Charged with a hate crime?

HATE CRIME OVERVIEW

What is a hate crime

A person commits a hate crime when, by reason of the actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, or national origin of another individual or group of individuals, regardless of the existence of any other motivating factor or factors, he commits assault, battery, aggravated assault, misdemeanor theft, criminal trespass to residence, misdemeanor criminal damage to property, criminal trespass to vehicle, criminal trespass to real property, mob action or disorderly conduct or harassment by telephone or harassment through electronic communications.

Hate crime charges

Most hate crimes are a Class 4 felony for a first offense, and a Class 2 felony for a second or subsequent offense.

factors that can affect the charge

A hate crime is a Class 3 felony for a first offense, and a Class 2 felony for a second or subsequent offense if committed:

1. In a church, synagogue, mosque, or other building, structure, or place used for religious worship or other religious purpose.

2. In a cemetery, mortuary, or other facility used for the purpose of burial or memorializing the dead.

3. In a school or other educational facility, including an administrative facility or public or private dormitory facility of or associated with the school or other educational facility.

4. In a public park or an ethnic or religious community center.