About John Schum, LLLC
Attorney & Counselor at Law
I am an experienced criminal defense attorney on the Island of Oahu, Hawaii providing legal representation in all courts throughout the Hawaiian Islands and to military members anywhere in the world. I am admitted to practice law in California and Hawaii. The focus of my practice is defending civilians and servicemembers accused of a crime. However, I have a full service practice and you do not need to search any further for an attorney to represent you in any matter.
Choosing an attorney to represent you in a criminal case is an important decision.
You should choose wisely and carefully and must be completely comfortable with your decision. When the case is over, you will have to live with the result forever. If you have any doubt about the attorney you are selecting, you should continue to look. To ensure that justice prevails in your case, experience, commitment, and sincerity are qualities that should weigh heavily in your decision on who will defend you best. This is the promise I make to you: when you contact my office, you will get the attorney who is right for you and who will handle your case in the manner you expect and deserve.
I dedicated my entire legal career to mastering the criminal justice system. Having been a prosecutor, defense counsel, and military judge gives me the unique ability to see a case from all sides, and to use that ability to your advantage. This is the type of experience you need on your side to ensure all aspects of your case are addressed and well represented.
I spent two years successfully prosecuting more than 250 cases involving major felonies and military offenses, many before a jury. I also spent a year reviewing the results of approximately 1,500 criminal trials to ensure that the rights of the defendants were fully safeguarded. I know what the prosecutors must do to obtain a conviction and all the obstacles they need to overcome. This experience will help me analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the case against you and effectively use this in your defense.
I have over eight years experience in defending people charged with committing crimes. I have zealously defended people accused of committing the most serious felony offenses and almost every other type of crime. I will devote all my expertise toward gaining the best possible results in YOUR case. My commitment to personally and compassionately handle your case is what makes me the person you want, and need, defending your interests.
As a former judge, I presided over 100 criminal trials. I have personal insight into how judges make their decisions. Knowing what goes through a judge's mind during a trial is an invaluable tool. This experience can help me make a difference in how your case is resolved.
It would be my privilege to represent you, to protect your personal and legal interests, and help see you through troubled times.
Give me the opportunity to represent you and you will be satisfied you made the right choice!
Formal Education
- Military Judge's Course TJAGSA at the University of Virginia in 2003
- Masters of Law in Military Law from TJAGSA at the University of Virginia in 1999
- Naval Justice School, Newport, Rhode Island in October 1992
- Juris Doctorate, California Western School of Law in May 1992
- Bachelor of Science in Industrial Management from Purdue University in 1984
- Handling Capital Cases at the National Judicial College, University of Nevada
- Scientific Evidence and Expert Witnesses at the National Judicial College, University of Nevada
- Criminal Evidence at the National Judicial College, University of Nevada
- Short Course for Defense Attorneys, Northwestern School of Law
- Defending Capital and Complex Cases, Naval Justice School
- Career Prosecutors Course, National College of District Attorneys
- Evidence for Prosecutors, National College of District Attorneys
- Prosecuting Homicides, National College of District Attorneys
- Prosecuting Capital Cases, Naval Justice School
Professional Experience
August 2006 to present - Private Practice, Law Office of John Schum
Criminal defense, DUI defense, family law, and personal injury cases.
June 2003 to December 2005 - Military Judge, Kaneohe, Hawaii
Presided over approximately 100 criminal cases for the Navy and Marine Corps Commands throughout Hawaii.
May 2001 to May 2003 - Regional Defense Counsel, Eastern Region
Supervised over 60 attorneys in the largest geographical region for defense services in the Marine Corps.
Defended servicemembers in the region accused of the most complex and serious cases.
June 1999 to May 2001 - Senior Defense Counsel, Camp Lejeune, NC
Supervised 25 attorneys in one of the two busiest offices in the Marine Corps.
Reviewed all cases and assigned defense counsel to represent the individual servicemember.
I ensured that servicemembers received the best attorney in the office to handle their individual case.
Defended servicemembers in the region accused of the most complex and serious cases.
August 1998 to May 1999 - Master of Law in Military Justice at University of Virginia
Received my Masters of Military Law with an emphasis in Military Justice at
The Judge Advocate General's School of the Army.
December 1996 to July 1998 - Defense Counsel, Camp Pendleton, CA
Defended over 300 courts-martial and administrative separation boards.
December 1995 to December 1996 - Review Officer, Camp Pendleton, CA
Conducted the initial review of over 1500 records of trial to ensure that any errors were identified and
corrected prior to forwarding them to the Appellate Court.
December 1993 to December 1995 - Senior Trial Counsel and Military Justice Officer, Camp Pendleton, California
Prosecuted criminal cases and supervised other prosecutors.
