LIHUE — A Hanamaulu man who lost his probation for a family abuse conviction was given nine months jail on Monday in 5th Circuit Court. Jonah Vincent Ramelb, 32, was sentenced to a five-year term of HOPE (Hawaii’s Opportunity Probation
LIHUE — A Hanamaulu man who lost his probation for a family abuse conviction was given nine months jail on Monday in 5th Circuit Court.
Jonah Vincent Ramelb, 32, was sentenced to a five-year term of HOPE (Hawaii’s Opportunity Probation with Enforcement) for close supervision of high-risk offenders for the felony case, along with nine months jail. He was given a two-year standard probation for the misdemeanor charge along with a concurrent six month jail sentence.
Judge Randal Valenciano said that the substantial noncompliance warranted a prison sentence but gave Ramelb a chance at HOPE probation in part because he had not committed any new crimes.
Ramelb must also complete a domestic violence intervention program, and a child parenting program as terms of probation.
Ramelb appeared in court after being returned on a warrant from Honolulu, where his probation was transferred after being sentencing in two 2012 cases for felony and misdemeanor abuse of family or household member.
County Prosecuting Attorney Justin Kollar said the state would recommend the open five-year term of prison.
The defendant made no effort to satisfy any portion of his probation, and should not be expected to do well in HOPE probation with a higher degree of supervision and requirements.
State Deputy Public Defender Stephanie Sato asked the court to keep Ramelb on probation as he had performed well for nearly a year. He fell into noncompliance on Oahu when his support system fell apart with the loss of two family members, she added.
Valenciano noted that people have to deal with hard times.
He cautioned the defendant that the prison terms were a possibility if he were to fail probation again.
“We all have to adjust to circumstances,” he added.
