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Hate Crimes

Hate CrimesHate 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.

At Altman & Altman, LLP, our Greater Boston hate crime defense lawyers defend clients who have been charged with all types of hate crimes. Our goal is to protect your rights and develop strategies that defend you effectively against any charges. We advise anyone who believes they may be under investigation for a hate crime to Contact Us immediately so we can begin to defend them. In some instances, our attorneys have been able to stop our clients from being charged at all, preserving their careers, families and futures. 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.

Client Reviews
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Dear Sam, I can not thank you enough for your expertise in the handling of Chris's case as well as your sensitivity and caring attitude. toward him. I appreciate it from the bottom of my heart. He really expressed how good it felt to be able to talk to you! Sincerely and may God bless you. Pat W.
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I really appreciate your prompt and highly effective assistance on this matter. After six different OUI attorneys told me that there was no way to recall the warrant and dismiss the charges against me without me returning to Mass from California, you managed to accomplish what they said was impossible. Thanks again! Neil D., Boston, MA
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It took some 30 years,almost the loss of a job,fid card ,arrested ,etc,etc.i tried several lawyers,and got the same disappointing answer ;sorry ,nothing we can do;.One little phone call and back and forth on the iPad,and for the first time i felt positive that this issue could be resolved.MR Goldwyn,and Ms Aisa Fitzgerald told me their game plan,and they made it happen.I am a very ,very happy clam. Robert D.
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Rick Floor is who I often to go to and he is amazing! Great customer service, and always exceeds my expectations but the whole office is always pleasant and helpful when I call or walk in! Em J.