Have you been arrested for a hate crime? We're here to help.
A hate crime is considered an act of violence against individuals or property that is generally rooted in prejudice. Typically, these acts are committed because someone chooses to target a victim of a particular social group. People can become targets of hate crimes for their gender, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, and for many other reasons.
Hate crimes have been an issue across the country for a very long time, but have recently become even more prevalent. These are crimes that not only come with some severe penalties, but as soon as the media catches wind of them, they're often widely reported. Being convicted of a hate crime could lead to your face being splashed across your local news broadcasts and newspapers. This only adds fuel to the fire and makes the situation even more complicated to handle. Fortunately, a hate crime lawyer can help manage some of the negativity surrounding such crimes.
What You Face for Committing a Hate Crime in Rhode Island
For misdemeanor hate crime offenses in Rhode Island, someone who is found guilty is potentially looking at no less than 30 days of imprisonment. Typically, that sentence won't be any longer than one year. You may even face expensive fines, as well as repercussions in your personal life. For many people, criminal charges cause them to lose their jobs and make it difficult to secure housing. This shows just how seriously Rhode Island takes misdemeanor hate crimes.
For a felony offense, those penalties are increased. If you are found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, you are likely looking at the same punishment for a misdemeanor offense, as well as an additional one to five years of jail time. This could strip you of your freedom and cause you a great deal of struggles in your personal life. It's only going to create more problems for you now and into the future.
Why You Need to Hire a Hate Crime Lawyer
If you or someone you know is dealing with hate crime charges of any kind, it's imperative that you seek legal representation immediately. You want to get a lawyer involved in your case as soon as possible if you hope to have any chance at diminishing the impact these charges could have on your life. Not only that, but you'll need the help of an experienced hate crime lawyer.
When it comes to a serious offense like hate crimes, you need to have the best representation by your side. For that reason, you want a lawyer who has experience in dealing with these types of cases. A lawyer who has dealt with numerous hate crime cases in the past will know the best defensive strategies to use in court and will be able to effectively guide you through the process of fighting your charges.
With the right lawyer, you do stand a chance at reducing some of the hefty penalties you face. So, you shouldn't believe that all hope is lost. It's possible for you to reduce the impact these charges could have on your life, which will make all the difference in the end.