The state of Hawaii recognizes that not all crimes are equal, and authorities categorize them differently depending on the seriousness of the offense. In the court of law, there are three different levels of wrongdoing: infractions, misdemeanors, and felonies, for which the penalties and bail amounts vary. To help you understand these terms better, here is a guide to the differences between them.

Infractions

An infraction is a minor offense for which the penalties include fines and driver's license restriction, but not imprisonment. Examples include traffic and pedestrian offenses that result in a ticket, such as speeding, jaywalking, failing to stop at a stop sign, and other routine occurrences. Unless you are cited for additional offenses, an infraction won't lead to an arrest or incarceration. Infractions are often considered "civil" matters rather than criminal offenses. You can fight the ticket in court, but because incarceration is off the table, the state is not required to provide you with an attorney.

Misdemeanors

A misdemeanor is a crime for which the penalties include up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $2,000. Bail amounts vary depending on the severity of the crime, from just a few hundred dollars for public drunkenness or indecent exposure to about $2,500 for a first-offense possession charge or DUI and $10,000 for spousal battery. If you can post the cash bond yourself, you'll receive the entirety of it back when you show up for trial. If you purchase a bail bond in Hawaii, the agent will charge you 10% of the bail amount for the service.

Felonies

Felonies are more serious crimes that carry potential punishment of one or more years in prison. Murder, rape, robbery, and sexual battery are all considered felonies. Again, the cost of bail depends on the seriousness of the offense. Sexual battery typically comes out to $25,000, while rape and robbery cost $50,000 to $100,000. Premeditated murder may cost $1 million or more to get out, if bail is set at all. Almost nobody has enough cash on hand to get themselves out for serious felonies, so an agent’s assistance is usually required.

If your loved one has been arrested and requires a bail bond to be released from custody, contact Ali‘i Bail Bonds in Honolulu, HI. They have served Oahu residents for more than 15 years and offer affordable solutions 24/7. Visit their website to get answers to frequently asked questions about the process, or call (808) 232-9735 to speak to a helpful bail agent.