Honolulu Mental Health Diversion Programs
If you or a loved one was arrested in Honolulu during a mental health crisis, Hawaii law may allow the case to be diverted into treatment instead of traditional prosecution. Honolulu cases are generally handled in Honolulu County courts — this guide explains how diversion works there, who qualifies, and what happens after.
Hawaii law that applies in Honolulu
HRS § 853-1 — Deferred acceptance of guilty or no contest plea.
- Hawaii Mental Health Court (First Circuit)
Citations pending attorney review.
How a Honolulu case moves into diversion
- 1. Arrest & booking. After a Honolulu arrest, the case is filed with Honolulu County prosecutors. Jail mental health staff may flag a condition at intake.
- 2. Defense request. Your attorney gathers treatment records and asks the court or prosecutor for diversion or mental health court referral.
- 3. Evaluation & plan. A clinician confirms the diagnosis and proposes a treatment plan for the court to review.
- 4. Supervision. You follow the plan with regular check-ins with the Honolulu County court or program staff.
- 5. Dismissal. Successful completion can lead to dismissed charges and possible record sealing.
Who may qualify in Honolulu
Courts commonly consider a diagnosed condition such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, or major depression; whether it contributed to the alleged offense; whether treatment is likely to help; and public safety. Veterans may also be eligible for veterans treatment court where available. For the full Hawaii breakdown, see the Hawaii diversion guide.
Honolulu diversion FAQs
Does Honolulu have a mental health diversion program?
Criminal cases from Honolulu are typically heard in Honolulu County courts, where diversion is governed by HRS § 853-1 (Deferred acceptance of guilty or no contest plea) and local court and prosecutor policy. Availability depends on the charge and program capacity — a local defense attorney can confirm current options.
Where are Honolulu criminal cases heard?
Most Honolulu arrests are prosecuted in the Honolulu County criminal courts. Some minor offenses may go through municipal court. Mental health court dockets, where available, are usually run at the county level.
Who qualifies for mental health diversion in Honolulu?
Courts commonly look for a diagnosed mental health condition (bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, major depression, and others) that played a role in the offense, a treatment plan likely to help, and no unreasonable public safety risk. Some serious or violent charges may be excluded under Hawaii law.
Can felony charges in Honolulu be diverted?
It depends on Hawaii law and the specific charge. Some Hawaii programs accept certain felonies; others are limited to misdemeanors. A Honolulu diversion lawyer can review whether your charge is eligible.
What happens if I complete diversion in Honolulu?
Successful completion of a Hawaii diversion program often leads to dismissal of the charges, and may open the door to sealing or expungement of the arrest record.
How do I find a mental health diversion lawyer in Honolulu?
Look for a criminal defense attorney who regularly practices in Honolulu County courts and has handled diversion or mental health court cases. You can request a match through this site at no cost.