Aggravated DUI DETERMINED TO FIGHT FOR YOU

Aggravated DUI Attorney in Honolulu

30+ Years of Trial Experience for Enhanced OVUII Charges, Felony Exposure, & Child-Passenger Enhancements

An aggravated DUI charge in Honolulu isn’t just a standard OVUII case with higher stakes. The enhancements that trigger it carry mandatory jail time, extended license revocations, and in felony habitual-violator cases, up to five years of imprisonment. I’m Steve Cedillos, and I’ve spent more than 30 years as a litigator handling serious criminal charges here in Honolulu, including enhanced OVUII cases that demand immediate, strategic attention.

If you’re facing aggravated DUI charges in Honolulu, don’t wait to get counsel. Call me at (808) 201-0496 for a free consultation, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

What Makes a DUI “Aggravated” Under Hawaii Law

Hawaii uses the term OVUII (operating a vehicle under the influence of an intoxicant) for all impaired-driving offenses. Certain facts elevate a standard OVUII to an aggravated charge, each carrying its own penalty tier.

Highly Intoxicated Driver
A driver whose blood alcohol concentration registers at .15% or above is classified as a “highly intoxicated driver” under Hawaii law. This designation is what people typically mean when they refer to an aggravated DUI. On a first offense, it adds a mandatory 48 hours of imprisonment and a 6-month license revocation on top of standard penalties, bringing total revocation to at least 18 months. A second offense adds a mandatory 10 days and an additional year of revocation, for a total of at least three years.

Child Passenger Under 15
Having a passenger younger than 15 in the vehicle is an independent aggravating circumstance. The enhancement adds a $500 fine, an additional 48 hours in jail, and a license suspension of at least two years.

Habitual Violator
A third OVUII conviction within a 10-year period is charged as a habitual-violator offense, a Class C felony under Hawaii law. A conviction can carry a five-year prison term or five years of probation, along with a three-to-five-year license revocation, a fine of $2,000 to $5,000, and vehicle forfeiture. Any subsequent OVUII conviction after a habitual-violator finding is also treated as a felony. Hawaii’s mandatory minimum penalty structure leaves little room for leniency, which makes the quality of your defense preparation critical.

Why Serious OVUII Cases Demand Experienced Litigation Counsel

Felony habitual-violator charges are tried in the Circuit Court of the First Circuit, where a defendant has the right to a jury trial. That courtroom environment requires a defense attorney with genuine trial experience. I bring more than 30 years of litigation practice to every aggravated DUI case I handle.

My approach combines an aggressive review of the evidence with direct, personalized attention to your situation. I don’t hand cases off. I evaluate your circumstances, explain your realistic options, and pursue every defense available under the facts of your case.

Start Your Defense with a Free Consultation

The clock starts moving the moment you’re arrested on an aggravated OVUII charge. Administrative license revocation deadlines run immediately, and early decisions about how to respond can shape the entire case. I offer free consultations around the clock so you can reach me when you need counsel, not just during business hours.

Contact Law Offices of Steve Cedillos at (808) 201-0496 to discuss your aggravated DUI charges in Honolulu. I’m available 24/7 and ready to review your case today.

The ADLRO Process in Aggravated OVUII Arrests

An aggravated DUI arrest in Honolulu triggers two parallel proceedings: the criminal case and an administrative license revocation handled by the Administrative Driver’s License Revocation Office (ADLRO). These are separate processes with separate deadlines, and losing track of the administrative side can cost you your license before the criminal case is even resolved.

Missing the deadline to request an ADLRO hearing results in automatic suspension. I track those deadlines closely and represent clients at ADLRO hearings as part of their overall defense. Refusing a chemical test carries its own revocation period based on your prior DUI-related history in the last 10 years, and the refusal can be introduced as evidence against you in the criminal proceeding. Many OVUII sentences and license reinstatements also require installation of an ignition interlock device (IID), a breathalyzer-style unit connected to the vehicle’s ignition. IID permits aren’t available to offenders under 18.

Challenging the Evidence in an Aggravated DUI Case

The prosecution’s case in an aggravated DUI typically depends on chemical test results and the arresting officer’s conduct. I review both in detail.

Chemical Test Review

I examine how blood samples were collected, stored, and analyzed, and I pull breathalyzer maintenance and calibration records to identify procedural failures that could undermine the BAC reading.

Fourth Amendment Review

I evaluate whether the officer had lawful probable cause for the stop and whether the arrest procedures that followed met constitutional requirements. Depending on what the evidence shows, a charge can sometimes be reduced to a “wet reckless” offense (reckless driving involving alcohol, which can carry lighter penalties) or dismissed entirely.

Honolulu Courts & DWI Court for Aggravated OVUII

Where your case is heard depends on the charge level. Misdemeanor OVUII cases, including highly intoxicated driver and child-passenger enhancements, are heard in Honolulu District Court. Felony habitual-violator charges move to the Circuit Court of the First Circuit, which holds jury trials and has jurisdiction over felony matters.

For qualifying defendants, the Honolulu DWI Court offers a third path. Established in 2013, it’s a voluntary, court-supervised treatment diversion program for non-violent impaired-driving offenders who enter a guilty or no-contest plea, lasting a minimum of one year. Whether DWI Court makes sense depends on your history, the specific charges, and your goals. As your aggravated DUI lawyer in Honolulu, I can walk you through how each venue applies to your situation and what a realistic defense looks like in each one.

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Why Choose Us?

Steve Cedillos, a respected Honolulu attorney with over 30 years of experience, specializes in criminal defense and family law. Committed to his clients' success, Mr. Cedillos provides tireless advocacy and comprehensive representation, from DUI cases to complex divorces. With a client-centered approach and expertise in military defense, he ensures his clients receive top-notch legal support. As a member of the Hawaii State Bar and the Screen Actor's Guild, Steve Cedillos offers a unique perspective and a dedication to achieving the best outcomes for his clients.

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.