Hate Crimes

Accused of Committing a Hate Crime?

There are very few criminal charges that can rouse opinion and emotion than those surrounding hate crimes.  If you or a loved one is accused of such a crime, you can be unfairly tried and convicted in the court of public opinion before you have the first opportunity to present your defense.  Negative publicity and media hype abound, but we are well-prepared to guide you through these difficult times and to prepare a strong defense.

Federal law classifies a hate crime as a violent crime.  These offenses are defined as any criminal act against or targeting of a victim because of his/her:  race, religion, national origin, gender/gender identity, sexual orientation or disability.  There are thousands of hate crime incidents reported each year in the United States, and law enforcement take these cases very seriously.  Such acts of aggression including assault, harassment, vandalism, or murder can bring escalated charges  if they are committed as a hate crime.  Penalties for a conviction can vary due to one’s prior criminal record, probation/parole status, and even media attention, but generally include time in a federal prison, fines, rehabilitation and probation.

If you are accused of committing a crime out of hate towards another group, it can greatly enhance the punishments you face should you be convicted.  The team at McLane, Bednarski & Litt, LLP can fight back against unfair charges and work aggressively in your defense.  There is a great deal of interpretive gray area in many hate crime cases, and just because public opinion may be stoked by sensational media outlets, your legal rights to a fair trial do not deserve to be reduced.

[The client portrayed is an actor and this is a dramatization]

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