My father has been in an ongoing dispute with his next door neighbors for several years. My father is truly one of the most helpful, generous, humorous, and hardworking men I know--he is the neighborhood handyman for pretty much anyone on their street. However, the neighbors next door have a reputation in their area as the neighborhood bullies. As they did to the previous residents of my parents' house (before they bought it in 2003), their neighbors have weaponized the legal system against my father: Calling law enforcement for numerous frivolous reasons, ongoing verbal assaults, declining formal mediation, filing a TRO against him, and then literally admitting to attempting to goad my father into a reaction so they could have him criminally prosecuted. In the latest dispute, my father was assigned court appointed public defenders. The first two strongly urged my father to simply plead guilty to the charges--things he never committed in the first place. One public defender was released because of what my father and our family deemed unprofessional behavior, and for lack of confidence. The second court appointed public defender told my father that everyone is actually "guilty until proven innocent," they never returned calls, lost paperwork, failed to show up to court, and finally had to recuse themself due to ongoing health issues (that they never disclosed previously). After SEVENTEEN court appearances, my father was finally blessed when Joanne Hicks was assigned as his attorney. When we first learned of her, we researched her website--the top of which states: "We listen to the voices of the accused. - Ke hoʻolohe nei mākou i ka leo o ka mea i hoʻopiʻi ʻia." From that statement, we could immediately identify two things: 1. Hicks Law's approach was different than what my father had experienced with his two previous attorneys; and, 2. From the Hawaiian language, we could tell that Hicks Law shared and understood Local values. In fact, Ms. Hicks was everything the other two attorneys were not: Supportive, compassionate, positive, communicative, active, and effective. So effective, in fact, that she was able to have my father's case quickly and permanently "dismissed with prejudice"--something the previous two attorneys were not able to accomplish across 17 appearances! It was completely apparent from the beginning of my father's interactions with Ms. Hicks that she knew what she was doing. Her additional advice on moving forward was also clear, understandable, and we value it as a family. Hicks Law's website also states "Trusted defense for kamaʻāina and Hawaiʻi visitors." We can truly attest to the trustworthiness of Ms. Hicks' defense for kamaʻāina, so we trust that Joanne Hicks, Esq., can do the same for others who might be blessed to be her clients. Ua piha nō mākou i ka mahalo he nui wale iā ia, iā Joanne Hicks, Esq. nō hoʻi. read more

Joanne Hicks represents the attributes "We The People" are supposed to be able to rely on from officers of the court within our justice system. Honor. Integrity. Truth. Valor. Justice. In our first conversation, she listened intently to what was important to me and why, verified the facts & then went to work. Joanne accomplished in one week, and without even having to make a court appearance, what 6 other public defenders and court appointed attorneys refused to do in order to uphold my rights and to represent my best interests. For a period of almost 3 years, my previous attorneys bent over backwards trying to run cover for the malfeasance of law enforcement and rogue officers of the court who were maliciously & vindictivly prosecuting me. Not Joanne. She made it very clear to the prosecuter that she would put him on the witness stand to expose the truth about my case if necessary. As a result, that prosecuter filed a motion to dismiss my charges with prejudice the very next morning. Joanne's actions didn't just show respect for me and my well being, but also respect for the taxpayers, who end up footing the bill for rogue officers of the court who trump up falsified charges against innocent people and unnecessarily drag those cases on by manipulating & suppressing the actual facts and evidence of the case...Also known as obstruction of justice. Every officer of the court, and government official for that matter, takes an oath to uphold the U.S. Constitution as Supreme Law. Joanne Hicks did just that...She made sure that the Rule of Law was being accurately applied to uphold my rights & to ensure that I received effective legal counsel. Bravo to this intelligent, kind & valiant Patriot and Ambassador of the Aloha Spirit. She embodies the tenets our Founding Fathers envisioned for there to be liberty & justice for all. By enlisting her as your attorney, your legal needs will be well cared for & you will be contributing to a better & safer community. Bless you in your legal practice Joanne Hicks Respectfully ~ Hadassah Aun Vas read more

I had the privilege of having Joanne Hicks as my attorney, and I cannot recommend her highly enough. I owe her my life! Because of her, I now have a second chance at life. Why her, Joanne has background as a former prosecutor, she brings unique and priceless perspective to the table. Her knowledge of both sides of the legal system gives her an edge in anticipating the strategies of the opposition, which I beleive made a huge difference in the outcome of my case. Her expertise, experience, and thorough understanding of the law were evident from the start. Joanne was always proactive, providing clear and well in-formed advice, while also communicating with me on a regular basis. This is something that I found to be very helpful as she helped me through one of the most difficult times in my life. Communication is something Joanne values and it showed. What truly stood out, though, was her unwavering commitment to fight for me. Something no attorney that I ever had, has done for me in the past. Joanne is incredibly dedicated to ensuring that her clients receive fair and just representation. I'm grateful for her hard work, I trust her with my life, and so should you no matter the cost. I would highly recommend her for anyone in need of a strong, effective defense. Her unique background as a prosecutor gives her an advantage that's hard to match. I know that you will be thanking Joanne. Listen to her and trust her. Thank Joanne Hicks I got to spend Christmas and New Years with my Family, my first in over 12 years. read more

