Hate Crime Lawyer in California | BNCL Law Firm Placeholder canvas

Hate Crime Lawyer in California

At Burris, Nisenbaum, Curry & Lacy, our seasoned attorneys have seen far too many victims of hate crimes, and the devastating impacts these offenses leave on victims for years to come. Hate crimes are often associated with other offenses. For example, one person may assault another. Assault is always a criminal offense but when it is a result of bias, federal law requires increased sentencing for hate crimes.

The criminal aspect of an offense is just one element of hate crimes. Victims can also file a claim to obtain monetary compensation for their losses. Below, our California hate crimes lawyer explains more about these offenses, and how we can help victims make things right.

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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.

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    Our Offices

    Northern California Office Airport Corporate Centre
    7677 Oakport Street, Suite 1120
    Oakland, CA 94621     Ph: (510) 839-5200
    Southern California Office
    9701 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1000
    Beverly Hills, CA 90212     Ph: (310) 601-7070
    For press inquiries,
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    Lee Houskeeper
    newsservice@aol.com     Ph: (415)654-9141

    Our Offices

    Northern California Office Airport Corporate Centre
    7677 Oakport Street, Suite 1120
    Oakland, CA 94621     Ph: (510) 839-5200
    Southern California Office
    9701 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1000
    Beverly Hills, CA 90212     Ph: (310) 601-7070
    For press inquiries,
    please contact:
    Lee Houskeeper
    newsservice@aol.com     Ph: (415)654-9141
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