Honolulu Military Criminal Defense Lawyer

Dedicated Representation for Service Members in Oahu, HI

If you are a service member who has been accused of a criminal offense, you may have a lot at stake. A criminal conviction can result in civilian penalties, as well as penalties imposed by your branch of service. Your choice of legal defender can greatly affect the outcome of your case, so retain an experienced Honolulu criminal defense advocate from my firm. At the Law Office of Steve Cedillos, I represent military members facing a wide range of criminal charges.

Service members stationed on Oahu—including those at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Schofield Barracks, and Marine Corps Base Hawaii—face unique challenges when military charges arise. Each base has established procedures and command cultures, and my long-standing familiarity with these factors allows me to provide guidance tailored to your situation. I understand how the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) shapes each stage of your proceedings, from investigation through court-martial or administrative separation, and can explain what to expect when you navigate the military justice system in Hawaii.

Do not risk a dishonorable or bad conduct discharge, as the consequences are severe. In addition to losing your job, you may become ineligible to receive wages, pension, and other forms of military assistance. I represent your rights at discharge hearings or general court-martials.

Benefits of Hiring Private Military Defense Counsel

While you may obtain military defense counsel, you benefit when you hire your own private counsel. With private representation, you have an attorney who is employed by you alone and focused on your best interest. My office brings over 25 years of experience handling court-martials, from the most serious felony-level cases to summary offenses. Put your future in the hands of someone who has defended service members from the Army, Navy, Marines, and Air Force. My firm stands by your side throughout your case and is committed to working toward the best possible outcome for you.

Private legal representation means you receive advice and strategy focused solely on your situation. From the outset, I provide personal attention to every aspect of your case, whether the allegations concern AWOL, drug offenses, assault, or another UCMJ violation. I have spent years defending military members at Oahu’s installations, gaining a deep understanding of how local military commands operate and how Hawaii’s environment can influence proceedings. Hiring a military criminal defense attorney in Honolulu with experience at local bases ensures you have an advocate equipped for every stage of the justice process.

Understanding the Military Justice System in Hawaii

The military justice process in Hawaii follows federal statutes and the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ), but local procedures, base customs, and court personnel create unique variables. Service members stationed on Oahu—particularly at Pearl Harbor-Hickam and Schofield Barracks—often face command-driven investigations that follow both federal and installation-specific requirements. Hawaii’s location means proceedings may include remote witness testimony and special scheduling considerations because of base access protocols and time zone differences. I prepare clients for these local realities to ensure your defense aligns with the specific processes at Hawaii’s military installations. I keep you informed at every step, from the initial investigation through Article 32 hearings to possible court-martial.

Court-martial hearings in Honolulu require thorough review of both military regulations and local influences, which can affect who is involved in your case, including attorneys, judges, and panel members. The close-knit military community on Oahu can bring added complexities, making it crucial to have an attorney with years of experience handling military cases in Hawaii. I keep you informed of local norms and expectations so you always know what to expect during your defense.

JAG Attorneys & Your Right to Choose Counsel in Honolulu

All service members facing charges in Hawaii are assigned a Judge Advocate General (JAG) attorney, provided free by the military. This appointed defense lawyer handles multiple cases, can rotate frequently, and must follow chain-of-command protocols. By hiring your own military criminal defense attorney in Honolulu, you gain a dedicated advocate who answers directly to you and acts independently of military authority. You can have both a JAG attorney and a private lawyer, but only a private attorney supports you for the entire process and offers direct, one-on-one guidance during legal proceedings on Hawaii’s bases and in military courts.

I draw on over thirty years of legal practice in Honolulu and local experience across Oahu’s military installations. Whether your hearing is at Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Schofield Barracks, or another Oahu base, I emphasize clear communication, explain your options, and develop a defense that respects local customs and expectations. This keeps you informed and prepared to make decisions as your case proceeds.

Get in Touch with a Reliable Military Criminal Defense Lawyer

Do you need a criminal defense lawyer for your military case in Oahu? Retain a legal defender who cares about your freedom. Contact a military defense attorney in Honolulu at the Law Office of Steve Cedillos as soon as possible. I offer a free case evaluation for those who would like their case reviewed at no charge.

FAQs

What types of military crimes are most common in Hawaii?

Common military crimes in Hawaii include AWOL, drug offenses, assault, theft, and conduct unbecoming of an officer. The military prosecutes these offenses under the UCMJ at Oahu’s major bases, with cases sometimes influenced by base-specific circumstances and procedures.

Can I have both a JAG attorney and a private military defense lawyer represent me?

Yes, you can work with both a JAG attorney and a private military defense lawyer. The JAG attorney provides representation appointed by the military, while your private counsel focuses only on your interests and gives more direct, one-on-one guidance.

How does the military court process differ from civilian court in Honolulu?

The military court process uses the UCMJ, which has distinct rules and procedures compared to Hawaii state or federal courts. Proceedings take place at military bases, involve commanders, and can include hearings not seen in civilian court, like Article 15s and court-martial panels.