California continues to take steps toward combating hate crimes. Earlier this month, the Governor’s office announced a plan to distribute $30 million to 12 organizations tasked with putting anti-hate crime measures into action and providing help to hate crime survivors. In total, California has spent around $110 million funding anti-hate crime programs. This is because, according to the Governor’s office, hate crimes have increased in California 89 percent in the last 10 years. Even more telling, hate crimes against Asians in California increased 177 percent last year.
What Are My Options If I’m Charged with a Hate Crime?
Many people don’t even know what defines a hate crime. Generally, something is considered a hate crime if it involves a criminal act committed against other people due to their perceived or actual nationality, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, or disability.
If a person is charged with committing a hate crime, the case isn’t always open and shut. Anyone charged with a hate crime should discuss their situation with an experienced criminal defense lawyer right away. As criminal defense attorneys know, there are more than a few legal defenses for hate crime charges, including:
- Free Speech – This defense involves proving that a person charged with a hate crime was only expressing themselves through their protected right to free speech.
- No Bias – This involves a person charged with a hate crime claiming that they weren’t motivated by bias toward the alleged victim.
- No Crime – This defensive strategy involves proving that a person who is charged with a hate crime didn’t commit an underlying crime.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney Today
There’s no escaping the stigma of a hate crime conviction. Something like that can stick with you for the rest of your life. In addition, a hate crime conviction can result in serious penalties, such as up to $5,000 in fines and up to a year in jail.
The Law Office of Brian C. Andritch understands what’s at stake for people charged with hate crimes. If they’re convicted, their present could be ruined, and their future may not be much better. That’s why Attorney Andritch will do everything within his power to help his clients secure the most favorable outcome possible for their case. This can include helping them get their hate crime charges reduced or even dismissed.
For more information about The Law Office of Brian C. Andritch, and the clients we’ve helped overcome criminal charges, read our clients’ testimonials.
To discuss your situation with our experienced hate crime defense lawyer, call us at (559) 484-2112 or reach out to us online today for a free, no-obligation consultation.