Hate crimes are defined in both federal and California law and the two are very similar to each other. Under state law, a person is considered to be a target of a hate crime if the offense was based on their actual or perceived social group. These groups include individuals of certain classes, which are as follows:
- Gender
- Disability
- Race or ethnicity
- Nationality
- Sexual orientation
- Religion
- Association with any group or person with the above actual or perceived characteristics
Hate crimes are taken very seriously in the state and can result in long prison or jail sentences.
A hate incident, on the other hand, is behavior that is motivated by hatred but is not necessarily illegal. These can include insulting people of certain social groups, calling them names, displaying hateful material on a person’s property, or distributing materials with hateful messages in public places. The U.S. Constitution does not prohibit hate speech as long as it does not violate the civil rights of other people.
Being the victim of a crime is always a stressful and confusing experience. When the offense was motivated by hate, it is even more upsetting. If you have been the victim of a hate crime, it is important to take the following steps:
- Contact your local law enforcement agency right away.
- Visit a doctor, even if you do not think you sustained any injuries.
- Take detailed notes of everything that was said and any other important details.
- Save all evidence, such as hateful material left on your property, eggshells, or pictures of graffiti.
- Obtain the names and contact information of any other victims or witnesses.
- Contact our California hate crimes lawyer at Burris, Nisenbaum, Curry & Lacy
Hate crimes have devastating effects on victims. At Burris, Nisenbaum, Curry & Lacy, our California hate crimes lawyers have the necessary experience to help you make things right. We will review the facts of your case, advise you of your rights, and help you file a claim against the offending party so you obtain full compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and more. Call us now at 510-839-5200 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.
Our Offices
Oakland, CA 94621 Ph: (510) 839-5200
Beverly Hills, CA 90212 Ph: (310) 601-7070
Our Offices
Oakland, CA 94621 Ph: (510) 839-5200
Beverly Hills, CA 90212 Ph: (310) 601-7070
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