← Back to search

HRS §802-2

Judges must tell defendants about their right to a lawyer

In any criminal case, if someone who has a legal right to a lawyer shows up without one, the judge must tell them they have that right. The judge must also say that if they cannot afford a lawyer, the court may appoint one paid for by the state.

courts

The statute, as written — Notification of right to representation

In every criminal case or proceeding in which a person entitled by law to representation by counsel appears without counsel, the judge shall advise the person of the person's right to representation by counsel and also that if the person is financially unable to obtain counsel, the court may appoint one at the cost to the State.
Read the official text at capitol.hawaii.gov ↗as published Jan 6, 2026our copy taken Aug 20, 2026

LawTrove is not legal advice. The summary above is a computer-generated restatement — the authoritative text is the official version linked above.