The border between hate speech and hate crimes is blurred for many Americans. Associations have been campaigning against present hate crime regulations because they stifle free expression. While hate speech is mostly uncontrolled owing to the broad framework of free speech, there is an agreement in the legal community that a hate crime extends beyond offending words and actions. The definition of hate crimes is expanded to encompass acts of violence against members and property of a specific group.
Hate Speech
U.S. law does not define “hate speech,” just as it does not define “evil thoughts,” “rudeness,” “unpatriotic discourse,” or any other kind of communication that some may find offensive. Hate speech is generally defined as any utterance intended to denigrate, humiliate, or instigate hatred towards a group or class of individuals because of their race, religion, skin color, sexual identity, gender identity, ethnicity, handicap, or national origin.
The First Amendment safeguards free speech in the United States, including hate speech. The First Amendment requires the government to preserve vigorous discussion on subjects of public concern, even if such debate devolves into disagreeable, rude, or bigoted speech and causes others to experience sadness, resentment, or terror. Hate speech may only be criminalized under existing First Amendment doctrine if it incites impending criminal behavior or consists of explicit threats of harm aimed at a person or group.
California law says that acting on an illegal bias is a crime in and of itself. But under this law, you can’t be convicted just for talking without doing anything else unless:
- The speech called for violence
- It was clear that the accused could carry out the threat
What Exactly Constitutes a Hate Crime?
In the words of the FBI, a hate crime is “a regular felony like murder, arson, or vandalism with an extra element of prejudice.” A federal prosecutor might pursue charges for a hate crime committed based on race, religion, handicap, sexual orientation, ethnicity, gender, or gender identity under federal law.
According to California law, a hate crime occurs when a victim is singled out because of their real or perceived handicap, gender, nationality, race or ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or involvement with a person or organization with one or more of these actual or perceived qualities. Following the law, each act might be considered a separate crime, an aggravating circumstance, or a sentence increase.
State prosecutions for hate crimes, according to UCLA’s Kang, often include these components:
- Actual Qualities
In a prosecution for a hate crime, “actual” qualities are those protected by legislation that the victim has. Included in them are race, handicap, and gender. - “Perceived” Qualities
A perceived trait is one that a hate crime victim seems to possess. Consequently, a hate crime may occur even if the victim does not possess one of the protected qualities enumerated in Section 422.55. - “As A Result of a Protected Trait.”
You commit a crime based on a protected trait if your actions are motivated “entirely or partly” by that characteristic. This can be proved by demonstrating you were prejudiced toward the victim’s traits stated in CPC 422.55. Which then led to your committing the hate crime.
The following instances are cited in a circular issued by the LAPD on hate crimes.
- Criminal behavior that causes harm, however minor
- Violent threats that seem to have some chance of being carried out
- Crimes involving the destruction of property
- Violent crime committed against civilians, government, or business targets
Punishments for Hate Crimes
Depending on the nature of the crime, criminal penalties may be imposed. Offenders might face harsher punishments if their crime is classified as a hate crime. Consider the following: you commit a crime that has a maximum sentence of three years in jail. If the judge ruled that it constituted a hate crime and a criminal act, it might add up to an additional three years to your jail term.
- Related Articles:
- California Hate Crime Laws
- What is Considered a Hate Crime in California?
- Dangerous Rise in Hate Crimes Against Black Angelenos
- Hate Crimes Against LGBTQ
Certain forms of hate crimes are considered misdemeanors, which carry sentences of less than a year in jail. An existing misdemeanor may be elevated to a felony if motivated by hatred, as stated in Section 422.7 of the Penal Code. You may prevent that by retaining the services of a competent criminal defense attorney.
Need an Attorney? CALL NOW: 310-274-6529
Seppi Esfandi is an Expert Attorney who has over 21 years of practice defending a variety of cases.
