Facing DUI charges in the State of Hawaii can be a harrowing experience – the legal consequences can significantly impact your life. Understanding the intricacies of Hawaii DUI laws, the potential penalties, and the legal consequences for conviction is crucial for anyone caught in such a predicament.
Hawaii’s DUI laws are stringent, and the repercussions extend beyond simple fines and license suspensions. A DUI conviction can tarnish your record, affecting your finances, employment opportunities, personal relationships, and so much more.
Consequences for DUI Charges in Hawaii
Hawaii, like every state, has laws in place to deter and penalize driving under the influence. If you are caught driving under the influence, you will face charges for a DUI offense. The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for adult drivers is 0.08%. If your BAC exceeds this limit, you may find yourself facing a DUI charge.
Upon a DUI arrest in Hawaii, two separate legal processes come into play: the criminal case and the administrative case. The criminal case focuses on the legal consequences of the offense, while the administrative case deals with the suspension of your driving privileges.
A DUI arrest in Hawaii triggers an automatic administrative revocation of your driver’s license. Once revoked, you must request an administrative hearing within seven days of your arrest to contest the revocation. Failure to request this hearing within the stipulated time can result in a mandatory, minimum license suspension of 30 days.
If convicted of a DUI in Hawaii, the penalties can include fines, community service, and mandatory alcohol education programs. The severity of the penalties escalates with subsequent offenses, and in some cases, a DUI conviction may also lead to permanent license revocation.
Refusing a chemical test, such as a breathalyzer or blood test, can also result in an automatic license revocation for at least one year. This penalty is separate from any criminal penalties you may face for the DUI offense.
Following a DUI conviction, you are required to file an SR22 form with the state. In Hawaii, SR22 filing and monthly payments can be extremely expensive for drivers both immediately and in the future, as they will likely face increased insurance premiums for many years to come. While expensive, it is important to remember that in Hawaii, SR22 insurance is a necessary step in regaining your driving privileges.
Working With a Bail Bondsman for DUI Bail in Hawaii
The total bail amount of a DUI in Hawaii is often seen at a thousand dollars or more. If that amount exceeds the ability of you or your loved ones to pay in full, your best option is to work with a local, reputable bail bondsman. A bail bondsman is a professional who provides bail bonds services, acting as a surety to secure the defendant’s temporary release from jail.
Working with a bail bondsman involves the defendant or their loved ones paying a non-refundable fee, typically around 10% of the total bail amount. In exchange for paying that fee, the bail bondsman posts bond on behalf of the defendant.
Once the bond has been posted, the defendant gains temporary freedom, allowing them to resume their daily lives while they await trial.
Use our extensive database of bail bond companies and Hawaii bail bond agents to find a bail bondsman in your area to help you today. If you have already been granted a total bail amount for your DUI case, use our DUI bail bond fee calculator to see how much you can expect to pay a bail bond professional to secure your release from jail.