Released Pending Investigation & Bail

Knowledgeable Criminal Defense Lawyer in Honolulu

After an arrest, you may be released pending investigation or bail. For either type of release, a delay in taking the appropriate legal action could seriously damage your case. Our Honolulu criminal defense lawyer, Victor Bakke, has handled a wide variety of legal cases over the course of 20 years. Attorney Bakke has the knowledge and experience needed to offer optimal legal advice for your situation. Contact our firm, the Law Office of Victor Bakke, ALC, to begin discussing your case with our qualified legal team today.

What is a release pending investigation?

In felony cases, the police are allowed to arrest a person and hold them in custody for a maximum of 48 hours without bail. At the end of the 48 hours, the police have to decide whether or not to let the person go or to continue to hold them. If they decide to release the person, they are free to go without charges and without having to post bail. This is known as being released pending investigation, or "RPI."

An RPI does not mean that your case is closed. Rather, it indicates that the police need more time to investigate your charges. In most felony cases, the government has between 3 to 6 years starting from the date of the crime to file charges. In sexual assault cases involving victims under the age of 18, the government has between 3 to 6 years starting from the time the victim turns 18. There is no time limit to file criminal charges in murder cases.

How a release pending bail works

If the police decide to hold the person, the prosecutor will immediately file charges against them and a judge will set the bail amount. Once bail is set, a person can be released from custody as soon as they post the bail. If they are unable to post bail, they will be taken to court the next available morning and the judge will set a preliminary hearing date within 3 days.

Don’t hesitate to contact us!

If you are released pending investigation or bail, call the Law Office of Victor Bakke, ALC immediately. As soon as we receive your call, Mr. Bakke will personally meet with the arrested person, advise them of their rights, and begin fighting the case. Our Honolulu criminal defense lawyer will also meet with the Detective in charge of the case and work to secure your early release or negotiate an affordable bail amount. If needed, we will work with our bail bondsman to ensure a quick release.

Mr. Bakke and his bail bondsman are available 24/7. Contact us today for immediate legal assistance in your case.