Honolulu Felony Attorney

Serious Felony Charges Call For Steady Guidance

If you or someone close to you has been arrested for a felony in Honolulu, you are facing one of the most difficult moments of your life. Prison time, a permanent record, and damage to your work and family life may all be on your mind right now. You need clear information and a dependable advocate, not scare tactics.

I am attorney Steve Cedillos, and for more than 30 years I have represented people in Honolulu courts who are dealing with critical legal problems. At the Law Office of Steve Cedillos, I offer free consultations at any time of day or night so you can get answers when you need them, not just during business hours. When you call, you speak with me, and we talk about practical steps to protect your future.

To speak with our experienced Honolulu felony lawyers, call us at (808) 201-0496 or contact us online today. 

Why Work With Me

When you are searching for a felony attorney, you are not looking for a slogan. You are looking for someone who understands how much is at stake and who has guided many people through similar situations. I have practiced criminal defense and family law in Honolulu for more than three decades, and I focus my work on serious cases where the consequences can follow a person for years.

Time in the courtroom matters in felony cases. Over the years I have appeared repeatedly in the District Court and Circuit Court buildings in downtown Honolulu and throughout the First Circuit. This long term presence has given me a clear view of how cases move from first appearance to resolution, how prosecutors tend to approach different types of felonies, and what questions judges often ask. I draw on that experience when I help you understand your options.

Felony charges do not just affect the person named in the complaint. They can disrupt families, custody arrangements, and support orders. Because I also handle family law matters, I am able to look at your situation as a whole and help you consider how the criminal case might affect divorce, support, or parenting issues. My goal is to help you make informed decisions that fit both your legal position and your family needs.

Accessibility is another key part of my practice. Legal problems do not wait for office hours and neither do I. I offer free consultations 24 hours a day and answer questions in plain language, not legal jargon. When you work with my office, you deal directly with me, and I stay in close contact as your case develops so you are never wondering what is happening.

Felony Charges in Hawaii

Understanding what a Hawaii felony case involves can make a frightening situation feel more manageable. Under Hawaii law, felonies are the most serious criminal offenses and are typically divided into classes, such as Class A, B, and C. Higher classes usually carry longer potential prison terms and larger fines, and any felony conviction creates a lasting criminal record that can affect many parts of your life.

Beyond prison and fines, felony charges can affect employment, professional licenses, military service, immigration status, and housing. A conviction may also play a role in family law matters, such as custody and visitation, and can influence whether a court issues or extends protective orders. These collateral effects are often what worry clients the most, because they continue long after the court case ends.

Most felony cases in Hawaii begin with an arrest and an initial appearance in District Court, often at the Honolulu courthouse, where bail and release conditions may be addressed. The case may then move forward through preliminary hearings, potential indictment, arraignment in Circuit Court, and later hearings or trial dates. The exact path depends on the type of charge and how the prosecutor chooses to proceed, and there are important decisions to make at each step.

For more than 30 years I have helped clients navigate these stages in Honolulu. During a consultation, I explain how Hawaii law applies to the specific charge you are facing and what typical ranges of penalties look like, always with the understanding that every case is different. The more you understand about the process, the better prepared you will be to work with me on a strategy that fits your goals.

Steps After a Felony Arrest

The hours and days after an arrest are often confusing and stressful. You may receive calls from officers, investigators, or other people asking for your side of the story, and you may feel pressure to explain yourself. In this period, the choices you make can affect how your felony case unfolds in Hawaii courts.

One of the most important things you can do is use your constitutional rights. You have the right to remain silent, and you are not required to answer questions about the alleged offense without a lawyer present. You also have the right to request an attorney and to speak with counsel before making decisions about interviews, written statements, or cooperation.

Court dates and release conditions deserve close attention. If you are released on bail or on your own recognizance, the court typically sets conditions, such as staying in touch with pretrial services, following no contact orders, or avoiding certain locations. Missing a hearing or violating these conditions can lead to additional problems, so it is critical to know exactly where and when you must appear, especially at the District Court in Honolulu where early hearings often take place.

This is also the time to involve a felony lawyer who regularly appears in local courts. When you contact my office, I review what has already happened, explain what to expect at upcoming hearings, and talk with you about practical steps you can take right now. My free, 24 hour consultation is designed to give you immediate guidance so you are not trying to interpret paperwork or conditions on your own.

