{"id":372864,"date":"2023-10-12T09:46:16","date_gmt":"2023-10-12T14:46:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/hawaii-law\/hawaii-district-attorneys.html"},"modified":"2023-10-12T09:46:16","modified_gmt":"2023-10-12T14:46:16","slug":"hawaii-district-attorneys","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/hawaii-law\/hawaii-district-attorneys.html","title":{"rendered":"Hawaii District Attorneys"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Hawaii District Attorneys<\/h1>\n
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\n By Lisa Burden, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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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
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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

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States vary in what they call district attorneys. In Hawaii, district attorneys are prosecuting attorneys. Hawaii’s prosecuting attorneys are pivotal in the Aloha State’s criminal justice system. Their primary duty is to represent the state in criminal cases. <\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n

The prosecuting attorneys present evidence and arguments during a trial<\/a> to prove a defendant is guilty. But even before matters go to trial, they also review the evidence to determine whether there’s enough to file charges.<\/p>\r\n

Each state has its own prosecutors who are responsible for a certain area. States divide the areas by city, county, or district. In Hawaii, the division is by county.<\/p>\r\n

This article provides general information about the Hawaii judiciary.<\/p>\r\n

Plea Bargains<\/h2>\r\n

Hawaii’s prosecuting attorneys also have the authority to negotiate plea deals<\/a>. This can resolve a case before the time and expense of a criminal trial. A plea bargain often results in a defendant pleading guilty to a lesser charge. Plea negotiations can be complex. The talks must balance the defendant’s civil rights and the need for criminal justice with the realities of an overburdened court system.<\/p>\r\n

If you’re interested in a plea bargain, having an attorney negotiate the deal for you is better. An attorney can present your case in the best light. The attorney can also use the negotiations to determine the strength of the prosecutor’s case against you.<\/p>\r\n

Other Responsibilities<\/h2>\r\n

Prosecuting attorneys have a multifaceted job. They represent the state in legal matters and serve the interests of justice, fairness, and the community.<\/p>\r\n

Many prosecuting attorney offices in Hawaii provide victim advocacy services to crime victims. They inform crime victims about the case’s progress and support them through the court process.<\/p>\r\n

Prosecuting attorneys work with police and other law enforcement agencies. This collaboration ensures that investigations are legally sound and that the evidence is allowed in court.<\/p>\r\n

Prosecuting attorneys often engage in community outreach. They educate the public on crime prevention and the role of the prosecuting attorney’s office. This can involve public speaking engagements in places like Hilo and collaborating with local organizations to provide legal resources. Some prosecuting attorney offices also issue press releases to update the community about their activities and cases.<\/p>\r\n

Public Defender<\/h2>\r\n

Legal help is available to low-income Hawaii residents who need legal representation in criminal law matters.<\/p>\r\n

Section 802-B of the Hawai’i Revised Statutes founded Hawaii’s Public Defender’s Office<\/a>. Any low-income person facing criminal charges or the potential deprivation of freedom must get legal representation.<\/p>\r\n

The public defender’s office bases eligibility for services on income. Public defenders are attorneys. Like any other lawyer, the state issues them a license to practice law. They have to be members in good standing of the state bar association.<\/p>\r\n

You must complete an application. If you qualify, you will get a referral to a public defender.<\/p>\r\n

Legal help is also available for those facing civil law matters. The Legal Aid Society of Hawaii<\/a> is a non-profit, public-interest law firm with offices throughout the state. The organization provides legal help in issues such as:<\/p>\r\n