Joanne entered my life during the most challenging moment when I felt completely unprotected in my fight for my truth and defense. She became my armor, taking on the role of protection. Like a true defender, she shielded me with her presence. Strong, honest, clear, experienced, responsible, engaged, and empathetic, she quickly and fairly achieved all the necessary results. She is the best lawyer that God could have sent me -- an embodiment of kindness and support. She saved me by demonstrating strength, clarity, and support. Joanne did not put me through the stress of hearings; instead, she achieved results even during the negotiation stage, despite the inflexibility of the opponent and their lawyer. She prepared everything very clearly and quickly, even starting work on the weekends. Her maximum engagement in the case, experience, and clarity are impressive. If I ever need a lawyer again, it will only be her. Joanne fights for truth, results, and justice. I am only now realizing how lucky I am to have deserved such a wonderful and pure person as my protector. She has guarded me from the very beginning to the end. I thank God for sending me Joanne as my lawyer. She became not only a lawyer but also a psychologist, a guide, and an armor. With her, I felt under the protection of higher powers; she is like a messenger who was sent to me. read more

I am so grateful for finding Joanne. I am a young professional who has never been in trouble with the law and she guided me every step along the way. Throughout this very stressful time she was immensely kind, patient, and understanding of my unique situation. She was motivated and persistent in getting me a better outcome and through her her diligence and attention to detail she was able to! Joanne goes beyond her duty and I will always greatly appreciate her for that. She truly is a rare breed. I was a bit hesitant at first given that she was transitioning to the defensive side after being a prosecutor for 20+ years. However, this actually proved to be advantageous as she knew all the prosecutors and had a well established rapport with them. I do not believe I would've had the positive outcome that I did without all of her help. I am so very thankful to have found Joanne when I needed a trustworthy attorney the most! I could not recommend her enough, thank you a million times!!! read more

I recently had a consultation with Joanne regarding a sensitive legal matter and I was incredibly impressed from start to finish. She took the time to listen closely, understand the details, and offer thoughtful, practical advise that put my mind at ease. She was both holistic and logical in her approach - considering not only the legal aspects but also the personal and emotional factors involved. Her reassurance and deep knowledge made a stressful situation feel manageable. It's rare to find someone who can balance compassion with such clear, confident legal guidance. I left the conversation feeling informed, supported, and confident in my next steps. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Attorney Joanne to anyone in need of an attorney who truly cares and knows the laws inside and out. read more

I can only wish I had been an observer in Hadassahs court dates. I witnessed 2 of them, couldn't believe how judge manipulates defendants..into agreeing to what the court wants. I observed one of her attorneys lack of interest in his clients case..seemingly just wanting to be done with it, her...I read some of his comments..it appeared to me, he is just another traitor to the constitution. That being said, I would have loved to witness joanne hicks action in the courtroom. I've learned , in observance of Hadassah case and a few others, the court doesn't want one to go to trial..they want your money, not your justice.. read more

all I can say is, I've had a friend who has been fighting a court case where the ineptitude in the court, and the lawyers helping her was astonishing. but everything changed when my friend decided to use Melanie. The court shifted due to Melanie's involvement. When I went through my Covid issues with getting a ticket that was $5000 fine and or a year in jail I could've definitely use somebody like Melanie. read more

April 18, 2024 I never really had faith in public defenders, untill I met Joanne. She is attentive, thorough and will FIGHT for your best possible outcome. I had a case that with 2 felonies that drug out through the courts for almost 7 years. Within just a few months and some due diligence my charges were dismissed. She was amazing at presenting my case to the judge. Joanne Hicks is highly recommended. read more

Joann Hicks saved the day. She took my case last minute and in a few days prepare for the case and we won the case. Joann is very professional and she built a great rapport with me. She made feel comfortable so i wasn't as nervous in court. Joann Hicks is an exceptional lawyer and worth every penny to get the job done right. Thank you Joann Hicks you are truly amazing person. read more

I was extremely fortunate to have been introduced to Joanne Hicks. working with her is awesome . She answered all of my questions as well as explained the entire process before during and now after. She took my case seriously and got me a very good outcome. Hiring Joanne was the best decision I've made in quite some time! Sincerely Brent Benson read more

I'd sure like to see Ms Hicks split up her time to service the Big Island as well so we might have the pleasure of her services to the Big Island as well. We need more outspoken constitutionalists lawyers who'll stand up for our God-given Sovereign rights and who'll use their critical thinking to defend us. read more

Joanne goes above and beyond to make sure that you understand every detail making you comfortable and not questioning. She's the best attorney out there that she values every aspect of your case to its fullest. Mahalo Joanne read more

There are good attorneys out there. Almost as rare as unicorns. There are good attorneys out there. Melanie is one the precious uncorrupt in otherwise very corrupt judicial system in Hawai'i. read more