Top Saint Charles, MN Hate Crime Lawyers Near You
Even a minor criminal charge can change your life forever. Call as soon as you can to learn about your options.
Free Consultation
Virtual Appointments
53 E. Third Sreet, Suite 210, Winona, MN 55987
166 West Third Street, Suite 200, Winona, MN 55987
68 West 3rd Street, Winona, MN 55987
218 E 3rd St, Winona, MN 55987
We found a limited number of Hate Crime law firms in Saint Charles. Below are some of the closest additional firms.
650 Third Avenue South, Suite 260, Minneapolis, MN 55402
When you need legal representation for your Hate Crime, connect with William Mauzy, Attorney at Law in Saint Charles, Minnesota.
Free Consultation
Virtual Appointments
302 N 10th Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55401
In Saint Charles, Minnesota area, Groshek Law PA can help clients with their Hate Crime needs.
Free Consultation
701 Xenia Ave S, Suite 565, Minneapolis, MN 55416
In Saint Charles, Minnesota, Mankey Law Office, a local practice, helps clients with their Hate Crime problem.
Free Consultation
Virtual Appointments
663 Carver Bluffs Parkway, Carver, MN 55315
Select a local Saint Charles, Minnesota firm for diligent Hate Crime representation.
7040 Lakeland Ave N, Suite 100, Brooklyn Park, MN 55428
Assisting with Hate Crime issues in Saint Charles and across Minnesota.
Free Consultation
100 4th Avenue SE, Suite 3, Plainview, MN 55964
300 1st Ave NW, Suite 306, Rochester, MN 55901
104 S Washington St, Lake City, MN 55041
1812 2nd St SW, Suite B, Rochester, MN 55902
2519 Commerce Dr NW, Suite 120, Rochester, MN 55901
975 34th Ave NW, Suite 350, Rochester, MN 55901
Saint Charles Hate Crime Information
Lead Counsel independently verifies Hate Crime attorneys in Saint Charles and checks their standing with Minnesota bar associations.
Our Verification Process and Criteria
Ample Experience
Attorneys must meet stringent qualifications and prove they practice in the area of law they’re verified in.Good Standing
Be in good standing with their bar associations and maintain a clean disciplinary record.Annual Review
Submit to an annual review to retain their Lead Counsel Verified status.Client Commitment
Pledge to follow the highest quality client service and ethical standards.
What Is a Hate Crime?
A hate crime, or bias crime, is typically referenced as an offense that involves targeted persecution (often physical, but also emotional or psychological) of an individual for their (perceived or real) membership in a particular religious, racial, ethnic, gender or LGBTQ group. Some states, also protect political affiliation under state-level hate crime or bias crime statutes.
An individual committing assault against a victim due to the victim being an observant Muslim, a religion for which the offender has demonstrated deep-seated animosity, would qualify as a hate crime for example.
Types of Hate Crimes
A hate crime is an unlawful act motivated by bias based on race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or disability. A “hate” offense is not in and of itself a crime, but the charge enhances the possible penalties. Once the prosecutor has proved that a defendant committed a crime and the offense was motivated by hate toward a specific group or characteristic, the severity of the punishment increases.
What States Don’t Have Hate Crime Laws?
While hate crimes are federally mandated laws, three states — namely Wyoming, South Carolina and Arkansas — do not carry state-level hate crime or bias crime statutes.
Is a Hate Crime a Felony?
At the federal level, hate crimes are generally classified as felonies given that there is a requisite harming, or serious attempt to do harm, to a victim. The punishment for a hate crime depends on the severity of the offense. If the assault results in the death of the victim, an attempt to kill the victim, aggravated sexual abuse of the victim or kidnapping — the maximum penalty can include life imprisonment. Otherwise, the maximum penalty is no more than 10 years in jail.
State level laws vary in the handling of hate crimes or bias crimes, with most jurisdictions allowing both misdemeanor and felony charges related to hate crimes. In some states, all hate crimes are considered to be felonies, while in others, hate crimes can either be classified as misdemeanors or as felony offenses.
The penalty for misdemeanor hate crime-related charges typically reaches a maximum of one year in county jail in addition to restitution or monetary fines, while those convicted of felony hate crime-related charges could face up to 10, 15 or even 20 years imprisonment, depending on the particulars of their offense.
How Is a Hate Crime Different From Other Crimes?
A hate crime differs from other categories of crime in two particularly ways.
First, the majority of other crimes focus their requisites in the realm of individual rights, responsibilities and the relationship between the offender and the victim outside of most sociopolitical framing. Hate crimes, rely almost entirely on the necessity for the offender to have an ideological reason (based on a deeply rooted bias or hate for one or more of the victim’s identity or biological groups) to motivate their criminal actions.
Second, hate crime-related charges are typically sought as penalty enhancements rather than as stand-alone charges. It is rare to see hate crime charges alone, rather than with other offenses such as assault, attempted murder or murder, sexual abuse and battery. Hate crime-related charges allow prosecutors, in most jurisdictions, to seek escalated penalties for the alleged perpetrator in response to the severity and maliciousness of their offense(s).
Have You Been Charged With a Hate Crime?
If you are convicted of a hate crime, your punishment can be increased and you could face serious time in prison. Call a Chicago attorney skilled in the defense of hate crimes to ensure you receive the best representation and avoid being sentenced to an enhanced penalty.
What to Do if Facing Federal Hate Crime Charges
If you are facing federal hate crime charges, it is strongly advised that you seek the services of an experienced criminal defense attorney at your earliest convenience.
Not only can retaining skilled and attentive legal counsel increase your odds of avoiding a conviction for hate crime-related charges, but also, in the event that taking your case to trial may prove disadvantageous, your lawyer will be best equipped to negotiate any potential plea deal on your behalf.
A conviction on charges related to hate or bias crimes is a serious matter, leaving you with a criminal record. For these reasons, among others, it is vitally important to retain adequate legal counsel.