Law Offices of

When to go to trial?

There are many factors to consider in taking a case to trial- In doing our job, the offices of Hawaii Criminal Defense Attorney Lars Isaacson take a proactive approach to criminal defense- that is, aggressively pursuing the case at the beginning and trying to opitimize positive choices for the client.

The are a number of courts in Hawaii in which a person can be charged with a crime.

There is the Circuit Court- where felony charges are there generally heard.

There is District Court, where misdemeanor offenses are generally handled.  This includes offenses involving driving while intoxicated

There is Family Court- part of the Circuit Court where family violence and juvenile cases are heard.

If a person is convicted of a crime in State courts, then they can appeal the case to the Intermeidate Court of Appeals. If that appeal is unsuccessful, they can petition the Hawaii Supreme Court for review.

Federal misdemeanor and felony charges are handled by the Federal District Court.

If a person is convicted of a crime in federal district court, they can appeal to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and then petition for relief to the Supreme Court of the United States.

If a case cannot be resolved, then it will be set for trial.

Whether or not to go to trial is a decision that a client must make with as much information as possible. The offices of Lars Isaacson are committed to fighting for the client, and if a trial is required, then to ably and aggressively defend. A jury trial is a great right conferred upon all citizens- it should never be given up lightly. Contact us to discuss your options.