The recent attacks against Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community thorough out the United States have brought hate crimes back into the spotlight. A hate crime is defined as a violent offense committed against another person based on the individual’s race, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or disability.
Common crimes associated with hate crimes include:
- Assault or aggravated assault
- Battery or aggravated battery
- Theft
- Vandalism
- Harassment
- Intimidation
- Stalking
- Trespassing
In Illinois, the hate crime law also includes technology-based attacks, such as cyberstalking and sending obscene electronic messages. In addition, victims may file a separate civil lawsuit against the offender.
In order to be convicted of a hate crime, the prosecution must prove that (1) the defendant committed a violent or criminal underlying offense and (2) the crime was motivated by hate against another individual’s personal or group identity. Since meeting the second element is a high burden for the court to prove, the prosecution will often rely on witness testimony or other evidence of hate-based intention.
When it comes to hate crime penalties, a first offense is considered a Class 4 felony, which carries a maximum prison sentence of up to three years and a fine of up to $25,000.
If the hate crime occurred within 1,000 feet of a place of worship, ethnic community center, school, public park or cemetery, then the hate crime is a Class 3 felony, punishable by imprisonment for up to five years and a maximum fine of $25,000.
A second or subsequent offense is a Class 2 felony, punishable by imprisonment for up to seven years and a maximum fine of $25,000.
However, a hate crime also can also be charged as a federal crime. A conviction for a federal bias-motivated offense carries a federal prison sentence of at least ten years.
If you or a loved one has been accused of a hate crime in Chicago, contact the Law Office of Steven Fine today at (312) 922-0855 for a free initial consultation and discuss your case.