If you have recently been arrested, helpful steps often include:

• Preserving any documents you received from police or the court and bringing them to our consultation.
• Avoiding discussions about the case on social media, text, or email, since those communications may be reviewed later.
• Writing down your recollection of events while they are still fresh, and keeping that record in a private place.
• Sharing information about potential witnesses or evidence with your attorney rather than with friends or coworkers.

How I Defend Felony Cases

Every felony case is different, so my first step is to listen carefully to your description of what happened and to review any charging documents or early reports. I then explain the elements of the charges in everyday terms and discuss how Hawaii law treats that type of offense. My role as a felony attorney is to help you understand where your case stands today and what paths may be available as it moves forward.

The details of the evidence usually matter a great deal. I look at reports, statements, and other materials to see how the state is building its case and where gaps or questions may exist. Depending on the situation, defense work can involve examining how evidence was obtained, considering whether your constitutional rights were respected, or looking at whether the facts support the level of charge that has been filed.

Many felony cases in Honolulu involve difficult choices about whether to contest charges at trial, seek a reduction, or pursue a negotiated resolution. I talk with you about the potential risks and benefits of each approach, always with the understanding that no two cases share the same facts or consequences. Together we consider your priorities, such as limiting the risk of incarceration, protecting a job or immigration status, or addressing family concerns.

Communication is a central part of how I practice. Clients often tell me that one of their greatest worries is not knowing what is happening or what comes next. I work to keep you informed about upcoming hearings, deadlines, and important decisions. When you have questions, you can speak directly with me, and I will give you honest feedback about what I see in your case.

Local Insight in Honolulu Courts

Felony cases in this area generally move through the state courts located in Honolulu, including the District Court and Circuit Court facilities downtown. Each courthouse has its own routines, scheduling patterns, and expectations. For someone who has never set foot in a courtroom, these differences can feel overwhelming at first.

I have practiced in Honolulu for more than 30 years, and during that time I have handled criminal matters in the First Circuit on a regular basis. This experience has given me a working knowledge of how cases are usually scheduled, what types of questions judges may ask at particular hearings, and how local prosecutors often approach different categories of offenses. I use this insight to prepare you for each appearance so you are not caught off guard by the process.

Being based here also makes it easier for us to meet in person when necessary and to respond quickly to developments in your case. Whether your hearing is in District Court early in the process or later in Circuit Court, I am familiar with the logistics of getting to the courtroom, finding the correct calendar, and making sure your matter is addressed properly. My focus is on making a complex system feel more understandable and less intimidating.

Because I also work in family law in Honolulu, I understand how a pending or past felony charge can intersect with restraining orders, custody disputes, or support issues. When those concerns arise, I help you think through how your choices in the criminal case may affect your position in related family matters. The goal is to protect as much of your life as possible, not just address a single court date in isolation.

To speak with our experienced Honolulu felony lawyers, call us at (808) 201-0496 or contact us online today. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I have to go to jail for my felony?

Not every felony case leads to jail or prison, but the risk is real. The outcome depends on the charge, your record, the facts, and how the court views your situation. During a consultation, I review these factors with you and explain the range of possible results.

How quickly can you start helping with my case?

I can usually begin advising you as soon as you contact my office. Because I offer free consultations around the clock, you do not have to wait for office hours to get guidance. The sooner we talk, the sooner we can review upcoming hearings and important decisions.

What will a felony conviction do to my future?

A felony conviction can affect employment, housing, professional licenses, immigration, and family law matters. The specific impact depends on the type of offense and your circumstances. I talk with you about these possible consequences so that we can consider them when evaluating options in your case.

How much does it cost to hire you?

The cost of representation in a felony case depends on the complexity of the charges and the work required. I always begin with a free consultation so we can discuss your situation and the likely scope of the case. During that conversation, I explain my fees clearly and answer questions you may have.

Will I speak directly with you about my felony?

Yes, when you contact the Law Office of Steve Cedillos, you speak directly with me about your felony case. I handle my own files and stay personally involved from start to finish. Clients often find this personal access reassuring during a very stressful time.

Talk With a Felony Lawyer Today

Facing a felony charge in Hawaii is overwhelming, but you do not have to face it alone. Speaking with a felony lawyer can help you understand your situation, your options, and the practical steps you can take right now to protect yourself and your family.

For more than 30 years I have represented people in Honolulu courts who are dealing with serious criminal allegations and the family issues that often come with them. I offer free consultations 24 hours a day, and when you contact my office you speak with me directly. Together we can review where your case stands and discuss a path forward that fits your needs.

To speak with our experienced Honolulu felony lawyers, call us at (808) 201-0496 or contact us online today.