James Lewis, Criminal Defense Attorney in Honolulu, Hawaii
Over 28 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and Family Law
Legal Rights Ctr.
Honolulu, HI
Practicing criminal defense in Honolulu since 1998.
- 28+
- Years practicing
- 2
- Bar admissions
Are you James Lewis?
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Quick answer
James Lewis is a legal rights ctr. based in Honolulu, HI. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and Family Law. James has over 28 years of legal experience.
- Based in
- Honolulu, HI
- Experience
- over 28 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · DUI/DWI · Family Law
- Handles Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and Family Law matters from Honolulu, HI.
- Over 28 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About James Lewis: James Lewis is a legal rights ctr. based in Honolulu, HI. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and Family Law. James has over 28 years of legal experience.
Areas of practice
Legal matters James takes on
James concentrates on criminal defense, dui/dwi, family law, immigration, and traffic. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense
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DUI/DWI
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Family Law
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Immigration
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Traffic
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Criminal Defense cases in Honolulu, Hawaii
James takes criminal defense matters in Honolulu, Hawaii. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.
DUI/DWI cases in Honolulu, Hawaii
James takes dui/dwi matters in Honolulu, Hawaii. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.
Family Law cases in Honolulu, Hawaii
James takes family law matters in Honolulu, Hawaii. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.
Immigration cases in Honolulu, Hawaii
James takes immigration matters in Honolulu, Hawaii. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.
Traffic cases in Honolulu, Hawaii
James takes traffic matters in Honolulu, Hawaii. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet James Lewis — criminal defense lawyer in Honolulu
James Lewis is a legal rights ctr. based in Honolulu, HI. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and Family Law. James has over 28 years of legal experience.
James Lewis is a lawyer practicing criminal defense, dui & dwi, speeding & traffic ticket and 3 other areas of law. James received a B.A. degree from University of California in 1993, and has been licensed for 28 years. James practices in Honolulu, HI.
How James handles criminal defense matters
James Lewis is a lawyer practicing criminal defense, dui & dwi, speeding & traffic ticket and 3 other areas of law. James received a B.A. degree from University of California in 1993, and has been licensed for 28 years. James practices in Honolulu, HI.
The kind of cases James takes
James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, dui/dwi, and family law matters in Honolulu and the surrounding Hawaii area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of Minnesota
J.D. · 1997
University of California
B.A. U. · 1993
Jurisdictions
James's state bar admissions
Hawaii
2009 · ACTIVE
Minnesota
1998 · ACTIVE
James studied at J.D. in University of Minnesota and B.A. U. in University of California.
Law school and academic background
James completed J.D. in University of Minnesota and B.A. U. in University of California. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in Hawaii is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Locations
James Lewis's office in Honolulu
James's primary office is at 1177 Queen Street, Honolulu, HI, 96814-4138. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of James Lewis
James has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire James Lewis — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new criminal defense attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with James usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
James charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain James's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; James will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Honolulu, Hawaii
A short list to run through before you commit: How many criminal defense matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for James
James discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in criminal defense practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every criminal defense matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. James confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
James's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many criminal defense practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about James Lewis
How much does it cost to hire James for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. James walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does James offer a free consultation?
James charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain James's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.
How long do criminal defense cases in Hawaii typically take?
Simple criminal defense matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. James gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can James take my case if I'm outside Honolulu?
James is licensed in Hawaii. Matters governed by Hawaii law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — James will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with James?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. James will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is James accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
James's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Criminal Defense attorneys serving Honolulu, Wailuku and Hilo in Hawaii
James handles criminal defense matters throughout Hawaii. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified criminal defense attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated criminal defense attorneys in Hawaii
If James's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Honolulu handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





