Hate Crimes
Hate crimes are illicit acts committed against other people based on their race, religion, “actual or perceived” sexual orientation, skin color, disability, or country of national origin. They can include any sort of illegal act committed against another person, but they typically involve abuse or assault of some sort. Hate crimes also include “hate speech,” which is a much more controversial form of this crime.
Hate Crimes Based on Sexual Preference
Hate crimes based on race and religion have gone down in the United States over the years. However, crimes based on sexual preference – both actual and perceived – have increased significantly in number. This means that even if the victim is not part of the perceived sexual preference group, he or she was attacked because the attacker believed otherwise.
Punishment for Hate Crimes
Hate crimes are severely frowned upon. Because of this, they are punished quite harshly by both the justice system and society. Offenders are of course punished for the crime committed – be it assault, battery, theft or even murder – but they also will see extra, enhanced penalties.
Sometimes, the crime’s classification will be enhanced (for example, from a misdemeanor to a gross misdemeanor). In cases of serious felonies, the punishments themselves will be increased. Offenders may see increased jail time or even capital punishment as a result.
Contact Us
If you have been charged with a hate crime, then you will need the help of an experienced criminal defense lawyer to protect your rights and freedoms. Contact the Las Vegas criminal lawyers of Palmer & Associates, P.C. today at 702-888-2222 to speak with an attorney about your legal options.