Sentencing Guidelines in Hawaii

Criminal Law Firm

Our Hawaii criminal law attorneys at the Office of Michael Jay Green explain that certain offenses have recommend sentences. These guidelines form a set of rules to understand criminal laws and see them broken down into classifications based on different types of offenses.

Sentencing disparities

Unfortunately, there are often inconsistencies in sentencing. Sometimes two individuals who are both charged with the same crime receive different sentences. Such disparities can be based on several factors including race, socioeconomic class, gender, or region. Recently there has been significant debate over the role race plays in sentencing. If you believe that you have been unjustly sentenced because of any of the above factors, contact our criminal law attorneys.

Indeterminate sentences

The concept behind indeterminate sentencing is that the punishment should meet the needs of each offender.  Indeterminate sentencing does not specify a period of time to be served. Instead, it suggests a range of time such as 10-20 years. An experienced criminal law attorney has a thorough knowledge of sentencing guidelines and can help you understand the legal system.

Determinate sentences

With determinate sentences, a fixed period of time is set for the offender. The judge still decides whether or not the offender goes to prison, but they cannot decide how long the inmate will be confined. In some cases, a prisoner may be eligible for parole after serving part of their sentence.

Three strike laws

Many states have adopted the use of three strike laws. These laws require a third time felony offender to be imprisoned for a substantial period of time or even life. The three strike criminal law locks up any violent repeat offender for a period of 30 years to life.

If you have been arrested, our attorneys can help you with criminal defense and will help defend your rights.  Call The Offices of Micheal Jay Green at 1-877-490-7694 or use our email form and contact us today for an initial consultation regarding your case.