Drug Defense Attorney in Honolulu
Arrested on a drug charge? Hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer.
Depending on the nature of the charge, conviction for criminal drug activity can result in prison sentences of up to twenty years or life (in State and Federal Courts, respectively). The majority of drug crimes tried in State and Federal Courts involve charges of possession and/or distribution of methamphetamine. Although methamphetamine is the primary drug tried in court, illegal possession of any drug is enough to warrant harsh penalties.
Over the years, Mr. Bakke has successfully defended thousands of cases, keeping his clients out of jail and keeping their records clean. Our firm also works closely with all of the major drug treatment centers and, upon request, we will assist our clients with the enrollment process and insurance forms to make sure that they achieve the best overall outcome possible in their case, as well as their life.
Have you been arrested for a drug crime in Hawaii? If so, you should waste no time in contacting the Honolulu criminal defense attorney at the Law Office of Victor Bakke, ALC. Call our office now for the help that you need!
Our firm handles a wide range of drug charges, including:
- Cocaine
- Marijuana
- Spice
- Ecstasy / MDMA
- Steroids
- Performance enhancing drugs
- Prescription drugs
- International smuggling of counterfeit drugs
- Violations of the Federal Food and Drug Act
Asset Forfeiture in Drug Offense Cases
If you are suspected of, arrested for, or charged with the selling of drugs, there is a good chance that the State or Federal government will try to take away your property. This is especially true if they believe that the illegal materials were used in the commission of a crime or were bought with the proceeds of a crime (i.e. drug money). Commonly seized items include cars, jewelry, electronics and cash. If these or any other items were taken from you, you need to fight quickly to get them back before they are permanently lost.
Marijuana Possession Laws in Hawaii
Although many states in the U.S. have legalized the medicinal use of marijuana—Hawaii being one such state—the fact remains that all other uses of this drug remain illegal. You would be arrested if you were caught possessing, cultivating, selling or distributing marijuana. In fact, Hawaii Revised Statutes §329-14 still classifies marijuana as a Schedule I substance.
If you or someone you know has been charged with marijuana possession in Honolulu, you need an aggressive and experienced criminal defense attorney to defend you. Contact our Honolulu firmto speak with an experienced lawyer about your case.
What are the penalties for possessing marijuana?
If you are arrested for marijuana possession in Hawaii, the penalties will depend on the amount of cannabis that was uncovered—as smaller amounts will result in lesser penalties.
- Less than one ounce: up to 30 days in jail and $1,000 in fines
- One ounce to one pound: up to one year in jail and $2,000 in fines
- One to two pounds: up to 10 years in prison and $25,000 in fines
- More than 25 pounds: up to 25 years in prison and $25,000 in fines
The penalties for marijuana possession are varied, as possessing less than one ounce is only a petty misdemeanor, while possessing 25 pounds or more is a Class A felony.
What the Law Says About Cultivating Marijuana
In addition to possessing marijuana, it is also a crime to cultivate (grow) it. The penalties for cultivating marijuana will depend on the number of plants that were found.
- Between 25 and 50 plants: up to five years in prison and $10,000 in fines
- Between 50 and 100 plants: up to 10 years in prison and $25,000 in fines
- More than 100 plants: up to 20 years in prison and $50,000 in fines
Cultivating marijuana on someone else's property without their permission could result in even harsher penalties—especially if it is government-owned. In fact, it is a Class B felony.
Added Penalties for Possessing Drug Paraphernalia
Hawaii has strict laws regulating the use and sale of drug paraphernalia. You could face separate and additional charges if you were found to be in possession of paraphernalia. This includes anything that could be used to grow, harvest, process, sell, store or use marijuana.
- Simply possessing drug paraphernalia is a Class C felony, punishable by five years in prison
- Advertising drug paraphernalia is a Class C felony in Hawaii, which is punishable by up to five years in prison
- Selling drug paraphernalia to a minor (someone who is younger than 18), and you are at least three years older than the minor, is a Class B felony. This is punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
Get an Experienced Legal Advocate on Your Side
Dealing with the government in such cases can be difficult, as anything you say could be used against you. A seasoned criminal defense attorney can help you navigate the complex legal process and secure a favorable result. The criminal defense attorney at the Law Office of Victor Bakke, ALC has recovered more than $100,000 worth of cash and property for his clients, at the same time seeing many of these cases dismissed. Don't hesitate to secure qualified legal help!
At the Law Office of Victor Bakke, ALC, we have a long and well-documented history of success defending drug-related cases in both the State and Federal Courts. If you work with Attorney Bakke, you can rest assured knowing that he brings more than 20 years of successful practice to the table and has handled more than 3,000 cases.
Are you ready to take the first step? Contact us today for a free initial consultation.