Denton Criminal Lawyer

Hate Crimes

Society is cracking down on crimes committed solely against individuals of a particular group. Crimes committed against individuals because of their race, gender, sexual orientation, and other discriminating factors are treated differently than other crimes. Every year, thousands of people are charged with committing hate crimes and are able to fight the charges.

If you are facing a hate crimes charge, contact the Denton criminal defense attorneys of Alexander & Associates today at 972-420-6560 for a free consultation.

Types of Hate Crimes

Before 2009, crimes committed against an individual for one of the following reasons were considered to be “hate crimes”:

• Race
• Religion
• Nationality
• Ethnicity
• Age
• Social status
• Political affiliation

The Matthew Shepherd Act, enacted in 2009, expanded this list. Not only did it expand the definition to include gender, sexual orientation, gender intensity, and disability, but it also got rid of the prerequisite that the crime had to occur on government property.

Defend Yourself against a Hate Crimes Charge

If you are found guilty of a hate crime, you may be facing a harsh sentence. It is important to not let the worst happen to you. If you are not guilty of the crime you were charged with, or if it was not committed for discriminatory reasons, it is important to present this evidence to the court as it can drastically affect the outcome of a trial.

Contact Us

There are many laws governing hate crime convictions and sentencing. Contact the Denton criminal defense attorneys of Alexander & Associates today at 972-420-6560 to learn more in a free consultation.