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Alen MatsuoKaione Kaneshiro

Criminal defense Attorney at Honolulu, HI

4.8   14 reviews
  • Licensed for 17 years
    State HI
    Acquired 2005
    Status
    Active No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About Alen

Learn Alen’s areas of practice.

1
Practice area

Alen M. Kaneshiro was born and raised on the windward side of Oahu. He is proud not only to be locally born, but also locally educated. Alen graduated from Kailua High School, the University of Hawaii Manoa and received his juris doctorate from the William S. Richardson School of Law. After graduating, he worked for the Honorable Virginia Lea Crandall before joining the State Office of the Public Defender.

 

Alen has effectively represented thousands of clients charged with criminal offenses in front of both judges and juries resulting in countless dismissals, acquittals and post-trial conviction reversals after appeal. While primarily focusing on taking cases to trial, he has also negotiated thousands of plea agreements to the benefit of his clients. Alen spends his weekends with family, friends, and at the beach fishing with his dog Lilikoi.

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Similar lawyers nearby

Alen M. Kaneshiro
841 Bishop Street, Ste 2201
Honolulu, HI, 96813

Reviews

4.8 / 5.0
  14 customer reviews
5 Star
 
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Posted by David | June 4, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great job!!!
I put my case in Alen’s trust and he came through. At times I was frustrated and impatient and he assured me he was on the right path. He was 100% correct. I highly recommend him.
Posted by Kathryn | April 7, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent attorney!
I hired Alen after letting go of my previous attorney on the Big Island where my case was located. This proved to be the best decision EVER, because not only did we win, but also because Alen was so kind, considerate, and most importantly determined! It’s unfortunate to be in a situation where you need a criminal attorney, but when you do, it’s nice to have one who has empathy towards you and what you are going through. Alen is highly knowledgeable of the law, impressive in the court room, and was completely motivated to win my case. He was always quick to respond to any questions that I had, proactive with the case, paid attention to the smallest of details, and worked extremely hard from beginning to end. I cannot say enough about how great of an attorney Alen Kaneshiro is. Alen is very talented at what he does, and I am so grateful that he took my case!
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Posted by Criminal Defense Client | August 3, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
HIRE HIM NOW!
Hands down the best decision! Once finding out I was under investigation for a misdemeanor (yet very serious) allegation, I consulted with nearly a dozen attorneys. Alen was by far the most responsive, professional, helpful, and practical of all I spoke to, so I hired him. While some lawyers wanted to "wait it out" and see what the State was going to do, Alen engaged immediately and in the end, the prosecutor did not file charges in my case. His ability to listen, ask thoughtful questions, and provide candid support about the case was reassuring during an extremely scary/confusing time. His patient-level headed approach to analyzing the details and compassion for his clients is crystal clear. If you want a responsive and knowledgeable professional who is no doubt "on your team", he's the lawyer you want.
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Posted by Sean | January 13, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Second Chance
We all mess up sometimes. We all make mistakes. That's just human nature. Bottom line..if you want a chance in court, you need to hire Alen Kaneshiro. After what he did for me, I wouldn't hire anyone else. I was referred to Alen Kaneshiro through a friend who received a DUI. My particular case was also a petty misdemeanor in the state of Hawaii. I consulted with two other criminal defense attorneys before speaking with Alen. Each of them gave me options, but neither of them were optimistic about the outcome. They mentioned certain options were off the table. When I spoke with Alen during our initial consultation, he was very understanding and humble. He broke down the situation for me so that I could understand what was really going on and what I was up against. He then laid out his strategy that same night, presenting me with several options and broke down the likelihood of success for each. He was honest with me, but still optimistic. So we went to trial. Alen was a true professional both in and out of court. As a result of his efforts, my case was dismissed. I can't thank him enough for giving me a second chance.
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Posted by Kai | November 3, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best Criminal Defense Lawyer in Hawaii... Hands down!
Wow, Completely Impressed with Alen's decisions and results he provided with me in my "hard times". A true professional that provides comfort, honesty, experience, knowledge, and most importantly...RESULTS.. So Happy I called Alen..
Posted by Jimmy | July 23, 2015
June 30, 2015 Jimmy
I was referred to him by a very reputable judge and Alen was very professional and informative. He will tell it like it is and will deliver. He walked me through the whole process and gave me options and his opinions on the outcome. He always responded very quickly with any questions I had when I texted him. He developed a sincerity in his actions and explanations and showed a true concern for my outcome and will give you the confidence that he will prevail. He was awesome in action in court and at the ADLRO hearing. Alen got my license back and also got my case dismissed and I will always be indebted to him and the judge who referred me to him. Thank you is just not enough.
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Posted by anonymous | May 28, 2014
Thank you so much!
After reading about the court process and talking to friends, I knew I wasn't going to be able to get through it alone, so I called Alen. He didn't cut any corners and I was very pleased with the outcome. I highly recommend hiring Alen.
Posted by anonymous | August 5, 2013
Totally recommend Alen!!!
Alen was the most professional yet humble attorney and therefore, thats what I based my decision to hire him on. Did not promise me anything from the get-go like other attorneys I consulted with. Yet, he represented me with utmost professionalism and hard work and in turn, my case was dismissed. I'm not promising you that he will be able to do the same for you but I can say that he will represent you to the fullest and it's easy to see that he works hard for your case.
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Posted by anonymous | July 9, 2013
Honest, reliable, and all around great attorney!
Alen is a wonderful attorney. I was involved in a criminal matter and Alen supported and fought for me throughout my entire case. He was able to represent me from the mainland which was relief so I didn't have to return to the island for court. He is everything I could have hoped for and more. He is trustworthy, knowledgeable, professional, and kept a responsive open line of communication. He was not only easy to work worth but seemed to always think 3 steps ahead and have a plan of action. He kept me informed and comfortable through a bad situation. Ultimately Alen was able to get my case dismissed due to a procedural defect. His hard work and attention to detail paid off! I am more than satisfied with the decision I made to hire him. He was a perfect fit for me, my case, and my particular circumstance.
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Posted by anonymous | January 16, 2013
Great attorney to work with!!! HIGHLY recommended!
Seemed to be very loyal, and worked with me in every aspect of my DUI case, from financially to working with my crazy work schedule. He keeps his clients updated throughout the whole process and makes you feel more comfortable with the process. He thoroughly explains everything that is going on and makes you feel like he is truly on your side. I would highly recommend Alen Kaneshiro to anyone who is in need. He is very personable and seems to care about his client.
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Posted by Theodore | October 5, 2012
An attorney you can trust!!!
Alen represented me in a licensing matter before an administrative board. He met with several times before the first hearing to prepare me and to develop a strategy that resulted in favorable outcome. This was very important for me because an unfavorable decision would have prevented me from continuing to work in my current industry. Although he seemed to be very busy, Alen returned every single phone call and message I left for him and took the time to explain each stage of the hearing process thoroughly. I would definitely recommend Alen to anyone who wants to be represented by an attorney who truly cares about each one of his clients.
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Posted by anonymous | October 4, 2012
Professional and Reassuring
Legal proceedings are always such an emotional and scary process. Alen was able to allay all of my concerns related to my trial and even took the time to explain his strategy and ramifications, every step of the way. His style made me feel like a collaborator rather than a bystander (which I have had the experience of dealing with as well) and Alen was always available for consultation. I have recommended him to many of my friends and family as a direct result of his knowledge and experience.
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Posted by Jesse | September 20, 2012
Your search is over
Alen has been an amazing lawyer. He treated me like his most valued client and after referring several friends to him, they all said the same thing. During our meeting I never felt rushed he would thoroughly answer any questions I had until I felt absolutely comfortable that I understood everything about my case. To be honest, he should be on Wall Street representing major corporations and charging ten times what he currently does but he loves the islands and it's people and has a passion for what he does.
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Posted by Aloha haole | January 3, 2023
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Represents guilty criminals
Represents guilty criminals -he will twist lie and cover up to represent you so if you’re guilty looking for an attorney who is crooked, no morals or values to Cover your okole This is your guy.
Response from Alen Kaneshiro January 3, 2023
Thank you for your review. People should always be wary of anonymous reviews, especially when I did not actually represent this person. Best of luck to the poster.
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Cost

