A felony in the State of Hawaii is a criminal offense for which a sentence of one year in prison or more may be imposed.
Felony Sentencing and Convictions in Hawaii
The State of Hawaii classifies its felonies into Class A, B and C, with Class A representing the most heinous of felony offenses. The following provides an overview of the classifications, examples of offenses for each class and the sentences for each one.
| Felony Classification | Criminal Charge | Sentencing: Jail Time and Fines |
| Class A Felony These are considered the most serious felonies in the State. | - murder
- manslaughter
- kidnapping
- rape
- drug crimes
- sexual crimes
- arson
| a term of years up to life imprisonment and fines of up to $50,000.00 |
| Class B Felony | - electronic enticement of a child in the first degree
- sexual assault in the second degree
- promoting prostitution in the first degree
- burglary
- possession of 2 pounds of marijuana
- arson
- DUI
- financial fraud where victim is elderly or disabled
- robbery
| 2-20 years imprisonment and fines of up to $25,000.00 |
| Class C Felony | - possession/use of explosives
- electro-fishing devices and poisonous substances in state waters
- fraud
- negligent homicide in the second degree
- sexual assault in the third degree
- criminal property damage in the second degree
- theft in the second degree
- obstruction of justice
| Up to 5 years imprisonment and fines up to $10,000.00 |
Hawaii Felony Records and Expungement
In Hawaii, only felony records which constitute Class C felonies are eligible for expungement. Consequently, any other felony offense is not subject to expungement.
Felony Statute of Limitations
The following provides the time frame for asserting a prosecution for a felony in the State of Hawaii.
No limitation: 1st or 2nd degree murder or 1st, 2nd degree attempted murder or criminal solicitation to commit murder
10 years: manslaughter (where death was not caused by operating a motor vehicle)
6 years: Class A felony
3 years: all other felonies
View all Criminal Statute of Limitations in Hawaii
Help From a Lawyer in Hawaii for Felony Charges
If one is charged with a felony in Hawaii, one should consider retaining an experienced criminal attorney. An experienced attorney can not only review one’s case in order to determine what options one may have, but also an attorney can help to preserve one’s rights.
