Criminal Defense Attorney in Hawaii
Facing the criminal justice system can be overwhelming. You need an attorney who will protect your rights and guide you through every stage of your case.
With more than a decade of legal experience in both North Carolina and Hawaii, Caroline focuses her practice on defending clients against serious state and federal charges, including DUI/OVUII, drug crimes, and white collar offenses.
She is dedicated to achieving the best possible results for her clients and works to ensure they understand their options and the process ahead.
Call (808) 570-6003 today to discuss your case with Caroline M. Elliot, an experienced Hawaii criminal defense lawyer.
Lifetime Commitment as an Advocate
Caroline has devoted her career to standing up for people facing the power of the criminal justice system. Her commitment to advocacy began in her teens, when she participated in a teen court program to help young offenders avoid the traditional court process. She was also active in Moot Court and Mock Trial during high school.
At Clemson University, she played in the Marching Band and met her husband. She went on to earn her law degree at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she led the Innocence Project and Death Penalty Project, working on some of the most serious and sensitive cases. She also interned at the Center for Death Penalty Litigation and the Wake County Public Defender's Office.
After graduating in 2008, Caroline joined the Wake County Public Defender's Office as an assistant public defender, starting in the misdemeanor unit and later advancing to the felony unit. Over 12 years, she handled increasingly complex and high-stakes cases, including serious violent felonies.
In 2021, Caroline and her husband moved to Hawaii. She passed the Hawaii bar exam that July and was licensed to practice in December of the same year. Today, she represents clients across Hawaii in cases ranging from high-level felonies and first-degree murder trials to federal drug, white collar, and firearm offenses.
Her work blends strategic defense with a client-focused approach, ensuring that every client’s voice is heard and rights are protected.
Help Navigating the Criminal Justice System
The criminal justice process in Hawaii can be overwhelming, especially when facing serious charges. The stakes are high, and without strong representation you risk losing your freedom, rights, and future.
You need an attorney who understands the law, knows the system, and is committed to protecting your interests. At the Law Office of Caroline M. Elliot, clients receive focused, strategic defense in both state and federal courts.
Caroline has extensive experience with serious felony cases, including violent crimes, drug offenses, and complex federal charges. She works to secure the best possible outcome through acquittals, charge reductions, or favorable plea agreements.
Call (808) 570-6003 for a free consultation and get an experienced Hawaii criminal defense lawyer on your side.
Working with the Law Office of Caroline M. Elliot
Choosing the right criminal defense attorney matters when you are facing serious charges or post-conviction challenges. At the Law Office of Caroline M. Elliot, we provide personalized representation grounded in experience, strategy, and a commitment to protecting your rights.
Tailored Strategies for Your Case
Every case is different. We take time to learn the details, whether it involves DUI/OVUII charges, drug offenses, or federal gun charges. We develop defense plans that fit your situation and goals, aiming for the best possible outcome.
Support Beyond the Courtroom
We assist clients with post-conviction relief, including expungements, pardons, and Hawaii Paroling Authority matters. Our goal is to help you clear your record and take steps toward rebuilding your life after a conviction.
State and Federal Experience
Caroline has extensive experience in both Hawaii state and federal courts, handling cases such as federal drug charges, white collar crimes, and firearm offenses. This dual expertise ensures strong representation in any jurisdiction.
Clear Communication and Client Support
Facing criminal charges is stressful. We keep clients informed, answer questions, and provide guidance at every stage so you always know what to expect and never feel alone in the process.
Focused on Results
Our firm fights for the best possible result, whether that means an acquittal, reduced sentence, or negotiated plea. We also pursue complex post-conviction remedies, including governor-level pardons when appropriate.
Contact us at (808) 570-6003 for a free consultation and start building a defense that protects your rights and your future.
Frequently Asked Questions
How has your experience with high-profile and serious charges in Hawaii shaped your approach?
Caroline’s work on high-profile cases in Hawaii, including murder trials, federal crimes, and major felonies, has reinforced the importance of thorough investigation and preparation.
She reviews every detail of a case, interviews witnesses, and works with experts to challenge the prosecution’s evidence. This strategic approach allows her to anticipate issues before trial and build defenses tailored to each client.
Call (808) 570-6003 for a free consultation to discuss how this experience can benefit your case.
What qualifies you to handle both state and federal criminal cases?
Caroline has significant experience in both Hawaii state and federal courts, defending cases involving drug offenses, white collar crimes, and firearm charges.
She understands the differences between state and federal law, including how federal gun statutes address firearms in drug trafficking or violent crimes and possession by prohibited individuals.
Facing state or federal charges? Contact (808) 570-6003 to learn how this dual experience can help your defense.
How does your work with the Innocence Project and Death Penalty Project influence your approach?
Caroline’s leadership in the Innocence Project and Death Penalty Project taught her to identify flaws in the justice system, such as faulty evidence or improper procedures, that can lead to wrongful convictions.
This perspective informs her work on complex criminal cases and appeals, where protecting clients’ rights and challenging errors can be critical to achieving justice.
For post-conviction help, call (808) 570-6003 for a free consultation.
What strategies do you use for post-conviction relief like expungements?
Caroline combines legal experience with clear guidance to help clients pursue expungements, pardons, and other record-clearing remedies.
Her focus is on both the legal result and helping clients move forward, providing a clear roadmap for each step of the process.
Call (808) 570-6003 to discuss options for clearing your record and rebuilding your future.
How do you balance aggressive defense with professionalism in court?
Caroline fights hard for her clients while maintaining credibility with judges and prosecutors. This balance often helps achieve better outcomes in negotiations and at trial.
Her reputation for fairness and integrity means her arguments are taken seriously, even in the most contested cases.
Call (808) 570-6003 to work with a defense attorney who combines strong advocacy with professionalism.
