Drug DUI

Honolulu Drug DUI Lawyer

Aggressively Fighting Your Drug DUI Charges in Hawaii

Hawaii is one of the strictest states when it comes to DUI charges. If you have been arrested for driving under the influence, you need to hire a lawyer immediately. An experienced drug DUI attorney in Honolulu, HI, can help you fight your charges and defend your rights. 

At The Law Office of Kevin O'Grady, LLC, we are dedicated to helping people get their lives back on track after a DUI arrest. We have handled thousands of DUI cases, and we know how to get results. 

Have you been arrested for a DDUI? Call The Law Office of Kevin O'Grady, LLC today at (808) 521-3367 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our drug DUI attorney in Honolulu.

What is a Drug DUI in Hawaii?

In Hawaii, driving under the influence of drugs (DUI) is treated the same as a DUI for alcohol. The main difference is that while an alcohol DUI is based on your BAC, a drug DUI occurs when a law enforcement officer suspects you are impaired by drugs, whether they are prescription, over-the-counter, or illegal drugs.

Under Hawaii’s DUI laws, a person can be charged with drug DUI if:

  • You are under the influence of drugs and unable to operate a vehicle safely.
  • You have a measurable amount of drugs in your system while driving.

What Are the Penalties for a Drug DUI in Hawaii?

If you are convicted of a drug DUI, you could face the following penalties:

  • First offense: A minimum $500 fine, 90-day license suspension, and up to 30 days in jail
  • Second offense: A minimum $750 fine, 1-year license suspension, and up to 90 days in jail
  • Third offense: A minimum $1,500 fine, 1-year license suspension, and up to 1 year in jail

You can be charged with a refusal if you refuse to submit to a chemical test or if you test positive for an intoxicating substance. The penalties for a refusal can be the same as a DUI charge, except for the mandatory license suspension. In most cases, your license will be suspended for at least 1 year for a refusal.

Our Honolulu DUI Defense Services

At Kevin O'Grady, LLC, we offer comprehensive DUI defense services tailored specifically to drug-related cases. Our services include:

Case Evaluation and Consultation

  • Detailed Assessment: We review every detail of your case—from the circumstances of your arrest to the methods used to test for drugs.
  • Legal Guidance: Our experienced attorneys explain the charges against you, potential consequences, and your available defenses.

Investigation and Evidence Review

  • Thorough Investigation: We conduct an in-depth investigation, gathering evidence such as police reports, witness statements, and laboratory test results.
  • Expert Analysis: Our team collaborates with forensic experts to evaluate the reliability of drug test results and the procedures used during your arrest.

Customized Defense Strategy

  • Tailored Defense: We develop a defense strategy based on the specific facts of your case, whether challenging the legality of the traffic stop, the accuracy of field sobriety tests, or the validity of chemical test results.
  • Negotiation and Litigation: Our attorneys negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges or alternative sentencing options. If necessary, we are prepared to take your case to trial.

Court Representation

  • Aggressive Advocacy: We represent you in all court proceedings, ensuring your rights are protected every step of the way.
  • Minimizing Consequences: Our goal is to reduce or dismiss the charges against you, helping you avoid harsh penalties such as license suspension, fines, and possible jail time.

The Legal Process for a Drug DUI in Hawaii

If you are arrested for a drug DUI in Honolulu, the process typically begins with a traffic stop. Law enforcement officers may pull you over for a variety of reasons, such as erratic driving or the failure to follow traffic laws.

Once you are pulled over, the officer will look for signs that you may be under the influence of drugs. These signs may include:

  • Bloodshot eyes
  • Slurred speech
  • Unsteady movements
  • The smell of drugs or alcohol
  • Lack of coordination

If the officer has reasonable suspicion that you are under the influence of drugs, they may ask you to perform a field sobriety test. These tests are used to assess your coordination, balance, and ability to follow directions. If you fail these tests, the officer may arrest you for a drug DUI.

Once you are arrested, the officer may request a chemical test to determine if drugs are present in your system. You may be asked to submit to a blood, urine, or saliva test. Refusing to take these tests can lead to additional penalties, including a license suspension. If you refuse a drug test, you may face legal consequences for refusal, which can further complicate your case.

