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You wake up to a knock at the door ; it’s a federal agent handing you a letter ; your heart sinks as you realize it’s a target letter from the U.S. Attorney’s Office. You’re now the target of a federal criminal investigation in Hawaii. What do you do next?
A federal target letter is an official notification that federal prosecutors have substantial evidence linking you to the commission of a federal crime. It means you’ve become the prime focus of their criminal investigation.The letter will likely state:
Receiving this letter is a serious matter ; it signifies prosecutors believe they can secure an indictment against you based on the evidence they’ve gathered so far.
If you receive a federal target letter in Hawaii, your first move should be to hire an experienced federal criminal defense attorney right away. Do not pass go, do not collect $200 – get a lawyer on board immediately.Why is this so crucial? A few key reasons:
You Need Guidance on How to Respond
The target letter itself requires a careful, calculated response. You can’t just fire off an email explaining your side of the story. A skilled lawyer knows precisely how to respond in a way that protects your rights and interests.
You Need Protection Against Self-Incrimination
Federal investigators will likely try to interrogate you and catch you in a contradiction or misstatement. Having a lawyer present to advise you on what to say – or more importantly, what not to say – is critical.
You Need Someone Building Your Defense
Your lawyer needs to start developing a defense strategy immediately by:
The sooner you get a federal defense lawyer involved, the better your chances of putting out this fire before it becomes a blaze.
Once you’ve hired a federal criminal lawyer in Hawaii, listen to their advice and avoid taking any independent action without their approval. Your lawyer will likely recommend:
Remaining Silent
Aside from invoking your right to counsel, your lawyer will advise against discussing the investigation or alleged crimes with anyone, including federal agents. Anything you say can potentially be used against you.
Avoiding Obstruction
You’ll be instructed not to destroy or conceal any records, documents or evidence relating to the investigation. This could lead to additional obstruction charges.
Attending Proffer Meetings
Your lawyer may advise requesting a “proffer” meeting with prosecutors, where you can provide an explanation or mitigating information about your involvement. Done properly, this could lead to reduced charges or even a closure of the investigation without indictment.
Testifying Before the Grand Jury
In some cases, your lawyer may allow you to testify before the grand jury investigating your case. This gives you a chance to raise reasonable doubt about probable cause for indictment. The key is deferring completely to your lawyer’s legal expertise and strategy. The federal justice system is an entirely different beast than state courts. You need a lawyer who has been through these fires before.
Even with the best legal representation, sometimes prosecutors decide to pursue indictment from a grand jury. If this happens, your lawyer’s strategy will likely shift to:
Filing Pre-Trial Motions
Your lawyer can file motions to suppress certain evidence, dismiss specific charges, or have the case dismissed entirely on legal grounds.
Negotiating a Plea Bargain
The lawyer may negotiate with prosecutors to plead guilty to reduced charges in exchange for a more lenient sentence recommendation.
Preparing for Trial
If no plea deal is reached, your lawyer will start preparing an aggressive defense strategy for taking the case to trial and battling for dismissal or acquittal. The bottom line is that being indicted on federal charges is not the end of the road. With a skilled lawyer handling your federal criminal case in Hawaii, you still have recourse and a fighting chance.
For those unable to afford private legal representation, you do have the option of requesting a federal public defender be appointed to your case. However, there are a few important caveats to consider:
Hiring a private federal criminal defense lawyer is often the best option if you can afford one. They’ll be able to devote more time and resources to crafting a personalized defense strategy for your case.
Federal prosecutors in Hawaii frequently pursue cases involving crimes like:
The federal statutes and penalties for these crimes can be quite severe compared to similar state charges. This underscores why you need a lawyer who specializes in federal criminal defense.
Not all criminal defense lawyers are created equal when it comes to federal cases. You’ll want to find a firm that checks the following boxes:
✓ Extensive experience defending federal criminal cases from start to finish
✓ A strong track record of securing favorable outcomes (dismissals, acquittals, etc.)
✓ In-depth knowledge of federal laws, procedures, and courtroom rules
✓ Prior experience practicing before the federal judges assigned to your case
✓ A support staff that can handle the immense paperwork and documentation
✓ A reputation for outstanding client service and communication. You’ll also want to have a free consultation to get a feel for the lawyer’s approach and compatibility. Federal cases can be long and stressful – you need to completely trust your lawyer’s expertise.
Federal criminal defense is generally more expensive than state criminal defense for a few reasons:
As a rough estimate, you can expect to pay anywhere from $25,000 to $100,000+ in legal fees to a private federal criminal defense firm in Hawaii. The cost depends on factors like:
Most firms will offer flexible payment plans to help make their services more accessible. You can’t put a price on your freedom and future.
Hawaii’s federal judicial district has courthouses on multiple islands:
If you’re accused of a federal crime that allegedly occurred on a different Hawaiian island than the one you reside on, you’ll want to hire a lawyer who can appear in that specific courthouse. Federal judges rarely grant requests to transfer cases between the islands unless there are extraordinary circumstances. This means your lawyer may need to travel back and forth for hearings, meetings with prosecutors, and ultimately the trial itself if no plea deal is reached.
For those visiting Hawaii who find themselves accused of a federal crime, the process works a bit differently:
The federal prosecutor for the Hawaii district will still be responsible for your case. But the actual hearings, trial, and other proceedings will take place in your home district to avoid the hassle of traveling back and forth to Hawaii.
For those accused of committing federal crimes while serving in the U.S. military in Hawaii, you’ll be subject to prosecution through the military criminal justice system. This involves very different processes, rules of evidence, and sentencing guidelines compared to civilian federal courts. You’ll need to hire a lawyer who specializes in military criminal defense and court martial proceedings.
