Maryland Hate Crimes Enhancements

When a crime is motivated by certain characteristics outlined in state and/or federal law, it can be charged as a hate crime. Penalties may be increased beyond typical guidelines for the original crime. In other words, a sentence that might normally be for ten years could be extended by months or years based on the added hate crime enhancements. If you find yourself charged with a crime that has hate crime enhancements attached, a tough criminal defense attorney on your side is needed more than ever.

Enhancement Categories

A number of areas are called out in state and/or federal hate crime legislation, allowing additional punishment when crimes are committed based on bias against a victim who has, or is perceived to have, particular characteristics including:

• A certain ethnicity, national origin, or race;
• A specific religion;
• Homelessness;
• A specific gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation;
• A person exhibiting disabilities.

Crimes that May Get Hate Crime Enhancements

In general, hate crimes are linked to criminal activities that are intended to humiliate and/or to crimes of violence. Criminal activities including vandalism, arson, assault, and murder could all lead to enhanced penalties if the crime is determined to have been based on bias in one or more of the specified categories. Even merely planning the crime, or trying to convince someone else to commit it, could be costly in terms of consequences. It’s estimated that 250,000 or more such crimes occur annually in this country.

Maryland’s Hate Crime Statistics

Hate crimes occur with troubling regularity in Maryland, with crimes targeting race/ethnicity/ancestry making up nearly six out of every 10 hate crimes in the state. Crimes targeting religion comprise over 20 percent of hate crimes, while crimes targeting sexual orientation encompass nearly 14 percent. All other categories each made up four percent or less of the hate crimes in the state. Unfortunately, this type of criminal activity is on the rise, with an increase of over 500 percent in just two years.

Enhanced Penalties

The enhanced penalties attached to hate crimes is nothing to sniff about. These are penalties that are added on to the penalties associated with the original crime. Misdemeanor charges could result in three years imprisonment and fines up to $5,000. Felony charges could add up to 10 years in prison and $10,000 in fines, or, depending on the crime itself, 20 years of prison and a $20,000 fine.

The Defense You Deserve

Anyone charged with a crime is entitled to a robust defense. At The Law Office of Hammad S. Matin, P.A. our experienced La Plata & Waldorf criminal defense attorneys are dedicated to fighting for the best possible outcomes for you. To discuss, schedule a confidential consultation today.

Source:

justice.gov/hatecrimes/learn-about-hate-crimes