How to Find and Access Hawaii Criminal Records

Criminal records contain information that is filed by local, state, federal and other government agencies, such as arrest records, convictions, trial dates, settlements and sentencing. Hawaii criminal records created by the local and federal government are accessible to the public through online listings and physical files.

Hawaii criminal records can be accessed for free, but the process often takes weeks or even months. In case of difficult searches, the best option is to use a criminal records website like https://ecrim.ehawaii.gov/ahewa/. With the help of such sites you can search through Hawaii criminal records for free within fifteen seconds. It takes less than $3 to become a member of the online database. You can of course also visit the local courthouse or ask for local law enforcement agencies for assistance.

Uniform Crime Reporting in Hawaii

The Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) Program was initiated in 1930 by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) to meet a recognized need for a nationwide system to collect crime statistics. In an effort to streamline procedures and provide consistency and comparability of data, the FBI promoted the development of state UCR programs. The purpose of this program is to collect data from local law enforcement agencies and assure compliance with national standards. Hawaii’s UCR program plays a major role in all types of research and statistics which are reviewed by the FBI, and it became the Crime Prevention and Justice Assistance Division in 1995.

What are Criminal Records?

Hawaii criminal records include offender fingerprints identification, notations of arrest and following dispositions. Complete and accurate criminal history record information enables the state to identify persons who are ineligible to hold responsible positions, involving the elderly, children or disabled. Criminal records include data of all components of the criminal justice system: prosecution, law enforcement, protection orders, and sex offender registries.

Hawaii criminal records have three distinct divisions – felonies, misdemeanors, and infractions. Felonies are the most serious offenses that are usually punishable by a jail or prison sentence of one or more years and probation. Misdemeanors are lesser offenses; if a jail term is imposed, it is usually one year or less. Depending on the degree or severity of the crime, some crimes may be classified as a felony in one state and a misdemeanor in the other. A crime may be tried as a felony or misdemeanor, depending on local laws and classifications of crimes, in combination with the individual's criminal past.

Infractions are petty offenses such as traffic tickets and municipal code violations. None of these offenses are punishable by a jail term. The term "disposition" is often used when discussing or searching criminal records. Disposition is the final result of a criminal court case found in the corresponding record.

Importance of Criminal Records

Hawaii Criminal records are mostly used for employment purposes, outside law enforcement and criminal justice agencies. These records are helpful in background checks and employment screening, name and date of birth issues and legal compliance issues. The purpose of the background check is not to stop an individual from being hired but to verify that there is no suppression of facts by the applicant. Hawaii criminal records, like other state records, portray a true picture of the state's criminal activities.