Rates
  • Free Consultation 60 minutes
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 8.1 (Excellent)

Work Experience

  • Managing Partner
  • Alen M. Kaneshiro Esq.,LLC
  • 2010 - Present
  • Public Defender
  • Circuit Court, Hawaii
  • 2006 - 2010
  • Law Clerk, First Circuit Court
  • State Of Hawaii Judiciary
  • 2005 - 2006

Education

  • University of Hawaii at Manoa - William S. Richardson School of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 2005
  • University of Hawaii, Manoa
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 2002

Associations

  • Hawaii State Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2005 - Present
  • Hawaii Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • Member
  • N/A

Languages Spoken

  • English

Speaking Engagements

  • Public Defender District Court Workshop
  • Excessive Speeding and DUI defense
  • 2011

Attorney endorsements

Received (3)
Given (1)
Endorse Alen
Criminal defense Attorney | Oct 26
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Criminal defense Attorney | May 29
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse Alen. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
Criminal defense Attorney | Oct 03
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I consider Alen a very professional and caring attorney. I have seen firsthand how hard he will work to go above and beyond his client's expectations. I would recommend him without hesitation."
Criminal defense
Honolulu Criminal defense Lawyer Alen MatsuoKaione Kaneshiro
Alen MatsuoKaione Kaneshiro
Criminal defense Attorney
Honolulu, HI
Licensed for 17 years
Free Consultation