Drug Possession DETERMINED TO FIGHT FOR YOU

Drug Possession Attorney in Honolulu

30+ Years of Criminal Defense for Honolulu Residents Facing Possession Charges

A drug possession charge can move fast. What happens in the first hours and days after an arrest often shapes what defense options remain. I’ve handled criminal defense cases in Honolulu for over 30 years, and I represent clients facing everything from first-time misdemeanor possession to felony charges involving Schedule I and II substances. The consequences of a conviction reach far beyond a courtroom sentence, and the earlier you have an attorney working your case, the more paths stay open.

Free consultations are available 24 hours a day. If you or someone you know was arrested tonight, you don’t have to wait until morning.

Don’t face a drug possession charge without counsel. Call (808) 201-0496 now to speak with me directly and start protecting your options.

Why Clients Choose Law Offices of Steve Cedillos

I’m a member of the Hawaii State Bar and have handled the full range of criminal defense matters in Honolulu, from misdemeanor possession to serious felony cases. That breadth matters in possession cases, where the charge level depends on substance type and quantity and can escalate quickly. My approach is direct and personal: I examine the facts of your specific case, not a checklist.

I also carry experience in military criminal defense. For active-duty service members stationed at Hawaii military installations who face possession charges in civilian court, that background is valuable context when navigating the intersection of military obligations and state criminal proceedings.

What a Possession Conviction Actually Costs You

Most people focus on jail time. A drug possession conviction carries consequences that continue long after any sentence is served, and understanding the full picture is part of how I counsel every client.

Consequences beyond incarceration include:

Loss of current employment and difficulty finding future work
Ineligibility for certain housing and loan applications
Suspension or revocation of professional licenses
Immigration consequences, including potential deportation for non-citizens
Suspension of driving privileges
Loss of federal student loan eligibility for certain conviction types
Increased penalties in any future criminal proceedings

These collateral consequences of a drug conviction are part of what I work to protect you from. A conviction is rarely just a fine or a sentence.

How I Defend Drug Possession Charges

Every possession case turns on its own facts. I examine how the evidence was gathered, whether the search was lawful, and whether the prosecution can prove the defendant had actual knowledge of and control over the substance in question. The right strategy depends entirely on the details.

Defense approaches I evaluate in every possession case:

Suppression of unlawfully obtained evidence: If law enforcement conducted an unlawful search or seizure, a suppression motion may result in that evidence being excluded, which may lead to reduced or dismissed charges
Contesting constructive possession: When drugs were found in a shared space like a car or home, the prosecution must prove you had control over and knowledge of the substance. That’s often harder than it looks
Challenging chain of custody: Flaws in how drugs were measured, identified, or handled may affect the charge level or the admissibility of evidence at trial
Entrapment: When law enforcement induced an offense that wouldn’t otherwise have occurred, entrapment is a recognized defense under Hawaii law
Alternative sentencing eligibility: Under HRS 706-622.5, first-time and certain second-time nonviolent offenders may qualify for probation and drug treatment instead of incarceration

Talk to a Drug Possession Lawyer in Honolulu Today

Acting early gives your defense the most room to work. I offer free consultations around the clock because charges don’t wait for business hours, and neither should you. Whether you’re weighing your options after an arrest or a loved one needs immediate representation, I’m available.

Call (808) 201-0496 or use the online contact form to reach Law Offices of Steve Cedillos today. Free consultations are available 24 hours a day.

How Hawaii Classifies Drug Possession Charges

Hawaii’s possession laws fall under Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 712, which uses the term “promoting” internally (as in “promoting a dangerous drug”) to describe possession-related offenses. That language is a legal term of art, not a reference to distribution. The charge a person faces depends on which category the substance falls into and how much was involved.

Hawaii’s Drug Schedules

The state organizes controlled dangerous substances into five schedules. Schedule I includes heroin, MDMA, LSD, and marijuana. Schedule II includes cocaine, methamphetamine, oxycodone, and fentanyl. Schedules III through V carry progressively lower potential for harm and abuse.

The Three Possession Categories & Their Penalties

Hawaii’s possession law groups those schedules into three broader categories:

Dangerous drugs (Schedule I and II substances, excluding marijuana): possession of any amount is at minimum a Class C felony under HRS 712-1243, punishable by up to five years in prison and fines up to $10,000. Larger quantities can trigger Class B or Class A felony charges, with penalties reaching up to 10 or 20 years in prison and fines up to $25,000 or $50,000
Harmful drugs (Schedule III and IV substances and marijuana concentrate): charges and penalties vary by quantity and substance type
Detrimental drugs (Schedule V substances and marijuana): possession of three grams or less of marijuana is a civil violation under HRS 712-1249, carrying a $130 fine. Larger amounts can result in petty misdemeanor or felony charges depending on quantity

A misdemeanor drug charge in Hawaii carries up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $2,000. Even at this level, the collateral consequences are real, and the charge deserves a serious defense.

What Happens After a Drug Possession Arrest in Honolulu

The hours immediately after an arrest are often when the most consequential decisions get made, sometimes without an attorney present. Knowing what to expect helps.

After a drug arrest, you’re typically taken to a police station for booking: recording personal information, fingerprinting, and documenting the alleged offense. You’re not required to answer investigative questions at this stage. Statements made during booking can be used against you later, and staying silent is not an admission of guilt.

Drug possession cases in Honolulu are handled in the First Circuit Court, which covers all criminal matters on Oahu. The sooner a defense attorney is retained, the more options typically remain open, including preserving evidence, challenging the circumstances of the arrest, and evaluating whether diversion programs apply to your situation.

Alternative Sentencing Options in Hawaii Possession Cases

Not every possession case ends in incarceration. Hawaii law provides several pathways that may allow qualifying defendants to avoid a prison sentence and, in some situations, protect their record.

Under HRS 706-622.5, first-time and second-time nonviolent drug possession offenders may be eligible for probation combined with required drug treatment instead of jail, provided certain criteria are met. This option doesn’t apply to methamphetamine trafficking offenses or to distribution or manufacturing charges.

Defendants who plead guilty to or are found guilty of certain second or third-degree drug possession offenses may also qualify for conditional discharge, a process where the case may be dismissed upon successful completion of its terms. O’ahu Drug Court offers another alternative, providing community supervision and counseling in place of traditional incarceration for qualifying defendants. For certain marijuana possession convictions involving three grams or less, expungement may also be available under the same statute.

Whether any of these options apply depends on your case history, the substance involved, and how charges are filed. I can evaluate your eligibility as part of your initial consultation.

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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.