Practice Areas ➤ Hate Crimes

One of the newer areas of law is what is known as a “hate crime.” In Illinois, a person commits a hate crime when they commit any crime against a person or group of individuals by reason of their actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, gender, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, or national origin, regardless of the existence of any other motivating factor. These crimes include assault, battery, theft, criminal trespass, criminal damage to property, mob action, disorderly conduct, and harassment.

Hate crimes can range from a Class 4 felony to a Class 2 felony, even if the underlying crime (such as a battery or assault) is just charged as a misdemeanor. Thus, any person charged with a hate crime is looking as possible imprisonment of at least a year and possibly much longer.

A first hate crime conviction is a Class 4 felony, while a second offense is a Class 2 felony. If the crime was committed within 1,000 feet of a church, synagogue, mosque, cemetery, mortuary, school, public park, or ethnic community center, then it is a Class 3 felony, or a Class 2 felony for a second offense. An experienced Chicago defense attorney is important in protecting your rights if you have been charged with a hate crime.

A hate crime is a serious charge with serious consequences, and the longer you wait to hire a lawyer, the more difficult it will be to protect your rights and fight your case. Consult with Chicago defense attorney Joshua Kutnick as soon as possible to begin defending yourself against these serious accusations. We have represented numerous people accused of these kinds of cases over the years, often with very successful results. Contact us today at 312-441-0211 and schedule a consultation. Let us protect you and your rights.