Cruise ships are considered “floating territories” of the country they are registered in. For crimes committed on Hawaiian cruises, you’ll likely face federal charges since most cruise lines are registered in the U.S. You’ll need a lawyer who understands the nuances of maritime law and jurisdiction over crimes committed on the high seas near Hawaii. These cases can get legally complicated very quickly.
For those accused of federal crimes committed on Hawaiian tribal lands, such as the Hawaiian Home Lands, you’ll likely face prosecution in both the federal court system and the tribal court system. Tribal courts have their own criminal laws, rules of evidence, and sentencing guidelines that can differ significantly from federal courts. You’ll need a lawyer who has expertise in federal laws and regulations regarding tribal jurisdictions.
For crimes committed during travel to or from Hawaii, such as on a flight or aboard a cruise ship, you’ll likely face federal charges since these modes of transportation involve interstate or international travel. The specific jurisdiction would depend on factors like:
These cases can get legally complex very quickly. You’ll need a lawyer who understands the intricacies of federal jurisdiction over transportation crimes.
For alleged internet crimes like hacking, cyberstalking, or online fraud originating from Hawaii, you’ll face federal charges since the internet is considered an instrumentality of interstate commerce. These cases often involve complex digital forensics and evidence. You’ll want a lawyer who employs computer forensics experts and has extensive experience defending federal cybercrimes.
Given Hawaii’s isolated geography and wealth of protected lands/marine areas, federal environmental crimes are aggressively prosecuted. This includes offenses like:
You’ll need a lawyer who understands the complex federal statutes, regulations, and jurisdictional boundaries regarding environmental crimes in Hawaii.
For non-U.S. citizens accused of federal crimes in Hawaii, the consequences extend far beyond just potential jail time. You’ll also be facing:
You’ll need a lawyer who understands the intersecting federal laws regarding immigration crimes and can fight to protect your immigration rights.
For those accused of federal crimes committed on active military bases in Hawaii, such as Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, you’ll face prosecution through the federal military court system. These cases involve very different rules, procedures, and sentencing guidelines compared to civilian federal courts. You’ll need to hire a lawyer who specializes in military criminal defense.
Much of the land in Hawaii is owned and regulated by the federal government, including:
For alleged crimes committed on these federal lands in Hawaii, you’ll face prosecution in the federal court system. Your lawyer must understand the complex jurisdictional boundaries and regulations involved.
For crimes committed at one of Hawaii’s major airports, such as the Honolulu International Airport, you’ll likely face federal charges since airports involve interstate and international travel and commerce. These cases can involve complex jurisdictional issues if the crime impacted air travel safety or operations. You’ll need a lawyer who understands federal aviation laws and regulations.
If you’re accused of committing a federal crime on a Hawaiian island you don’t live on, you’ll likely still have your case heard on that island’s federal courthouse. Federal judges are reluctant to grant changes of venue unless there are extraordinary circumstances. This means you’ll need to hire local counsel on that specific island who can appear for all hearings and proceedings.
For alleged crimes committed while just passing through Hawaii, such as at an airport layover, your case will still be prosecuted in the federal court district of Hawaii initially. However, your lawyer can likely get the case transferred to your home district after your initial appearance to avoid extensive travel. You’ll then need to hire local counsel near your residence.
The Hawaiian islands of Molokai and Lanai do not have dedicated federal courthouses. For alleged federal crimes committed on these islands, your case will be heard at the federal courthouse on Maui or Oahu. Your lawyer will need to be able to travel and appear at those courthouses for all proceedings related to your case. Choosing local Hawaii counsel is critical.
For alleged crimes tied to the Hawaiian sovereignty movement, such as trespassing on federal lands or impeding federal agents, you’ll face federal charges. These cases can involve complex issues around native Hawaiian rights, jurisdictional boundaries, and even international laws. You’ll need a lawyer who understands the nuances of this sensitive topic.
Certain Hawaiian cultural practices like gathering materials from federal lands or waters could potentially lead to federal charges depending on the circumstances. You’ll need a lawyer who can navigate the intricate web of federal laws, native Hawaiian rights, and environmental regulations involved in these cases to properly defend you.
For alleged crimes involving damage, theft or trespassing at Hawaiian archaeological sites on federal lands, such as at national parks, you’ll face federal prosecution. These cases involve complex issues around native Hawaiian heritage, federal preservation laws, and environmental regulations. Your lawyer must understand all these nuances.
For Hawaiian elders or kupuna accused of federal crimes, there may be opportunities for alternative sentencing or deferred prosecution based on age and cultural factors. Your lawyer must be skilled at arguing for these more favorable outcomes by highlighting mitigating circumstances related to your age and heritage.
For Hawaiian minors accused of federal crimes, the procedures and potential penalties differ significantly from adult cases. You’ll need a lawyer who specializes in the federal juvenile justice system and can fight to have your case handled through juvenile rehabilitation paths rather than adult prosecution.
For those accused of federal crimes tied to Hawaiian organized crime groups, such as gambling or racketeering offenses, you’ll face very aggressive prosecution. These cases often involve complex conspiracies, witness intimidation concerns, and voluminous financial evidence. You need a lawyer who can navigate these complicated cases.
For alleged crimes committed by members or associates of Hawaiian gangs or crime syndicates, you’ll face enhanced federal charges and penalties. These cases are extremely evidence-intensive and often rely on undercover informants. Your lawyer must be skilled at cross-examining this type of witness and poking holes in their credibility.
Given Hawaii’s island geography, smuggling crimes frequently involve alleged violations of federal laws, such as:
These cases are a top priority for federal law enforcement in Hawaii. You need a lawyer who understands the complex maritime and immigration laws involved.
Please feel free to email us any questions regarding services that we may assist you with. You may also contact us by mail, telephone or fax.
