Hate crimes recently have made the news in Trenton, New Jersey. In the most recent news, a transgendered woman was shot and killed in Mercer County. The woman was the victim of a late-night offense in which no other motives have yet been determined. Local police identified the suspect through surveillance video.
They identified the male during a motor vehicle stop in Ewing, New Jersey and he is currently detained while he awaits trial. It isn’t yet confirmed if the motive was a hate crime.
What is a Hate Crime in New Jersey?
A hate crime refers to an illegal activity done to a victim based on that person’s race, gender, sexual orientation, or ethnicity. This might include the following:
- Harassment
- Criminal mischief
- Aggravated assault
- Homicide
This is not a complete list of illegal activities that can be classified as hate crimes, as it may include others. In New Jersey, most illegal behaviors can also be considered a hate crime.
What is Bias Intimidation?
New Jersey prosecutes hate crimes based on bias intimidation. This includes the following:
- A person who commits a crime with the purpose of intimidating a person or group of people based on one of the above characteristics.
- A person who commits a crime with the knowledge that it would intimidate a person, or a group of people, based on the above characteristics.
- A person who commits a crime that leads to the person being intimidated, and they reasonably believe it was due to one of the above characteristics.
- A person who commits a crime against a person’s property, or group of people’s property, because of one of the above characteristics.
To be considered a hate crime, the offender’s criminal acts must fall into one of these four elements. They may also be subject to additional criminal charges.
Legal Consequences of a Hate Crime in New Jersey
If you’re dealing with potential charges related to a hate crime in New Jersey, it is important to know what consequences you may receive. Charges are not usually issued based on the sole fact of it being a hate crime. Instead, these charges may worsen other legal charges, in addition to the consequences that come with the hate crime.
For example, in the case above, the person may receive both homicide or murder charges, as well as intimidation bias charges. The consequences that they receive may be worse if the prosecutor can prove that it was a hate crime. With certain crimes, like murder, the prosecutor may also decide to skip the hate crime charges and go for full sentencing.
Charged With a Hate Crime? You Need a Defense Lawyer
If you’re being charged with a hate crime, you need a lawyer who can uncover the details of the offense and build your defense. An intimidation bias charge in addition to your other charges can lead to more jail time and expensive fines. If you’re left with a criminal record, you may find it difficult to find employment. You could also be prevented from owning a firearm or voting.
Contact an Experienced Hamilton Criminal Defense Lawyer About Your Intimidation Bias Charges in New Jersey
Were you arrested or charged with intimidation bias in New Jersey? The consequences of a conviction could be severe, leaving you with a permanent criminal record and possibly even sending you to jail. That is why you need to speak with a qualified criminal defense attorney as soon as possible about your case. The attorneys at The Davis Law Firm, LLC have represented clients in Hamilton, Trenton, Ewing, Lawrence, and throughout New Jersey. Call (609) 498-7722 or fill out the online contact form to schedule a consultation with a member of our legal team. We have an office conveniently located at 2653 Nottingham Way, Hamilton Township, NJ 08619.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
Disorderly conduct consists of any improper behavior such as fighting, threats of violence, or creating a dangerous atmosphere.
