Hate Crimes

Perceived, Actual or Mistaken Victim Identity 

It’s important to understand that the victim doesn’t actually have to be a member of a certain group in order for you to be charged with a hate crime. That person can be mistaken for or simply perceived as being a member of a certain group and targeted, that might be enough to get charged with a hate crime. This is the type of case we see where a victim is a Sikh is mistaken for a Muslim or Arab person and targeted in a hate crime. Although the intention is a hate crime against a Muslim or Arab person, the reality is that somebody who belongs to neither of those groups was victimized because the perpetrator mistakenly identified the victim as belonging to the group he or she was biased against. You can still be charged with and potentially convicted of a hate crime in this type of case, so the sooner you speak with a criminal defense attorney about your case, the better.

Potential Determining Factors in a Hate Crime 

Defendant was a member of a group that advocates hate of other groups  
The defendant possesses literature or symbols associated with hate or bias  
The defendant used slurs during the commission of the crime  
The defendant’s own writing, whether in tattoos or online involves bias or hate

Implications of a Hate Crime Conviction 

In the scheme of things, hate crimes are particularly damaging to one’s long-term reputation. Being convicted of a hate crime is essentially like being labeled a racist, sexist or some other form of bigot, for life. Beyond the incarceration, fines and other losses to freedom and liberty, there is a very bad stigma associated with those who have been convicted of hate crimes. It doesn’t just go away. If you or somebody you love has been charged with any kind of hate crime, you need to get with a criminal defense attorney immediately about your case.

Potential Penalties of a Hate Crime Conviction