual assault are such felonies.<\/p>\r\n

Felony crimes receive fines up to $50,000 at the presiding judge’s discretion.<\/p>\r\n

Misdemeanors and petty misdemeanors<\/b><\/p>\r\n

These offenses<\/a> have sentences of less than one year in jail and fines of up to $2,000. Petty misdemeanors have a maximum sentence of 30 days in jail. Courts have more options than incarceration for sentencing misdemeanor offenders, including:<\/p>\r\n