How To Fight Against a Drug DUI Charge?

There are several ways that an experienced drug DUI attorney in Honolulu can help you fight your DUI charges. You may be able to have your charges reduced or dismissed if there are mitigating circumstances, such as medical conditions or prescription medications. You may also be able to have the results of your breath or blood tests excluded if the police conducted the tests improperly.

Why Choose Kevin O'Grady, LLC for Your Drug DUI Defense?

  • Local Expertise: Based in Honolulu, our firm is well-versed in Hawaii’s DUI laws and the local judicial system.
  • Proven Track Record: We have successfully defended many clients against drug DUI charges, obtaining favorable outcomes through skilled negotiation and aggressive litigation.
  • Personalized Approach: We understand that every case is unique. Our team works closely with you to develop a defense strategy that aligns with your specific circumstances and goals.
  • No Upfront Fees: We operate on a contingency basis, ensuring you receive quality legal representation without the burden of high upfront costs.
  • Client-Centered Service: Your rights and well-being are our top priorities. We provide clear communication, timely updates, and compassionate support throughout the legal process.

Contact Our Honolulu Drug DUI Attorney Today

If you have been arrested for drug DUI in Honolulu, do not try to represent yourself in court. Without the proper experience and knowledge, you may not be able to get the best possible outcome for your case. At The Law Office of Kevin O'Grady, LLC, we know how to get results, and we can help you fight your charges. We can review the details of your case, and we will help you find the best possible solutions for your unique situation.

Contact The Law Office of Kevin O'Grady, LLC for a free consultation with our Honolulu drug DUI lawyer. We can be reached at (808) 521-3367. We are available to answer your questions.

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Common DUI Questions

  • What is considered to be a DUI in Hawaii?
    Like most other states, drivers found to be operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) level of .08% or higher will be arrested for DUI. In order to measure a driver's BAC, officers often subject drivers to breath tests, blood tests, or urine tests. In other instances, a police officer may ask a driver to participate in a field sobriety test. In Hawaii you can be charged with per se (BAC) and or with impairment (regardless of your BAC).
  • I was arrested for a DUI. When should I talk to a lawyer?
    Immediately. In the state of Hawaii, a police officer will issue an instantaneous driver's license revocation upon a DUI arrest. Your attorney can take steps to request and or preserve evidence early after your arrest and can also speak with witnesses or visit the scene close in time to your arrest. Your attorney will be able to represent you during this administrative hearing, as well as any type of criminal proceeding thereafter.
  • What will happen to my driver's license if I do not petition a license revocation?
    If you fail to take action and request a hearing in a timely manner, you could be jeopardizing your driving privileges. Upon arrest, an arresting officer will issue you a Notice of Administrative Revocation. This notice will serve as a temporary driving permit for 30 days. An in-person administrative hearing must take place within 24 days of receiving a Notice of Revocation. Failure to take action on a first-time DUI offense could result in a mandatory driver's license revocation for up to 1 year.
  • Is it required by law to take a breath or chemical test?
    You do have the right to refuse a breath or chemical test, however, you will also face possible penalties as a result of refusing a chemical test. Admittedly, chemical tests are prone to error and inaccuracy, however, it will be imperative that you listen to law enforcement officers. Refusal of a breath or chemical test could result in a license revocation for up to 2 years on a first-time offense.
  • What happens if I failed a field sobriety test?
    Do not assume that your case will rely solely on the results yielded during a field sobriety test! Even if you have failed a field sobriety test, these tests are not always accurate and often do not take in special circumstances of the person taking the test.

    For example, people with health issues, coordination issues, or sight issues may not perform in a way that would suggest sobriety. Additionally, other external factors, such as uneven roads, weather, stress, or improper administration by the police officer could lead to erroneous results.

Let's Fight Together

  • Charged with DUI or OVUII in Honolulu? Discover how we can fight for your freedom!
  • With a history of successful results. We can fight together.
  • Hear from my former clients. Although I focus on the facts and the ethics of a case, I also make it a point to take the time to get to know my clients.