Hate crimes are those that target the essence of who a person is or is believed to be. They are actual or attempted criminal acts against individuals or groups based on race, color, religion, gender, disability, ancestry, national origin, sexual orientation or preference, or political affiliation.

Examples of such crimes can include using force or threatening to do so to violate a person’s constitutional rights, vandalizing another person’s property to hinder a person’s constitutional rights, destroying a religious symbol or house of worship or putting swastikas on other people’s property with malicious intent. While hate crimes may be violent, this is not always the case. Property can be damaged or destroyed due to a hate crime. Hate crime charges can include murder, assault and battery, arson, or vandalism.

Massachusetts Hate Crime Penalties

The specifics about penalties vary based on the details of the particular incident, including the severity of the crime and if a victim was injured or worse during the crime, as well as the criminal record of the person accused of the crime. They may include going to state or federal prison, large fines and payment to victims for restitution, being ordered to seek counseling or rehabilitation, taking anger management classes, having a driver’s license suspended, doing community service, being on probation, or having a noted criminal record.

If you or a loved one has been accused of causing a hate crime, seek an expert attorney for an evaluation of your case. Contact Altman & Altman for a free confidential consultation at  617.492.3000 or toll free at 800.481.6199.