A hate crime is a threat or an act of intimidation, harassment, or physical force that is motivated by bias against a person or group based on their actual or perceived race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, and physical or mental disability.
In Colorado, there are both federal and state laws that protect victims of hate crimes. It categorized hate crimes as “bias-motivated harassment” and “bias-motivated crime.”
A person commits a bias-motivated crime if, with the intent to intimidate or harass another person because of that person’s actual or perceived race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, physical or mental disability, or sexual orientation knowingly causes bodily injury to another person or damage or destruction to that person’s property.
On the other hand, a person commits harassment if, with intent to harass, annoy, or alarm another person. He/She strikes, shoves, kicks, or otherwise touches a person or subjects him to physical contact or in a public palace directs obscene language or makes an obscene gesture to or at another person.
Punishment for Hate Crimes is a Class 1 misdemeanor that carries a maximum jail sentence of 18 months and/or a fine up to $5,000. A bias-motivated crime involving assault causing injury is a Class 5 felony, punishable by imprisonment for up to 3 years and/or a maximum fine of $100,000. If another person helps the offender or also commits the offense, the charge is a class 4 felony with a maximum prison term of 6 years and/or fine of up to $500,000. The fines are high and if accused and need the help of bail bonds in Colorado, there are bondsmen that you can depend on.
A recent report from the FBI to Colorado law enforcement that hates crime hit a record high in 2020. It is much higher than the 2019 file report.
“Hate crimes tear at the very fabric of our communities by sowing mistrust and inspiring additional hate”, said Matthew T. Kirsch, acting U.S. attorney for the District of Colorado in a statement. He also added that “These crimes also violate our Constitution’s guarantees of equality and freedom for all.” The U.S Attorney’s Office will continue to work alongside the FBI, state and local law enforcement agencies, and community partners to improve hate crime reports, develop effective training for hate crime investigations, and vigorously prosecute acts motivated by hate, as added by Kirsch in the statement.
What To Do When Accused of Hate Crime?
Hate crimes have serious charges and being accused of it could lead to a dark path. Before things come worse, go to bail bonds in Colorado and ask for help from a bondsman. A bail bond is an agreement by a criminal defendant to appear for trial or pay a sum of money set by the court. A bondsman is a person who processes this and charges the defendant a fee in return for guaranteeing the payment. As long as you haven’t been proven guilty by the court, you can file for bail bonds in Colorado.
Lucky Lucero’s Bail Bonds Colorado has been helping people since 1982. If you need our help and advice, call us now.